Terra Incognita
The land in between
A forgotten labyrinth where two rivers meet,
Towering monoliths ignite the imagination
And canyons form mazes
Revealing millions of years of geology.
For thousands of years, people have called these sacred canyons home.
This land of harsh winters, searing summers, and inhospitable terrain
Hides thriving microclimates rich with biodiversity
Sanctuaries for wildlife
Dark skies illuminate to express time and reflect on self.
It is a place in this ever connected world, where one can feel self reliance,
And find piercing solitude
A wilderness of stone extends in scenic views
so full of texture and hues that the mind struggles to comprehend them.
A testament to the processes of time and elements, where the forces of nature are unrestrained.
With knowledge, thoughtfulness, and intention,
you can engage with this land,
confident that your actions are helping to preserve -
Terra Incognita
Traversing a thousand feet below the Island in the Sky, the 100-mile White Rim Road is famous for some of the most rugged and expansive views anywhere on the Colorado Plateau.
This is an adventure defined by solitude, wildness, and self-reliance.
As you research and plan for the White Rim, here are a few tips that will help protect these unique qualities,
and reward your effort with an unforgettable backcountry experience.
Under favorable weather conditions, the White Rim Road is moderately difficult for low-range four wheel drive vehicles with high clearance.
The steep and exposed climbs, deep sand, and technical rocks
make the White Rim loop a popular and challenging mountain bike ride as well.
Most vehicles can make the loop in two to three days, and up to four on a bicycle.
When developing your itinerary, know your skill and fitness level,
as well as the mechanical condition and capabilities of your vehicle or bike.
Make a realistic plan and stick to it.
Check the weather and get road condition updates before heading out.
Seasonal flooding and mud can make the route impassable.
If the forecast looks spotty, consider turning around.
Spring and Fall are the most popular seasons to travel the White Rim,
and temperatures can still hit over 100 degrees.
The route is almost always exposed and shade is at a premium.
In winter, snow and ice can be a challenge.
Vehicles should carry tire chains and a shovel, and be prepared with all the necessary tools for trailside repairs.
Carry extra food, water and clothing. Watch your time, your fuel and your energy.
There is no water along the White Rim Road. When in doubt, always carry more water.
For mountain bike trips, we highly recommend a four-wheel-drive support vehicle to carry water and equipment.
The White Rim Road is well signed and easy to follow, your vehicle should never have to leave the road.
Drive directly over obstacles like rocks, sand and mud.
Straddle ruts and washouts even if they are wider than your vehicle.
When passing, use an existing turn-out, dry wash bottom, or solid rock surface to pass other vehicles, motorcycles, and bikes.
There are limited spots for passing. You might have to back up to an appropriate spot.
Be patient, watch your speed, and be courteous to other drivers and cyclists.
In places like Murphy Hogback and Hardscrabble Hill,
the road is only wide enough for one vehicle, and passing can be dangerous and nearly impossible.
Be aware of challenges, drive slowly, and stop frequently
to scout ahead on foot before committing to these technical sections.
Tall vehicles like Sprinter Vans and trucks with campers or roof-top tents may have trouble navigating the overhead ledges upstream of Labyrinth camp.
Photo opportunities abound from the road.
There is never any reason to take vehicles or bikes off road for photos.
Even at iconic locations like Monument Basin, the best views are directly on the road.
Other popular roadside attractions are accessible on foot only.
At Mussleman arch, leave your bike at the pull out,
and preserve the opportunity to view the arch undisturbed by not hiking, scrambling, or climbing an the arch.
When hiking, always walk on marked trails, solid rock, or in sandy washes.
Biological soil crust and desert vegetation is very fragile.
These soil crusts are complex living organisms and the foundation of the desert ecosystem.
One careless step not only destroys these fragile organisms, but increases erosion and leads to unnecessary unofficial trails.
Motorcycles are permitted along the White Rim. Group size is limited to minimize sound and wildlife disruptions and keep dust down as a courtesy to others.
Camping is limited to the sites reserved in advance on your permit.
This helps simplify the planning process and guarantees your specific itinerary.
These sites are maintained by the park, clearly marked with boundary posts, and optimized for privacy, solitude and expansive views.
By limiting your camp activities to the designated space, you can help keep these iconic locations in pristine condition.
Campfires and hammocks are not allowed. There is simply not enough wood, and trees can be easily damaged.
Use park-provided toilets for solid human waste or remove it in toilet systems.
If you have to go during the day, plan on utilizing existing toilets.
Don’t throw trash in the pit toilets.
All garbage, both organic and inorganic, needs to be carried out.
Make sure all trash and food is secure.
Ravens and other animals are attracted to food and trash and will spread it.
Food tarps make it easy to clean up microtrash and food crumbs.
Carry a trash bag in your vehicle and pick up litter, even if it’s not yours.
Make one last sweep of your camp, and leave it better than you found it.
Canyonlands is known for its remoteness and quiet solitude.
Excessive noise diminishes that experience for everyone.
Don’t play music or yell echoes across the canyon, even if you think you are alone.
Avoid revving your engine, or driving a poorly tuned vehicle.
Let the sounds of nature prevail.
If you are patient, and maybe a bit lucky, Canyonlands can offer amazing wildlife viewing opportunities.
Bighorn sheep are particularly sensitive to loud vehicles and human presence.
When observing wildlife, maintain your distance and remain quiet.
Canyonlands is a living cultural landscape with an archaeological record that spans thousands of years.
Viewing these sites, in person, is a powerful and educational experience we are collectively responsible for protecting.
Leave artifacts where you find them.
Observe archaeological sites from a distance and do not enter the surrounding areas or structures.
Many of these sites are of sacred importance to people living today.
So please, visit with respect.
Carefully consider what photographs you share on social media,
and remember your digital footprint will remain long after you’ve left the park.
Avoid posting tags with GPS coordinates and exact routes, and allow future visitors the joy of discovery.
We hope these tips will help you have an unforgettable experience that builds a deep connection with Canyonlands.
Immerse yourself in the wilderness, enjoy it with humility and respect,
and preserve this experience for future generations.