White Rim Road
United States, north-america
161 km
1,520 m
hard
March-May and September-November (summer temperatures exceed 40C)
The White Rim Road is a 161-kilometer unpaved loop trail within the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands National Park in Utah. Carved into a broad bench of white sandstone 300 meters below the Island in the Sky mesa top and 300 meters above the Colorado and Green Rivers, this backcountry road offers some of the most dramatic desert scenery accessible by vehicle in the American Southwest.
The route traverses a stark landscape of layered red and white sandstone formations, with sheer cliff drop-offs on both sides at various points. Highlights include the Musselman Arch, a natural rock bridge that the road crosses directly, and the dramatic switchbacks of the Shafer Trail and Mineral Bottom Road that access the rim from above. The White Rim is hugely popular with mountain bikers who typically complete the loop in 3-4 days, and with 4x4 enthusiasts who drive it in 2-3 days.
Where is it?
White Rim Road is located in Utah, United States (north-america). Coordinates: 38.4560, -109.8214
Driving Tips
A free permit is required and must be reserved well in advance (months ahead for peak season). High-clearance 4WD vehicle is mandatory. Carry all your own water, fuel, and supplies as there are zero services on the trail. The Shafer Trail descent is extremely steep and exposed. No cell service anywhere on the route.
Road Surface
Unpaved 4WD trail, rocky sections, steep switchbacks, cliff-edge exposure
Road Details
- Country
- United States
- Continent
- north-america
- Region
- Utah
- Length
- 161 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,520 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Surface
- Unpaved 4WD trail, rocky sections, steep switchbacks, cliff-edge exposure
- Best Season
- March-May and September-November (summer temperatures exceed 40C)
- Coordinates
- 38.4560, -109.8214
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