White Rim Trail in Canyonlands: A Complete Guide for 4×4, Biking, and Camping
DREAMING ABOUT A WHITE RIM TRAIL ADVENTURE?
You’ve come to the right place! We’ve enjoyed thrilling adventures on White Rim Trail many times! We’re happy to share our personal insights to help you know how to prepare for your trip and also what to expect along the trail. Whether you ride in a 4×4, bike the trail or go all out on a camping adventure, we’ll help you make your time on White Rim Trail a journey to remember!
The White Rim Trail in Utah is a great way to experience Canyonlands National Park. The trail is not a hard trail, but it is a fun and scenic trail near Moab, Utah. If you are thinking about driving or biking the White Rim Road, there are some important things to keep in mind.
Below you will find what you need to visit the Canyonlands’ White Rim Trail and a few of the best-guided tours for those who don’t want to make all the necessary planning arrangements needed to complete the White Rim Trail in Canyonlands. We had a blast exploring the White Rim Road in our jeep-rental from the Moab Adventure Center.
We cannot recommend enough how much fun we had exploring this road. There were literally no crowds, and the views were phenomenal. You get to drive down in the canyon, rather than seeing it from above which was an incredible experience.
Where is the White Rim Trail?
The White Rim Trail is located in Moab’s Canyonlands National Park, one of the most fun national parks in Utah to explore! If you are coming from the north, you will take State Road 313 Southwest, and it will take you to the Entrance of Canyonlands National Park. The trail to your left shortly after the entrance station (AKA Shafer Trail) will take you to the White Rim Road shortly after entering the park.
- Length: 100 miles
- Elevation Gain: 8,250 feet
- Route Type: Loop
Getting a Permit for the White Rim Road
To travel on the White Rim Road, you must first purchase a White Rim permit at recreation.gov or from the visitor center. It is recommended to purchase all White Rim Trail permits in advance as they do sell out.
There are different types of permits depending on how you will be traveling on the White Rim Road and how long you will be on the road. If you are just spending a day on the White Rim Road or if you are going to be traveling the entire road and spending the night on the trail, you will need to have a different permit.
The backcountry overnight permits are available at different times of the year, so you will need to plan accordingly.
Backcountry Permits are available as follows:
- March 10 – June 9 (opens November 10)
- June 10 – September 9 (opens February 10)
- September 10 – December 9 (opens May 10)
- December 10 – March 9 (opens August 10)
You can get a day-use permit 24 hours in advance of your day trip, starting at 8 am the day before, and there are 25 permits available online. The other 25 permits are available at the visitor center. A total of 50-day use vehicle permits are available each day.
What to Expect Driving a 4×4 On the White Rim Road
The White Rim Road is considered a moderately challenging road to drive on. If you are going to be on this road, you must have 4-wheel drive and high clearance, and your 4-wheel drive should have a low range.
The majority of the trail is easy, but there are a few sections that are only wide enough for one vehicle. Some areas are very rocky and bumpy.
There is little shade on the trail, and you will encounter rocky stretches and deep sand. There is no water available on the trail, and you need to be self-sustaining while traveling on this road. The campgrounds do have vault toilets.
How long does it take to drive the entire White Rim Road?
You should expect the trip to take 2 to 3 days to complete. There are campsites located along the road that you will need to reserve in advance of your trip. There are 10 campgrounds, but between those 10 campgrounds, there are only 20 available campsites.
Some people have been able to drive the entire trip in one long day during the long summer days, but if you are going to try this, you should be prepared for the trip to take longer in case issues arise.
If you are going to be taking a mountain bike through the White Rim Road, you should expect it to take anywhere from 3 to 5 days to complete.
How to Spend One Day Driving the Road
If you only want to spend a day on the White Rim Road, there are a few options depending on how long you want to be on the trail. Many people like to drive through the Lathrop Canyon and play at the Colorado River before returning.
Others like to travel to the Musselman Arch and then return. The arch is not that far into the trail, and the arch is pretty cool. After all, there are many people who come to Moab so that they can see all the cool arches.
If you are just going to the Musselman Arch, you will have plenty of time also to visit the Shafer Trail or another fun trail like the Gemini Bridges trail and the arch there. The Shafer is a fun trail, so we recommend driving it if you are only planning on spending a half day or so on the White Rim Trial.
If you are going to be going on any of the Moab off-road trails, you should have an off-road vehicle. If you do not have one and want to try out the White Rim Road or the Shafer Trail, make sure you stop at the Moab Adventure Center in Downtown Moab to rent a Jeep. You can easily drive part of the White Rim Road and the Shafer Trail in a day.
