The White Rim Road is a 100-mile loop that winds through the rugged canyons and mesas of Canyonlands National Park in southeastern Utah. The road is named after the white sandstone layer that forms a distinctive rim along the canyons. Planning a White Rim Road trip in Canyonlands National Park requires careful preparation and permits. Here is how to plan White Rim road trip.
History of White Rim Road
The road was originally built in the 1950s by the Atomic Energy Commission to support uranium exploration in the area. The road was later used by the National Park Service to access remote areas of the park, and it was designated as a National Recreation Trail in 1971.
Over the years, the White Rim Road has become a popular destination for off-road enthusiasts, mountain bikers, and hikers seeking to explore the park’s stunning landscapes. The road offers incredible views of the park’s towering rock formations, deep canyons, and winding rivers, and it provides access to numerous campsites, hiking trails, and scenic overlooks.
Today, the White Rim Road is a designated backcountry route, and permits are required for all vehicles traveling along the route. The National Park Service limits the number of permits issued each day to minimize the impact of visitors on the park’s fragile ecosystem. The road is also subject to seasonal closures due to weather conditions, so it is important to check the park’s website or contact the ranger station before embarking on a trip.
How to Plan your Your White Rim road trip
- Reserve Campsites: Before embarking on your trip, you need to reserve campsites along the White Rim Road. The National Park Service offers several campgrounds along the White Rim Road, including Gooseberry, Murphy, and White Crack. These campsites are popular and tend to book up quickly, so it is advisable to make reservations as far in advance as possible. You can make reservations online at recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.
- Obtain a Permit: In addition to reserving campsites, you need to obtain a permit to travel along the White Rim Road. Permits are required for all vehicles traveling along the White Rim Road, including four-wheel-drive vehicles, motorcycles, and bicycles. The National Park Service issues permits online through their website, recreation.gov. You can also obtain permits in person at the Island in the Sky Visitor Center, the Needles Visitor Center, or the Hans Flat Ranger Station. Permits are limited and are issued on a first-come, first-served basis, so it is advisable to obtain them well in advance of your trip.
- Plan Your Route: The White Rim Road is a 100-mile loop that takes two to three days to complete. Before embarking on your trip, plan your route and schedule accordingly. Make sure to bring plenty of water, food, and supplies as there are no services along the route. Additionally, be sure to check the weather forecast and road conditions before your trip.
- Reserve a campground if you are planning 2-day trip. You can find detailed information on how to reserve campground here
- Pack Properly: Packing properly is crucial for a successful White Rim Road trip. You will need a four-wheel-drive vehicle with high clearance, as well as spare tires, tools, and equipment for any repairs that may be needed. Additionally, bring a map, GPS device, or compass to help navigate the route. It is also advisable to bring a first-aid kit, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
- Follow the Rules: While traveling along the White Rim Road, it is important to follow the rules and regulations set forth by the National Park Service. Stay on designated roads and trails, pack out all trash and waste, and respect wildlife and natural resources. By following these guidelines, you can help preserve the beauty of Canyonlands National Park for future generations.
White Rim road stops
Here is a complete list of the mile markers along the White Rim Road loop, starting from the Island in the Sky Visitor Center and ending at Mineral Bottom, along with a detailed description of each stop:
Island in the Sky Visitor Center (mile 0)
The White Rim Road loop starts at the Island in the Sky Visitor Center, which is a great place to obtain a permit, pick up maps, and learn about the park’s history and geology. The visitor center also offers stunning views of the surrounding canyons and mesas.
Shafer Trail Switchbacks (mile 5)
The Shafer Trail is a steep and winding road that descends from the Island in the Sky mesa to the White Rim level. The switchbacks offer incredible views of the surrounding canyons and the winding Colorado River below.
Musselman Arch (mile 9)
Musselman Arch is a stunning natural arch that spans a deep canyon. It is located along the White Rim Road and is accessible via a short hike from the road.
Hardscrabble Hill (mile 18)
Hardscrabble Hill is a steep climb on the White Rim Road that provides stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. It can be challenging for vehicles with low clearance.
White Crack Campground (mile 29)
White Crack Campground is a popular backcountry camping site that offers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. The campground is located at the top of a mesa and is accessible via a steep and narrow road.
Government Trail (mile 35)
The Government Trail is a scenic route that winds through canyons and mesas, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.
Labyrinth Campground (mile 38)
Labyrinth Campground is another popular backcountry camping site that offers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. It is located along the banks of the Green River and is accessible via a steep and narrow road.
Taylor Canyon (mile 43)
Taylor Canyon is a stunning canyon with towering walls that offer incredible views of the surrounding landscapes. The road through the canyon is narrow and winding.
Goosenecks Overlook (mile 47)
Goosenecks Overlook offers stunning views of the winding Colorado River as it flows through the steep canyons of Canyonlands National Park.
Murphy Hogback (mile 53)
The Murphy Hogback is a narrow ridge that provides stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. The road is steep and narrow, and caution is advised when traveling along this section of the route.
Airport Tower (mile 59)
The Airport Tower is a prominent rock formation that offers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. It is accessible via a short hike from the White Rim Road.
Candlestick Campground (mile 68)
Candlestick Campground is a popular backcountry camping site that offers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. The campground is located along the banks of the Green River and is accessible via a steep and narrow road.
