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White Rim Trail

Updated: Mar 21

The White Rim Trail belongs on every overlander's bucket list. There's good reason why this is one of the most popular offroad trails in North America. With its red rock canyons and mesas, sculpted hoodoos, and incandescent night sky, Canyonlands National Park is an overlander's paradise.


Route Overview


Trip Length & Season

Adventure Rating: Epic

Trip Length:  124 miles, 2-3 days. The trip can be completed in a single day, but we recommend 2-3 days to take in the scenery and explore the surrounding area.

Season: Recommended spring or fall. While it is possible to run the trail in summer or winter, heat and unpredictable weather/trail conditions may put your plans at risk.

Digital Maps & GPX Files

Technical Ratings & Terrain

Recommended Vehicle / Moto / Adventure Vans

Fuel, Provisions, and Recommended Gear

Alternative Routes

Camping Recommendations

Discovery Points

Land Managers & Other Resources

Permits & Papers


Adventure Badge Get your White Rim Trail adventure badge at our online store.






 

Route Details

Mecca, that's exactly what Moab is to many in the offroading and mountain biking communities. And for the overlanding crowd that makes the pilgrimage to Moab, completing the White Rim Trail is a sacred ritual that must be done at least once. While not as technical as many of the trails that surround Moab, the White Rim has earned its place in overlanding lore largely due to the abundant but no less incredible red rock scenery in this part of the Colorado plateau. The route can be easily completed with a stock SUV or truck with 4x4 and decent all terrain tires. Most begin the White Rim Trail from the town of Moab and traverse the trail in the clockwise direction. However, expect to come across travelers (vehicles and mountain bikers) who have chosen to run the route in the opposite direction. The beginning of the route cuts through BLM land, before the Shafer switchbacks make their mighty introduction to the White Rim Trail and what's to come. The trail makes its way down to a second, lower tier mesa overlooking the Colorado. Along the way you'll pass Musselman Arch and Airport Tower (a great campground if you plan to spend multiple nights along the trail).


As the trail works its way south, it eventually rounds Junction Butte and abruptly begins the march northward. Another river will soon come into view, and while many mistake it for the Colorado, it's actually the Green River, which feeds into the Colorado a few miles to the south. One of the more technical sections along the route (and it's still not that technical!) can be found near Murphy's Hogback, where the road turns into a narrow and steep jeep trail with some cliff exposure. By the time you reach Murphy's, you've got more than 50% of the trail under your belt. Driving above the eastern mesa above the Green River, you'll pass Candlestick camp (another great site). At this point, the secondary mesa begins to deteriorate as the trail descends down to the banks of the Green River. Not far from Labyrinth camp sits the northern boundary of Canyonlands National Park, and to its east is Taylor Canyon. Those looking for a bit of a side adventure may consider driving up Taylor Canyon where they'll be greated by Moses and Zeus rock scultpures. If you want to really take in the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands, considering checking out the numerous dirt/jeep roads and hiking trails along the route and surrounding area, many of which are well worth exploring. Upon leaving Canyonlands, the trail ascends back up the mesa where your rate of travel is likely to increase as the road straightens. You can expect to be back in Moab within a couple of hours!

 

Terms of Use: Should you decide to travel a route that is published on overlandtraxx.com, you do so at your own risk. Always take the appropriate precautions when planning and traveling, including checking the current local weather, permit requirements, trail/road conditions, and land/road closures. While traveling, obey all public and private land use restrictions and rules, and carry the appropriate safety, recovery, and navigational equipment. The information found on this site is simply a planning resource to be used as a point of inspiration in conjunction with your own due-diligence. In spite of the fact that this route, associated GPS track (GPX and maps), and all route guidelines were prepared under diligent research by OverlandTraxx, the route accuracy and current conditions of roads and trails cannot be guaranteed.


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