Biking the White Rim Trail
Biking the White Rim Trail can be a really fun experience for those who enjoy biking in beautiful scenic areas. The White Rim Bike Trail can be an experience for everyone as long as they are in relatively good health. Biking the White Rim Trail can take some time planning out all the logistics since the trail will take you about 4 days to complete.
You will need to make sure you get your gear, permits, and campgrounds situated. If you are not wanting to make all of these preparations on your own, then by far, the best option is to take a guided bike tour. They have all the food and logistics already planned out, making it a fun, stress-free experience the whole family will enjoy.
White Rim Road Camping
The White Rim Road has 10 campgrounds that are used for those who are biking the White Rim Trail and those who are taking an off-road vehicle on the White Rim in Canyonlands. You must reserve a campsite before heading out, and it is a good idea to do so as much in advance as possible to get a good campsite.
Even though there are 10 campgrounds, there are only a total of 20 White Rim Trail campsites. The most popular campground is the White Crack Campground, and it only has one spot available. This campsite is the most coveted because it has the best views. Even if you are not camping here, you should drive to the campground to see the views.
If you want more information about camping on White Rim Road, you can check out the government website here.
White Rim Trail Mileage Guide: Driving Clockwise
The White Rim Trail is a trail that allows for two-way traffic, but it is typically driven in a clockwise direction. This means you will start near the main park entrance of Island in the Sky and the Shafter Trail.
If you can only get a campground at one of the ends, you might go the opposite direction just because it will work better for your overnight stay.
Mile 0: Start of the Shafer Switchbacks
If you are driving the route clockwise, you will start at the Shafer Switchbacks. These switchbacks are very exciting and fun to drive. They are steep and have sharp corners.
You should drive them slowly because there is two-way traffic and steep ledges. At times you may need to stop at a pullout to let the cars going in the opposite direction pass by. Remember that cars coming up have the right away but just be courteous in general.
Mile 1.5: Shafter Trail Viewpoint
The Shafer Trail Viewpoint is a fun stop where you can get a good view of the Shafer Switchbacks. It is typically a quick stop to take a few pictures and continue.
Mile 5.1: Intersection with Potash Road
After completing the switchbacks and the trail has flattened out, you will run into an intersection that has a vault toilet. It is at this intersection where you can go left on the Shafer Trail, which will take you below the Dead Horse Point State Park and the Potash Road that is just north of Moab, or continue on what is the White Rim Trail.
Mile 6.2: Gooseneck Overlook
Gooseneck Overlook is an overlook where you can see the river has created a sharp 180-degree bend creating what is called a “Gooseneck.” If you want to see the full gooseneck from the best vantage point, you will need to make a separate stop at the Dead Horse State Park.
A popular gooseneck bend that many visit is in Page, Arizona, is called Horseshoe Bend and is near Antelope Canyon. These goosenecks can be very pretty and have great views.
Mile 8.2: Colorado River Overlook
The Colorado River Overlook is a short distance from the Gooseneck Overlook. You will see a great view of the Colorado River.
Mile 8.3: Musselman Arch
Musselman Arch is a great stop on the White Rim Trail. There is a nice parking area where you will take a short walk to the Musselman Arch. You will be at the same level as the arch.
Do not walk on the arch. This can be dangerous and can cause damage to the arches.
This was a great stop to let our kids get out and stretch their legs before continuing on the trail.
Mile 9.3: Musselman Canyon Viewpoint
After you leave Musselman Arch, there will be a viewpoint where you can see the arch and the Musselman Canyon. You will not be close to the arch because the canyon is large, but if you look closely, you will see the arch you just hiked to.
Mile 12.3: Little Bridge Canyon Viewpoint
This is another fun viewpoint along the White Rim Trail. There are some rock pillars, and it is a nice view of the canyon.
Mile: 16.5: Lathrop Canyon Road Junction
At this point, you can take a 4-mile detour down the Lathrop Canyon. The trail is easy. In the beginning, the trail is narrow and can be bumpy. You will descend into a sandy wash which is the majority of the trail.
If you take this trail, it is important to be aware of any recent or coming rain. The wash can be dangerous and impassable during and after heavy rains. There are a bathroom and picnic tables at the end of the trail.
The trail ends at the Colorado River. You cannot camp here.
Mile 17: Airport Campground
Here you will find the second of the campgrounds on the White Rim Trail. The first is considered Shafer Campground, but for a trip on the White Rim Road, it is not recommended because it only has one spot and is only 7 miles from the Visitors Center on the Shafer Trail.