Potato Bottom (mile 75)
Potato Bottom is a scenic overlook that offers stunning views of the Green River as it winds through the deep canyons of Canyonlands National Park.
Hardscrabble Bottom (mile 83)
Hardscrabble Bottom is a popular backcountry camping site that offers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. The campground is located along the banks of the Green River and is accessible via a steep and narrow road.
Mineral Bottom (mile 100)
Mineral Bottom is the end point of the White Rim Road loop. It is a scenic overlook that offers stunning views of the Green River as it winds through the deep canyons of Canyonlands National Park. It is also the starting point for several hiking trails, including the popular Mineral Canyon trail
How many days you need to drive White Rim Road
Driving the entire White Rim Road in one day would be a challenging task as it requires driving on a narrow dirt road with steep drop-offs and limited visibility. Additionally, there are many scenic viewpoints and hiking trails that you might want to explore along the way.
Therefore, I recommended to allow two days to drive the White Rim Road. This will give you enough time to enjoy the scenery, take breaks, hike, and camp along the way. It will also allow you to drive at a more relaxed pace, which is important for safety and enjoying the experience. Driving the White Rim Road at a slower pace will give you the opportunity to fully appreciate the stunning natural beauty of the area and the unique geology that makes it so special. Overall, allowing two days for this drive will provide you with a more enjoyable experience.
How to select campground on White Rim Road
Camping space is very limited on White Rim road, so you need to plan in advanced and reserve a campground as early as a year in advance. There is total of 20 individual camp sites located in 10 campgrounds. The best campground in my opinion is White Crack Campground that has just one camping site.
What direction to drive White Rim Road
The White Rim Road in Canyonlands National Park can be driven in either direction, clockwise or counterclockwise. The direction you choose to drive will depend on your personal preferences and the conditions of the road.
Counterclockwise drive White Rim Road
Many people prefer to drive the road counterclockwise, starting at the Shafer Trail switchbacks and ending at the Potash Road. This direction will take you down the steep and winding Shafer Trail switchbacks, which can be a thrilling experience. It will also provide stunning views of the Colorado River and the park’s iconic rock formations.
Clockwise drive White Rim Road
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more relaxed and scenic drive, clockwise may be the better option for you. Starting at the Potash Road and driving clockwise will take you through some of the most beautiful and photogenic areas of the park, including the Gooseneck overlook, Musselman Arch, and the White Crack. This direction will also allow you to end your drive at Shafer Trail switchbacks.
Regardless of the direction you choose to drive, it is important to be prepared for the road conditions and to take your time to enjoy the stunning scenery along the way.
What are the most challenging sections of White Rim road
There are a few sections of the road that are particularly challenging and require careful driving and attention to safety. Here are some of the most challenging sections of the White Rim Road:
- Shafer Trail switchbacks: This section is located near the start of the White Rim Road, and involves a steep descent down a series of switchbacks carved into the cliff face. The road is narrow and winding, with sharp turns and steep drop-offs. It is important to drive slowly and carefully in this section.
- Murphy Hogback: This is a narrow ridge section of the road that runs between steep drop-offs on either side. The road is only wide enough for one vehicle, so it is important to be cautious and alert for oncoming traffic.
- Hardscrabble Hill: This section of the road is steep and rocky, and requires careful driving and a high-clearance 4WD vehicle. The road is narrow and winding, with many rocks and boulders in the way.
- Mineral Bottom: This is a steep, winding descent down a rocky hillside. The road is narrow and has many sharp turns, so it is important to drive slowly and carefully.
- Lathrop Canyon: This section of the road is narrow and has a steep drop-off on one side. It is important to be alert for oncoming traffic and to drive slowly and carefully.
Our experience driving White Rim road
We decided to do this drive way to late before our November trip, so I was lucky enough to reserve last spot in Airport D campground, which was way to close to Shaffer road. So, we had to drive the majority of the road on one day. I kept checking back the website hoping that some site closer to the middle of the road becomes available and it did. Two days before our trip I was able to reserve a site and Murphy Hogback.
We drove White Rim road counterclockwise, starting at the Shafer Trail switchbacks and ending at the Potash Road on a Thanksgiving Day.
We rented a Jeep from Twisted Jeep rental the day before, spent the night at Moab and started our drive around 8 am. There’s three things I have to disclose here: I am afraid of heights, I cannot drive manual cars and.. yes, driving White Rim road was my idea(of course). So, my husband, who drives manual and does not have acrophobia drove the entire 100 miles. And, he did enjoy it! So, did our 7 years old son. I, on the other hand, was terrified when we started our accent on Hardscrabble Hill and then next day on Murphy Hogback. Shaffer road descent was a bit challenging but it can’t even remotely compare to Hardscrabble Hill.
We stopped often, took a lot of pictures, took about an hour for lunch with a view. We got to Murphy Hogback around 6pm, put out the tent and started “cooking” Thanksgiving dinner. In the morning we had breakfast, packed, looked at the distant Needles district view and started driving.
Similar to the first day, we made many stops, had late long lunch and get to the top of Mineral bottom switchbacks around 5pm. Again, this drive could be done in less than 20 hours, but we did plan to drive it very slow.
Overall, our experience driving White Rim road was amazing and we are planning to do it again in couple of years.
In summary, planning a White Rim Road trip requires careful preparation and permits. Reserve campsites and obtain a permit well in advance of your trip, plan your route and pack properly, and follow the rules and regulations set forth by the National Park Service.
