Description
Important: Always check the
Island in the Sky Visitor Center for current conditions before heading out.
The route is mostly dirt and sand, with a few small rocky stretches scattered throughout. Notable obstacles include a steep and rocky climb at Murphy Hogback at Waypoint 33, the Hardscrabble switchbacks at Waypoint 49, and the water crossing of Upheaval Bottom at Waypoint 55. You will also come across several blind turns and ascents, as well as plenty of cliffside driving. Expect many climbs and descents, as White Rim’s elevation ranges from 3,941 feet to 5,278 feet, with an overall ascent of 3,036 feet and descent of 3,645 feet. This is a straight-through trail, and the only points of entry are
Shafer Trail,
Potash Road, and
Mineral Bottom Road. For all reasons mentioned, White Rim should only be attempted by SUVs with high clearance, aggressive tires, low range, and either extended range fuel tanks or jerry cans. Locking differentials would also be highly recommended, but not required. Additional recovery gear should also be considered mandatory on this trail. Be sure to check in with the Ranger Station, as a permit is required both for day trips and overnight camping trips. For this reason, it is recommended that you enter via Shafer Trail after stopping by the Ranger Station.
White Rim is not an overly technical trail, but what it lacks in challenging obstacles it makes up for in long, strenuous driving. You will likely want to be in 4 wheel drive the whole time, and you will use low range several times throughout your trip. Bring plenty of fuel as even the shortest route, entering on
Shafer Trail and exiting through
Mineral Bottom Road, is over 90 miles of off-road driving, and you still need to make it to Moab for fuel. Completing the trail in one very long day is possible, but two days is much safer.
Flash floods may occur under certain weather conditions, and snow may close the route during the winter months. The water crossing at Upheaval Bottom fluctuates throughout the year. It may be too deep to cross at certain times. Even if it looks shallow enough, be sure to check the river bottom, as it is mostly sediment and clay, and can have poor traction. Recoveries on the White Rim Trail START at $1000, and can quickly get much higher in cost. A radio or satellite communicator would be a great item to bring, or better yet, go in a group. Proper recovery gear, including traction aids, shovels, and tow ropes or winches, should also be brought along.
Despite being in a National Park, do not forget that you are in the desert, and you may not see other travelers along the trail. Summer temperatures can easily reach 100°F during the day and fall to 50°F at night, and winter temperatures can be at freezing temperatures throughout the entire day and night. Bring enough food and water to make it through your trip; the park recommends drinking one gallon of water each day you are on the trail. During winter, all vehicles should carry chains. The White Rim has an abundance of wildlife, some of which can be dangerous to you and members of your group. Maintain a proper distance to keep yourself and the wildlife safe.
Last, remember that White Rim is a part of the Canyonlands National Park. Be respectful of the environment and stay on the designated route. Leaving the trail in your vehicle or on foot can damage the ecosystem, and ruin the scenery for others. Do not remove anything from the park, including rocks, bones, and plant life. White Rim is a fantastic trail, and it is in a national park. But do not take this trail lightly. Have a great time, but be prepared for the worst-case scenario.
Waypoints
1. Trailhead
(0 mi)
The trailhead of White Rim is reached after completing either
Shafer Trail or running
Potash Road in reverse. Though Potash is less intimidating, it will take more time to reach the trailhead of White Rim than taking Shafer. Shafer gives you the advantage of being able to stop by and speak with the park rangers to receive current trail conditions, as well as to obtain your permit if you have not already. There is a vault toilet at the trailhead, and Shafer campsite can be found approximately one mile down Potash Road on the left. The next vault toilet is about 12 miles away.
2. Gooseneck Overlook Hike - Continue Straight
(1.32 mi)
This is not a well-defined hiking trail, so you'll have to look for the rock cairns to make your way to the edge of the canyon. The end of the trail offers a nice view of the Colorado River. Continue straight to stay on the White Rim Trail.
3. Narrow Cliffside Section
(1.6 mi)
This cliffside drives lasts for about a mile and can be a bit intimidating, but no more so than
Shafer Trail. Still, if it's too much for you, it's best to turn around. The White Rim won't get less intimidating.
4. Colorado River Overlook Trail - Continue Straight
(3.12 mi)
This short hike leads to another view of the Colorado River. Continue straight to stay on the White Rim Trail.
5. Musselman Arch Pullout - Continue Straight
(3.35 mi)
After the pullout, it's a short hike to Musselman Arch. The arch is named after Ross Musselman, a rancher from Monticello. Musselman was an early promotor of Moab and all its natural beauty. For the safety of your group, do not attempt to cross any arches in the park. Shortly after the Musselman Arch, the trail gets a bit rough providing a taste of what's to come. Continue straight to stay on the White Rim Trail.