The Airport Campground has 4 sections. You have sections A to D. Sections A and B are close together, and sections C and D are close together. These can be one of the last campgrounds to fill up because it is only about 17 miles into the trail if starting at the Visitors Center.
Mile 19: Airport Tower Viewpoint
From this viewpoint, you will see a large tower, and the viewpoint is right on the road.
Mile 20.5: Monster Tower Viewpoint
Another viewpoint is the Monster Tower. You will pass the tower as you drive the White Rim Road, and the viewpoint will be right on the road.
Mile 29: Gooseberry Camp
Here you will pass the 3rd campground called Gooseberry (A, B). There are two sections, and each has one site for a total of 2 sites.
Mile 34.5: White Crack Road Intersection
The White Crack Road Intersection will take you to the White Crack Campground. The campground only has one site, but it is the most coveted site of all the campgrounds. The views are amazing, and you will get to see parts of the Maze District and the Needles that are part of Canyonlands National Park.
It is highly recommended that you drive this 3-mile trail for the views, even if you are not staying at this campground.
Mile 40-42: Murphy Hogback Ascent and Campground
The Murphy Hogback campground has three sections A to C. This is the 5th campground and is about 45 miles from the Visitors Center and around 40 miles from the start of the trial. There are 3 sites at this location.
Mile 51.5: Candlestick Campground and Viewpoint
The Candlestick Campground is the 6th campground on the trail and is a single site like the White Crack Campground. Single-site campgrounds are nice because they have a private toilet that will not be shared with anyone else camping on the trail.
The majority of single-site campgrounds will allow up to 3 vehicles and 15 people.
Mile 57: Holeman Canyon Viewpoint
Mile 63: Potato Bottom Campground and Hardscrabble Hill
The Potato Bottom campground is the 7th campground and has sections A to C. There are 3 total sites in the area, and is right as you get to Hardscrabble Hill. There can be some washed-out areas on HardScrabble Hill, and there have been rockslides in the past in the area.
Mile 65: Hardscrabble Campground
Hardscrabble is the 8th Campground and has 2 sites available. They are along the river like some of the other campgrounds nearby.
Keep in mind if you are traveling the White Rim Road in the summer months, the campsites along the river will have more bugs, so make sure you bring bug spray.
Mile 66.5: Taylor Campground Turnoff
The Taylor Campground is the 9th Campground and is probably the most remote. The road to the campground is 4 to 5 miles long, and you stay below the rock towers of Zeus and Moses.
Mile 67: Upheaval Dome Trailhead and Labyrinth Campground
The Labrinth is the last campground on the White Rim Road but is easier to access than the Taylor Campground. There are sections A and B, and it is a nice scenic campground.
Mile 73.5: Mineral Bottom Road Intersection
At this intersection, you will get to the end of the White Rim Road and turn onto the Mineral Bottom Road. You will ascend up the Mineral bottom switchbacks and should do so with caution. If the road is wet, it can be very slippery, and you may not be able to get up the switchbacks.
Mile 75: Top of the MIneral Canyon Switchbacks
At this point, you will have pretty much completed the White Rim Road. When you leave the dirt road and arrive at a paved road, you will be smooth sailing back to your destination.
If you go right, you will go back to the Visitors Center, which is about 9 miles away, or if you turn left, you will go back towards Moab and Arches National Park.
Guided Tours on the White Rim Trail
A guided tour is the best way to let the professionals do the work, and you can skip right to the fun. There is no need to plan or figure out fall the details. Here are some great guided tours that will take you through the White Rim Trail that are highly rated with many great reviews.
Canyonlands National Park White Rim Trail by 4WD
▶ BOOK Canyonlands National Park White Rim Trail Tour
⭐ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | 🕑 LENGTH: 9 hours
The Canyonlands National Park White Rim Trail Tour is a great stress-free tour that will take you through the Canyonlands National Park along the White Rim Road.
You will love the steep, tight switchbacks and the beautiful red rocks. You will get to visit many of the most popular viewpoints and even a few secret canyons and caves found in the national park.
One thing to know is that if you are taking a child that is 7 years old or younger, you must shave a car seat or a booster seat to go on this guided tour.
The Canyonlands National Park White Rim Trail Tour includes:
✔ Professional Guide
✔ Transport by 4×4 vehicle
✔ Ice water and lemonade
✔ Buffet-style lunch
Great experience, incredible way to see and experience Canyonlands. You are immersed in the canyon not just observing. It is well worth the money and we highly recommend. Our guide Blaine was knowledgable and did an outstanding job making our day very memorable.
