White Rim Trail Overlanding Guide: A Journey Through Canyonlands
The White Rim Trail, located in Utah’s Canyonlands National Park, is a bucket-list destination for overlanders and outdoor enthusiasts. This 100-mile trail takes adventurers through stunning red rock formations, deep canyons, and expansive desert landscapes, and is one of Utah’s best overland routes.
With its mix of rugged terrain and breathtaking vistas, the White Rim Trail offers a quintessential Southwestern overlanding experience. Spring and fall are the ideal seasons to visit, providing milder weather and optimal trail conditions for high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicles.
Destination Details
| Season | Spring and Fall (March–May, September–November) |
| Location | Canyonlands National Park, Utah |
| General GPS Coordinates | 38.365236, -109.902623 |
| Management | National Park Service |
| Length | 100 miles |
| Nearest Major City | Moab, Utah |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Vehicle | High-clearance 4×4 |
| Trail Conditions | Check Conditions |
Getting Oriented
The White Rim Trail loops around the Island in the Sky mesa in Canyonlands National Park, offering expansive views of iconic Utah landmarks like the Colorado and Green Rivers.
The landscape is defined by sheer cliffs, mesas, and vast stretches of desert wilderness. Elevations along the trail range from 4,000 to 6,000 feet, creating dramatic scenery that shifts with the light throughout the day. Temperatures can vary widely, so visitors should prepare for both chilly mornings and warm afternoons.
Getting to the White Rim Trail
The nearest city to the White Rim Trail is Moab, Utah, approximately 40 minutes from the trailhead.
From Moab: Head north on US-191 for 10 miles. Turn left onto UT-313 and follow it for about 22 miles to the Island in the Sky Visitor Center. The Shafer Trail, the primary access point for the White Rim Trail, begins near this location.
During high water conditions on the Green River, sections of road on the west side can flood, making a complete loop impossible. Check current road conditions.
Trail Overview
The White Rim Trail is a 100-mile loop that traverses rugged desert terrain, offering challenges and rewards in equal measure. The trail features steep switchbacks, rocky sections, and stretches of deep sand, requiring a high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicle.
The route passes through iconic landmarks such as the Shafer Trail, Murphy Hogback, and Hardscrabble Hill, with panoramic views of the surrounding canyons and mesas.
Driving the entire loop typically takes two to three days, depending on trail conditions and how often you stop to explore or take in the scenery. Permits are required for both day-use and overnight trips, and camping is limited to designated sites. Visitors should carry plenty of water, food, and recovery gear, as cell service is minimal and towing fees are expensive.
Where to Camp?
If you are only going out for a day trip, you only need a day-use permit. Camping along the White Rim Trail is available only at designated sites, each requiring an overnight permit. If you are staying over night you don’t need a day use permit, the overnight permit will suffice. Campsites are equipped with vault toilets but lack potable water, so visitors must bring enough for their trip.
Dispersed camping is not allowed along the White Rim Trail, as the park aims to minimize human impact on the environment. Be sure to adhere to Leave No Trace principles and camp only within marked boundaries.
Designated Campsites
Here is a list of designated campsites along the trail.
| Camping Area (traveling Clockwise) | Distance From Visitor Center (miles) | Estimated Drive Time from Visitor Center (hours) | Number of Sites | Toilets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shafer | 7 | 30 min | 1 | 1 |
| Airport (A-D) | 19 | 1.5 hours | 4 | 2 |
| Gooseberry (A,B) | 30 | 3 hours | 2 | 1 |
| White Crack | 39 | 4 hours | 1 | 1 |
| Murphy Hogback (A-C) | 45 | 5.5 hours | 3 | 2 |
| Candlestick | 55 | 7 hours | 1 | 1 |
| Potato Bottom (A-C) | 66 | 8.5 hours | 3 | 2 |
| Hardscrabble (A,B) | 70 | 9.5 hours | 2 | 2 |
| Labyrinth (A,B) | 72 | 10 hours | 2 | 1 |
| Taylor | 77 | 11 hours | 1 | 1 |
Points of Interest
- Shafer Trail Switchbacks: Steep and dramatic, providing stunning views right from the start.
- Gooseberry Canyon: A serene spot for photos and exploration.
- Murphy Hogback: A challenging section with rewarding vistas.
- Hardscrabble Hill: Known for its rugged terrain and scenic beauty.
- Labyrinth Canyon Overlook: A breathtaking viewpoint near the trail’s end.
Video About White Rim Trail
Canyonlands National Park Overview
Canyonlands National Park, located in southeastern Utah, is a sprawling desert wilderness renowned for its dramatic landscapes of deep canyons, towering mesas, and winding rivers. Divided into four districts—Island in the Sky, The Needles, The Maze, and the rivers themselves—the park offers a diverse array of outdoor activities, from hiking and mountain biking to rafting and overlapping.
Its iconic red rock formations, shaped by the Colorado and Green Rivers, create a rugged beauty that attracts adventurers and photographers alike. Whether exploring by foot, bike, or 4×4, Canyonlands offers a glimpse into the wild heart of the American Southwest.