6. Musselman Canyon Viewpoint - Continue Straight
(4.55 mi)
This is a nice view of Musselman Canyon, with an overhang you can walk out to. Continue straight to stay on the White Rim Trail.
7. Toothy Rocks Viewpoint - Continue Straight
(7.55 mi)
Pull over for a view of Toothy Rocks. Continue straight to stay on the White Rim Trail.
8. Small Pass
(9.29 mi)
The trail leads you through a narrow pass; travel slowly in case someone else is approaching from the other direction.
9. Lathrop Canyon View
(10.56 mi)
Lathrop Canyon trail comes into sight, and dips down into the canyon below.
10. Lathrop Canyon Hiking Trail - Continue Straight
(11.29 mi)
The hiking trail for Lathrop Canyon will be on your left. Additional parking can be found further ahead on your right. Continue straight to stay on the White Rim Trail.
11. Lathrop Canyon Trailhead - Continue Straight
(11.39 mi)
Lathrop Canyon is a 4 mile offshoot from White Rim. The trail leads down to a picnic area on the bank of the Colorado River. Continue straight to stay on the White Rim Trail.
12. Airport Tower Camps A & B - Continue Straight
(12.18 mi)
On your right will be the campsites as well as a vault toilet. Continue straight to stay on the White Rim Trail.
13. Airport Tower Camps C & D - Continue Straight
(12.64 mi)
The campsites have a vault toilet that will be on your right. The next vaulted toilet is about 10 miles away. Continue straight to stay on the White Rim Trail.
14. Washer Woman Arch Viewpoint - Continue Straight
(12.75 mi)
On your right you will see Washer Woman Arch, so named for the resemblance of someone washing clothes. Continue straight to stay on the White Rim Trail.
15. Buck Canyon View - Continue Straight
(13.75 mi)
This is the beginning of Buck Canyon. You get to drive right along the edge. Continue straight to stay on the White Rim Trail.
16. Blind Crest
(14.08 mi)
This climb is very short, but you cannot see if someone is on the other side. Take it slow. This won't be the only blind maneuver you will experience on White Rim.
17. Descent And Climb
(14.45 mi)
This rocky descent and climb isn't too challenging.
18. Dip Into Wash
(16.41 mi)
The trail dips down into a wash with Buck Canyon still on your left.
19. Buck Canyon Cliffside Wash
(19.49 mi)
After a brief dip, you'll cross over a wash as you pass another finger of Buck Canyon. Afterward, the trail becomes reasonably flat for 1.5 miles, though the occasional bump will keep you from going too fast.
20. Blind Crest
(21.07 mi)
This blind crest is short but still makes it difficult to see oncoming traffic.
21. Gooseberry Hiking Trail - Continue Straight
(22.48 mi)
This hiking trail is over 5 miles long and climbs 1,500 feet before reaching pavement in the Island in the Sky District. The trail was made as a WPA (Work Projects Administration) trail to employ workers during the American New Deal. For this reason, it is sometimes referred to as the Government Trail. Continue straight to stay on the White Rim Trail.
22. Gooseberry Camps - Continue Straight
(22.82 mi)
The Gooseberry Campsites have a vaulted toilet. The next toilet is about 10 miles away. Continue straight to stay on the White Rim Trail.
23. Hidden Shelf
(24.05 mi)
There is a small shelf just before the sandy portion. It doesn't pose any challenge, but if you go blasting through, you'll definitely feel it. There is another brief flat stretch to follow.
24. Monument Basin - Continue Straight
(26.68 mi)
If you're traveling in a group, this is a great spot for a photo. Wait here while they go ahead, driving along the lip of the canyon. Continue straight to stay on the White Rim Trail.
25. Short Descent
(27.79 mi)
The trail takes a short 20° dip.
26. Short Descent
(28.51 mi)
Another short 20° dip in the trail.
27. Lonesome City - Continue Straight
(28.58 mi)
Nearby is likely the location of Lonesome City. In the summer of 1954, three men had set up camp while constructing roads for use in uranium mining. There is a faint hiking trail that travels west for about a mile, before reaching the roads that would take you to the mining claims. The trails are difficult to find, so the exact location is unknown. Continue straight to stay on the White Rim Trail.
