White Rim Trail
One hundred miles on a sandstone shelf.
The White Rim sits on the bench between Canyonlands’ Island in the Sky mesa and the Green and Colorado Rivers 1,000 feet below. A hundred miles of graded dirt, sandstone ledges, and a few spots that’ll make a driver pay attention — Hardscrabble, Murphy’s Hogback, the climb up Mineral Bottom.
It’s a reservation trail. The NPS caps day-use and overnight permits, and they go fast — call the Canyonlands reservation office months in advance for the good campsites. You haul out everything, including waste. There’s no water. Bring more than you think you need.
Most rigs do it in 2-3 days counterclockwise from Shafer Trail to Mineral Bottom. The reward is sleeping on a rim with the Colorado River a thousand feet below you and the Milky Way so sharp it looks fake.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt, Rock |
| Features | Camping, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 100 mi / 161 km |
| Duration | 2-3 days |
| Best season | March-May, September-October |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 4x4 with high clearance |
| Nearest town | Moab, UT |
| Land manager | NPS - Canyonlands National Park |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | No |
| Official sources | nps.gov |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock 4Runner or Wrangler handle White Rim without a lift?
Yes. A stock high-clearance 4x4 is sufficient for the vast majority of the trail. Mineral Bottom Road descent and a few rocky ledge sections get your attention, but nothing requires a built rig — airing down to 20-25 PSI is more important than lift.
When does White Rim become impassable?
Summer (June-August) is brutal — 100°F+ in the canyon with zero shade. Winter brings ice and occasional closures. Stick to March-May or September-October; even then, a single rainstorm can turn the clay sections into a skating rink that will stop any vehicle cold.
How hard is it to actually get a permit?
Very hard without planning ahead. Canyonlands uses a reservation system through recreation.gov, and campsites book out 4+ months in advance for spring and fall. Cancellation spots do open up, but don't count on it — lock your dates early or the trip doesn't happen.
What's the hardest section of the trail?
Mineral Bottom Road is the steepest and most committing — it's a series of tight switchbacks dropping into the canyon that will test your brake control and your spotter on the way in. Murphy Hogback is another exposed ledge section that catches people off guard; slow down and pick your line.
Is there any water on trail, and how much fuel do I need?
There is no reliable water on the White Rim — you carry everything in. Plan for at least 1.5 gallons per person per day plus vehicle cooling needs. For fuel, 100 miles of slow 4x4 driving in low range adds up fast; top off in Moab before you drop in, and know your rig's range at crawl speeds before committing.
Trail track
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