Rimrocker Trail
Moab to Montrose — real cross-country overlanding.
The Rimrocker Trail is a legitimate multi-day overland route stretching roughly 100 miles between Moab, Utah, and Montrose, Colorado, stitching together BLM and USFS two-track across the Uncompahgre Plateau. You depart the slickrock world outside Moab, cross the Dolores River drainage, and climb steadily into pinyon-juniper and then ponderosa pine as the mesa gains elevation. Key waypoints include the Book Cliffs overlooks, the Utah-Colorado state line crossing, and the long plateau run through Divide Road on the Uncompahgre — a ribbon of gravel ridge with canyon drops on both sides and almost no traffic. The western terminus drops you into the Uncompaghre Valley outside Montrose with a sense that you’ve actually gone somewhere.
Rated Moderate to Difficult depending on recent weather — the clay-heavy sections on the plateau turn to grease after rain and will strand you fast. A high-clearance 4×4 is required; a locker helps on the wet stuff. Plan three days minimum to do it right, with dispersed camping available throughout on BLM and USFS land. No permit required. Carry enough fuel for 150 miles between fill-ups — Moab and Montrose are your bookends. Water sources are scarce; bring what you need. Best run May through October before early Colorado snow closes the plateau.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | High Clearance, Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Mixed |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 100 mi / 160.9 km |
| Duration | 3-4 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 9800 ft |
| Best season | May-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Moab, UT |
| Land manager | BLM Moab Field Office / USFS Uncompahgre National Forest |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | Rimrocker Trail official site USFS Grand Mesa Uncompahgre Gunnison |
| 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 Tacoma or 4Runner handle the Rimrocker Trail?
Yes, a stock high-clearance 4WD with all-terrain tires is the minimum and will get most rigs through without drama. Lifted setups with skid plates are more comfortable on the rocky canyon sections, but it's not required. Low-range is a must — don't attempt this in a 2WD or crossover.
When does the Rimrocker Trail open and close each year?
May through October is the reliable window. Snow and mud close higher elevations near the Uncompahgre Plateau well into spring, and early-season conditions can be brutal. Check with BLM Moab Field Office before rolling out if you're going before late May.
Do I need a permit to run the Rimrocker Trail?
No permit required for the trail itself. Camping on BLM land is free with a 14-day stay limit per site. Some sections pass through USFS Uncompahgre National Forest — same rules apply, no permit needed for dispersed camping.
What's the hardest section of the Rimrocker Trail and what should I expect?
The descent off the Uncompahgre Plateau into the Unaweep Canyon area is the most technical stretch — steep, loose, and exposed in places. It's not a white-knuckle disaster, but a moment of inattention or a mechanically questionable rig will find you in trouble there. Take it slow and have a recovery plan.
Are there water sources on trail, and how far is the nearest gas from the midpoint?
There are water crossings on route but treat everything — no reliable potable sources exist along the trail, so carry what you need for 3-4 days. The nearest fuel is Moab at the start or Montrose at the finish; the midpoint puts you roughly 50+ miles from either, so top off every chance you get and carry a spare can.
Trail track
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