28. White Crack Camp Intersection - Continue Straight
(30.87 mi)
The trail to the left goes 1.4 miles to the White Crack Campsite, arguably the best campsite on all of the White Rim. There's also a short hike at the location as well as a vaulted toilet. The next toilet is about 8 miles away. Continue straight to stay on the White Rim Trail.
29. Vertigo Void - Continue Straight
(33.69 mi)
This is another popular stop along White Rim. Many travelers will crawl to the edge of the undercut rock, lying on their stomachs and looking over the edge. Continue straight to stay on White Rim Trail.
30. Switchbacks
(34.56 mi)
A switchback section starts here beginning with a short climb.
31. Switchbacks Continue
(35.87 mi)
The switchbacks continue, as the road gets a bit more rough.
32. Murphy Wash Hiking Trail - Continue Straight
(37.33 mi)
This hiking trail is 2.7 miles long ending at the intersection with Murphy Hogback Hiking Trail. You can make a loop that's about 10 miles long with the Murphy Hogback Hiking Trail, or hike to the pavement after 4.7 miles. Bikes are not allowed. Continue straight to stay on the White Rim Trail.
33. Murphy Hogback Climb
(38.18 mi)
Murphy Hogback will no doubt be one of the most intense parts of your White Rim experience. This rocky climb seems to go on forever, all the while driving along a steep drop off. At the top of the climb, you'll make a right turn to the Murphy Hogback Campsites. Make sure no one is coming down before starting the climb because there isn't enough room for two vehicles. 4-low should also be considered mandatory here. Strap in, hold on, and enjoy the ride!
34. Murphy Hogback Camp A & B - Continue Straight
(38.52 mi)
After completing the Murphy Hogback climb, you'll be rewarded with a nice rest area, including a vault toilet at the first of the Murphy Hogback campsites. Continue straight to stay on the White Rim Trail.
35. Murphy Hogback Hiking Trail - Continue Straight
(38.64 mi)
The second hiking trail near Murphy Hogback is 4.3 miles long and intersects with both Murphy Wash Hiking Trail and Murphy Point Hiking Trail. This is the other end of the 10-mile loop with Murphy Wash Hiking Trail from Waypoint 32. It's a 4.8-mile hike to the pavement in the Island in the Sky District. Continue straight to stay on the White Rim Trail.
36. Murphy Hogback Camp C - Continue Straight
(38.78 mi)
This is the final campsite in the Murphy Hogback area and also the last vault toilet for 10 miles. Continue straight to stay on the White Rim Trail.
37. Rocky Steps
(39.57 mi)
Shortly after the Murphy Hogback Campsites are a few rocky steps. With proper clearance, they are easily driven over.
38. Candlestick Tower View - Continue Straight
(41.72 mi)
This is a great spot to take a break and enjoy a nice view of Candlestick Tower. Continue straight to stay on the White Rim Trail.
39. Second Candlestick Tower Viewpoint - Continue Straight
(42.59 mi)
Another great spot to observe Candlestick Tower, this time stopped along Soda Springs Canyon. Continue straight to stay on the White Rim Trail.
40. Bumpy Canyon Drive
(43.22 mi)
A bumpy stretch of the trail takes you back along Soda Springs Canyon.
41. Turk's Head View - Continue Straight
(46.22 mi)
Directly to your left and across the Green River is Turk's Head, with the petroglyphs and ruins visible on the other side of the river. There are several wider sections coming up allowing you to pull over and walk to the rim for a better look. Continue straight to stay on the White Rim Trail.
42. Blind Crest
(47.04 mi)
There is another blind crest with a small shelf at the end.
43. Candlestick Camp - Continue Straight
(48.89 mi)
This lone campsite is in a nice location across from Stillwater Canyon. As with all campsites, you will find a vault toilet here. Your next one will be in about 10 miles. Continue straight to stay on the White Rim Trail.
44. Holman Slot And Wilhite Hiking Trail - Continue Straight
(51.1 mi)
On the left you'll find Holman Slot; a small slot entrance into Holman Canyon. While you can't venture too far into the slot, it does make for a nice side adventure. Just make sure you can get out before going in. On the right is Wilhite Hiking Trail. The trail is just under 6 miles long and climbs about 1,500 feet where it ends at Island in the Sky pavement. Continue straight to stay on the White Rim Trail.
45. Rocky Section
(56.35 mi)
After this rough section, much of the remainder of White Rim will be along the Green River.
46. Narrow Road Above The Green River
(58.49 mi)
The track here is narrow and passing will be difficult. But the views of the Green River below are worth it.
47. Potato Bottom Camp A - Continue Straight
(59.11 mi)
This is the first of the Potato Bottom campsites. It boasts a large tree for shade and its own vault toilet. Continue straight to stay on the White Rim Trail.
