I elelcted to post this section of our Shafer Trail experience here because some of the images are from my GoPro camera and some are IPhone 8+ images.

Shafer Trail was quite the experience for us. We took the Shafer Trail road from Canyonlands not far from the Island In The Sky Visitor's center. We first checked in at the visitor's center to talk to a ranger and got an update on road conditions and a weather report. I asked about using our Subaru Outback instead of a 4 wheel-drive. We were told we shouldn't have any problems. That's all we needed to know and off we went in what turned out to be a 3 hour very bumpy trip back to Moab. The top part of the trail will take you down some very sharp switchbacks and you will be close to the edge in some places. Very exhilarating! After about 4-5 miles you will come to a fork and will turn left on Potash Rd which will take you back to Moab. Along the way, we stopped several places to get out and enjoy the fantastic views of the canyon. We had lunch under the only Tree,( I use the word Tree very liberally here). We also stopped at Gooseneck point overlook. I believe the scene from Thelma and Louise driving off the cliff was filmed here. We continued on until we came the the Potash ponds. Those blue ponds against the sharply contrasting landscape was something to see! Google Potash ponds to get more information on what takes place here. All I can tell you is it was a beautiful site to see. About a mile and half,(seemed liked 15 miles), we came to main road that took us back to Moab. A great way to send an afternoon in a part of Canyonlands many people don't see.

Not a meaningful distinction here.

I’ve owned at least two 4x4s at a time since 1972.

There are a number of control differences depending on the vehicle. Both my GMC Canyon and Jeep Cherokee are a blend. You can leave both in 4wd on hard roads (automatic switching) or lock the transfer case and, on the Jeep, the rear axel. Most 4x4s also employ limited slip differentials. I think many employ selective abs too.

For the purpose here all Subarus are 4wd. The more important considerations here could be ground clearance and protection of engine oil pan and transmission with “skid” plates…if truly off roading. The Forrester has better ground clearance than the Outback. I see Subaru provides optional “skid plates” for the off road…even for the Outback.