The 100-mile White Rim Road loops around and below the Island mesa top and provides expansive views of the surrounding area. Trips usually take two to three days by four-wheel-drive vehicle or three to four days by mountain bike. All vehicles and bikes must remain on roads. ATVs and non-street legal dirt bikes are not permitted.
Under favorable weather conditions, the White Rim Road is considered moderately difficult for high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicles. The steep, exposed sections of the Shafer Trail, Lathrop Canyon Road, Murphy’s Hogback, Hardscrabble Hill, and the Mineral Bottom switchbacks make the White Rim loop a challenging mountain bike ride, and require extreme caution for both vehicles and bikes during periods of inclement weather.
Permits are required for all overnight trips along the White Rim. During the spring and fall, demand for permits frequently exceeds the number available. If you plan to visit Canyonlands during peak season, it is recommended that you make reservations well in advance.
Drive Carefully!
Towing charges are very expensive. Visitors caught in the backcountry with disabled vehicles can expect towing fees in excess of $1,000. |
Come Prepared.
The White Rim Road has long rocky streches, deep sand, and little shade. Bring at least 1 gallon of water per person, per day - more if you'll be active. Plan for a minimum of 10-12 hours of driving or cycling. |
Campsites
Bicyclists and four-wheel drivers must stay in designated campsites. Twenty individual campsites are arranged in ten camping areas. Toilets are provided at each area. When there is more than one site at a location, they are generally positioned to be out of earshot and, as much as possible, sight of each other. Each campsite will accommodate up to 15 people and 3 vehicles.
Camping Area
(traveling Clockwise) |
Distance From
Visitor Center (miles)
|
Number
of Sites
|
| Shafer |
7
|
1
|
| Airport |
19
|
4
|
| Gooseberry |
30
|
2
|
| White Crack |
39
|
1
|
| Murphy Hogback |
45
|
3
|
| Candlestick |
55
|
1
|
| Potato Bottom |
66
|
3
|
| Hardscrabble Bottom |
70
|
2
|
| Labyrinth |
72
|
2
|
| Taylor |
77
|
1
|
No potable water is available along the White Rim Road. For mountain bike trips, a four-wheel-drive support vehicle to carry water and equipment is highly recommended.
