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White Rim Road
Off-Road Trail
Canyonlands National Park, Utah
Photo by NPS/Chris Wonderly
Trail Information
The White Rim Road is a rugged and scenic route located within Canyonlands National Park in southeastern Utah, USA. It is a popular overland trail that offers travelers the chance to explore the park's diverse landscapes, including canyons, mesas, cliffs, and the Colorado River. The road follows the White Rim Sandstone layer, which is where it gets its name.
Features
White Rim Road is a roughly 100 mile (79 miles w/out connecting roads) loop that encircles the Island in the Sky mesa, providing panoramic views of the canyons below. The views this trail provides are out of this world, and allows you to get deep into the backcountry of Canyonlands National Park. You'll be treated to breathtaking overlooks that provide sweeping views of the canyons, the Colorado River, and the distant horizons. Some of the viewpoints include Grand View Point, White Crack, Gooseneck Overlook, and Murphy Point.
The best times to tackle the White Rim Road are during the spring and fall, when temperatures are more moderate. Summers can be extremely hot, making the journey uncomfortable and potentially dangerous. Winter can bring colder temperatures and the possibility of snow.
Day use and overnight permits are required by the National Park Service to run this trail. More information on those permits can be found on the NPS website.
Difficultly
The road can be quite challenging due to its rough, uneven terrain, and length. It features steep grades, tight switchbacks, rocky sections, and sandy stretches. As a result, it's only recommended for experienced off-road drivers and mountain bikers who are prepared for technical challenges.
This trail typically takes 2-3 days to drive, which means that you'll need to be prepared for multiple overnight stays. Water, food, and adequate shelter are key and will very drastically across seasons.
Vehicle Recommendations
Features
White Rim Road is a roughly 100 mile (79 miles w/out connecting roads) loop that encircles the Island in the Sky mesa, providing panoramic views of the canyons below. The views this trail provides are out of this world, and allows you to get deep into the backcountry of Canyonlands National Park. You'll be treated to breathtaking overlooks that provide sweeping views of the canyons, the Colorado River, and the distant horizons. Some of the viewpoints include Grand View Point, White Crack, Gooseneck Overlook, and Murphy Point.
The best times to tackle the White Rim Road are during the spring and fall, when temperatures are more moderate. Summers can be extremely hot, making the journey uncomfortable and potentially dangerous. Winter can bring colder temperatures and the possibility of snow.
Day use and overnight permits are required by the National Park Service to run this trail. More information on those permits can be found on the NPS website.
Difficultly
The road can be quite challenging due to its rough, uneven terrain, and length. It features steep grades, tight switchbacks, rocky sections, and sandy stretches. As a result, it's only recommended for experienced off-road drivers and mountain bikers who are prepared for technical challenges.
This trail typically takes 2-3 days to drive, which means that you'll need to be prepared for multiple overnight stays. Water, food, and adequate shelter are key and will very drastically across seasons.
Vehicle Recommendations
- 4WD (w/ low range)
- High clearance
If you're interested in finding out more about running White Rim Road, check out this video from Justin B. McBride as he shares his experience on the trail!
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Basic Info
Difficulty
Difficult
Length
79.0 mi
Hightest Elevation
5922 ft
Nearest City
Moab
Website
www.nps.gov
Categories
Views
Off-Road
Desert
Overland
National Park
Canyons