– Philippe (See more reviews)
▶ BOOK Canyonlands National Park White Rim Trail Tour
Canyonlands Mountain Bike Tour on the White Rim Trail
▶ BOOK Canyonlands White Rim Mountain Bike Tour
⭐ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | 🕑 LENGTH: 4 days
If you are mountain bikers wanting to bike the White Rim Trail, this is the tour you need for the best mountain bike trips. Biking the White Rim Trail can involve a ton of planning to make sure you have everything you need.
This 4-day mountain biking tour will get you everything you need to experience the White Rim on a bicycle. They handle all of the permits, transport, and food.
One thing to be aware of is that you will need to bring your own camping gear, or you will need to rent some camping gear for an additional 40 to 65 dollars.
The Canyonlands White Rim Mountain Bike Tour includes:
✔ Transportation to and from the White Rim Trail from their Green River Headquarters
✔ Guides and permits
✔ Camping chairs and dry bags
✔ Snacks
✔ Breakfast (3)
✔ Dinner (3)
✔ Lunch (4)
The White Rim is really a dream trail, and having the logistics so seamlessly planned and managed makes this a trip of a life time! The guides worked hard, and very well together, to keep morale high through any surprises. The bikes and gear were in good order so all that was left was to stare in awe at the world class scenes unfolding around every turn.
I had not ridden a Mountain Bike in several years and prepared for about two months riding 2-3 times a week. I only really struggled with a couple of the steep climbs, though it was a great challenge the entire way! I could not recommend the trail or Holiday more highly!
– Tripadvisor Reviewer (See more reviews)
▶ BOOK Canyonlands White Rim Mountain Bike Tour
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you drive the White Rim Trail?
Yes, you can drive the White Rim Trail, but there are a few things you must know before you drive the trail.
First, you need to have a permit to drive on the trail. Second, you must have a 4×4 high clearance vehicle.
Third, you need to be prepared, and you should not have rain in the forecast. If you are unsure, make sure you call the Visitors Center and ask them any questions.
How difficult is the White Rim Trail?
The White Rim Trail difficulty is considered a moderate trail. In general, the majority of the trail is easy, but there are a few rocky sections that make it moderate.
Even though the trail is moderate, there are times when the road will close because when the trail is wet, it can be impassable. You do need a 4×4 vehicle to drive the White Rim Road.
How do you ride the White Rim Trail?
You can ride on the White Rim Trail a few different ways. You can take a 4×4 vehicle. Another option is to ride a bicycle, or you can take a motorcycle on the White Rim Trail.
You cannot take an OHV or an ATV even if the vehicle is street-legal.
How long is the White Rim Trail?
The White Rim Trail is about 100 miles long, depending on when you start tracking the length. If you track from the Visitor Center or the park entrance, the mileage can vary slightly, but in general, the entire route is between 95 and 100 miles long.
Can you bike the White Rim Trail in one day?
No, you cannot bike the White Rim Trail in one day. The trail is long, and rocky, and can be difficult on a bicycle. It is typical that it takes someone on a bike 2 to 5 days to complete the trail.
It is also recommended that you have a 4×4 support vehicle to carry your needed gear.
Where can I camp on the White Rim Trail?
There are 10 different campgrounds on the White Rim Trail. You need to make sure you reserve them in advance. Reserving a campsite is separate from purchasing a permit. All of this can be done on recreation.gov.
The 10 campgrounds are as follows:
- Shafer: 7 miles from the Visitor Center
- Airport: 19 miles from the Visitor Center
- Gooseberry: 30 miles from the Visitor Center
- White Crack: 39 miles from the Visitor Center
- Murphy Hogback: 45 miles from the Visitor Center
- Candlestick: 55 miles from the Visitor Center
- Potato Bottom: 66 miles from the Visitor Center
- Hardscrabble: 70 miles from the Visitor Center
- Labyrinth: 72 miles from the Visitor Center
- Taylor: 77 miles from the Visitor Center
For more on the White Rim Trail and campgrounds, check out the national park website
Conclusion: White Rim Trail
The White Rim Trail in Moab is a beautiful 100-mile loop with some of the best views in the Canyonlands National Park. It is a great place to explore and see bighorn sheep.
Even though the trail is not overly difficult, you should use extreme caution when traveling this trail. The road conditions can change quickly, and the jeep road can become impassable during heavy rain.
We loved our time on Moab’s White Rim trail in our four-wheel-drive vehicle, and many others enjoy the trip every year. Stay prepared with potable water and enjoy the amazing experience.
If you’re looking for some other fun off-road trails in Moab to explore, we’d highly recommend Hell’s Revenge, Fins and Things, and Poison Spider Mesa.