48. Potato Bottom Camp B & C - Continue Straight
(59.76 mi)
These are the last two campsites of Potato Bottom. The next vault toilet will be in about 4 miles. Continue straight to stay on the White Rim Trail.
49. Hardscrabble
(60.25 mi)
This is the beginning of Hardscrabble; a series of narrow and steep switchbacks. 4-low is highly recommended here for both vehicle performance and to keep from speeding around blind corners.
50. Pullout - Turn Right
(60.95 mi)
A pullout offers a sweeping view of the Green River. Afterward, turn right to continue climbing the Hardscrabble switchbacks.
51. Fort Bottom Ruin Hiking Trail - Continue Straight
(61.71 mi)
There is a small pullout where you can park if you'd like to hike the Fort Bottom Ruin Trail. The trail goes for about 1.5 miles before reaching the Fort Bottom Ruin, an Anasazi structure believed to be about 1,000 years old. You can continue the hike another 0.7 miles to Outlaw Cabin, which was built in 1895. Continue straight to stay on the White Rim Trail.
52. Hardscrabble Camp A & B - Continue Straight
(63.39 mi)
The Hardscrabble campsites can be reached by turning left at the intersection. These campsites share a vault toilet. The last toilet on White Rim is a little over 2 miles away. Continue straight to stay on the White Rim Trail.
53. Small Tight Switchbacks
(64.13 mi)
This stretch of narrow trail is more stressful for full-sized vehicles.
54. Upheaval Canyon Hiking Trail - Continue Straight
(64.74 mi)
Upheaval Canyon Hiking Trail is 3.7 miles long and intersects with the 7.9-mile long Syncline Loop Hiking Trail. It's a 5.3-mile hike to reach the Upheaval Crater and a 6.9-mile hike to pavement. The crater is believed to have been caused by a meteorite strike. Continue straight to stay on the White Rim Trail.
55. Upheaval Bottom
(64.76 mi)
This is the most likely place for you to have trouble on your journey, and also where you might need to turn around. This tributary feeds into the Green River. Depending on the time of year and recent rainfalls, it can be quite deep. Be sure to check the water depth for yourself before determining if you should attempt crossing it. The river bed is not always suitable for crossing either, as it is comprised of slick clay and silt. Bring traction aids, or better yet, another vehicle in case you end up getting stuck.
Due to all of the concerns presented at this obstacle, you'll need to make some decisions before heading out.
Contacting the park rangers and getting current conditions of the water crossing before embarking is a smart move. If you attempt to complete White Rim in one day and find Upheaval impassible, you will be in for a long and dangerous drive at night to get out. If you are unsure about Upheaval, running White Rim in reverse may be a better choice as it's easier to turn around after 21 miles (including
Mineral Bottom) than after 70 miles (including
Shafer). Last, for all reasons mentioned, the crossing at Upheaval is a great excuse to reserve a campsite and make this a multi-day journey with some friends.
When you do cross the river, you will want to hug the left side to reach the opposite bank at Waypoint 56.
56. Upheaval Bottom Crossing
(64.87 mi)
After crossing the river once, you'll have to do it a second time. Don't worry though, the second crossing is much easier, shorter, shallower, and has a better river bed.
57. Taylor Canyon Trailhead - Turn Left
(65.41 mi)
Taylor Canyon is another out-and-back offshoot of White Rim, similar to
Lathrop Canyon. Turn right at the intersection to take it, or to reach the campsite which is a 4.6-mile drive up the road. Turn left to continue on the White Rim Trail.
58. Labyrinth Camp - Stay Right
(65.53 mi)
The Labyrinth campsites and their vault toilets are the last on White Rim. Turn left for the campsites, or stay right to continue on the White Rim Trail.
59. Narrow Cliffside Stretch
(65.75 mi)
This is the final intimidating part of White Rim (before exiting onto
Mineral Bottom) because it is narrow and has some rocky outcroppings. But it's still a fun drive. Don't worry, you're almost done!
60. Canyonlands Boundary/Gate
(67.9 mi)
From this point on you are officially out of Canyonlands National Park. If you saw minivans at Labyrinth or Taylor Canyon, they most certainly entered the park from here.
61. End
(71.85 mi)
You did it! You've officially completed the White Rim Trail! Granted, you still need to turn right onto
Mineral Bottom Road to get back to Moab, but Mineral Bottom's switchbacks are less intimidating than the ones you did on
Shafer Trail. Now, the only question you have to ask yourself is, when will you be coming back?