white rim bike tours

CS Ginger Travel

White Rim Trail in Canyonlands: A Complete Guide for 4×4, Biking, and Camping

DREAMING ABOUT A WHITE RIM TRAIL ADVENTURE?

You’ve come to the right place! We’ve enjoyed thrilling adventures on White Rim Trail many times ! We’re happy to share our personal insights to help you know how to prepare for your trip and also what to expect along the trail. Whether you ride in a 4×4, bike the trail or go all out on a camping adventure, we’ll help you make your time on White Rim Trail a journey to remember!

The White Rim Trail in Utah is a great way to experience Canyonlands National Park. The trail is not a hard trail, but it is a fun and scenic trail near Moab, Utah. If you are thinking about driving or biking the White Rim Road, there are some important things to keep in mind.

Below you will find what you need to visit the Canyonlands’ White Rim Trail and a few of the best-guided tours for those who don’t want to make all the necessary planning arrangements needed to complete the White Rim Trail in Canyonlands. We had a blast exploring the White Rim Road in our jeep-rental from the Moab Adventure Center.

We cannot recommend enough how much fun we had exploring this road. There were literally no crowds, and the views were phenomenal. You get to drive down in the canyon, rather than seeing it from above which was an incredible experience.

Where is the White Rim Trail? 

The White Rim Trail is located in Moab’s Canyonlands National Park , one of the most fun national parks in Utah to explore! If you are coming from the north, you will take State Road 313 Southwest, and it will take you to the Entrance of Canyonlands National Park. The trail to your left shortly after the entrance station (AKA Shafer Trail) will take you to the White Rim Road shortly after entering the park.

• Length: 100 miles 
• Elevation Gain: 8,250 feet 
• Route Type: Loop 

Getting a Permit for the White Rim Road 

To travel on the White Rim Road, you must first purchase a White Rim permit at recreation.gov or from the visitor center. It is recommended to purchase all White Rim Trail permits in advance as they do sell out.

There are different types of permits depending on how you will be traveling on the White Rim Road and how long you will be on the road. If you are just spending a day on the White Rim Road or if you are going to be traveling the entire road and spending the night on the trail, you will need to have a different permit.

The backcountry overnight permits are available at different times of the year, so you will need to plan accordingly.

Backcountry Permits are available as follows:

• March 10 – June 9 (opens November 10)
• June 10 – September 9 (opens February 10)
• September 10 – December 9 (opens May 10)
• December 10 – March 9 (opens August 10)

You can get a day-use permit 24 hours in advance of your day trip, starting at 8 am the day before, and there are 25 permits available online . The other 25 permits are available at the visitor center. A total of 50-day use vehicle permits are available each day.

What to Expect Driving a 4×4 On the White Rim Road 

The White Rim Road is considered a moderately challenging road to drive on. If you are going to be on this road, you must have 4-wheel drive and high clearance, and your 4-wheel drive should have a low range.

The majority of the trail is easy, but there are a few sections that are only wide enough for one vehicle. Some areas are very rocky and bumpy.

There is little shade on the trail, and you will encounter rocky stretches and deep sand. There is no water available on the trail, and you need to be self-sustaining while traveling on this road. The campgrounds do have vault toilets.

How long does it take to drive the entire White Rim Road? 

You should expect the trip to take 2 to 3 days to complete. There are campsites located along the road that you will need to reserve in advance of your trip. There are 10 campgrounds, but between those 10 campgrounds, there are only 20 available campsites.

Some people have been able to drive the entire trip in one long day during the long summer days, but if you are going to try this, you should be prepared for the trip to take longer in case issues arise.

If you are going to be taking a mountain bike through the White Rim Road, you should expect it to take anywhere from 3 to 5 days to complete.

How to Spend One Day Driving the Road 

If you only want to spend a day on the White Rim Road, there are a few options depending on how long you want to be on the trail. Many people like to drive through the Lathrop Canyon and play at the Colorado River before returning.

Others like to travel to the Musselman Arch and then return. The arch is not that far into the trail, and the arch is pretty cool. After all, there are many people who come to Moab so that they can see all the cool arches.

If you are just going to the Musselman Arch, you will have plenty of time also to visit the Shafer Trail or another fun trail like the Gemini Bridges trail and the arch there. The Shafer is a fun trail, so we recommend driving it if you are only planning on spending a half day or so on the White Rim Trial.

If you are going to be going on any of the Moab off-road trails , you should have an off-road vehicle. If you do not have one and want to try out the White Rim Road or the Shafer Trail, make sure you stop at the Moab Adventure Center in Downtown Moab to rent a Jeep. You can easily drive part of the White Rim Road and the Shafer Trail in a day.

Biking the White Rim Trail 

Biking the White Rim Trail can be a really fun experience for those who enjoy biking in beautiful scenic areas. The White Rim Bike Trail can be an experience for everyone as long as they are in relatively good health. Biking the White Rim Trail can take some time planning out all the logistics since the trail will take you about 4 days to complete.

You will need to make sure you get your gear, permits, and campgrounds situated. If you are not wanting to make all of these preparations on your own, then by far, the best option is to take a guided bike tour. They have all the food and logistics already planned out, making it a fun, stress-free experience the whole family will enjoy.

White Rim Road Camping

The White Rim Road has 10 campgrounds that are used for those who are biking the White Rim Trail and those who are taking an off-road vehicle on the White Rim in Canyonlands. You must reserve a campsite before heading out, and it is a good idea to do so as much in advance as possible to get a good campsite.

Even though there are 10 campgrounds, there are only a total of 20 White Rim Trail campsites. The most popular campground is the White Crack Campground, and it only has one spot available. This campsite is the most coveted because it has the best views. Even if you are not camping here, you should drive to the campground to see the views.

If you want more information about camping on White Rim Road, you can check out the government website here .

White Rim Trail Mileage Guide: Driving Clockwise 

The White Rim Trail is a trail that allows for two-way traffic, but it is typically driven in a clockwise direction. This means you will start near the main park entrance of Island in the Sky and the Shafter Trail.

If you can only get a campground at one of the ends, you might go the opposite direction just because it will work better for your overnight stay.

Mile 0: Start of the Shafer Switchbacks 

If you are driving the route clockwise, you will start at the Shafer Switchbacks. These switchbacks are very exciting and fun to drive. They are steep and have sharp corners.

You should drive them slowly because there is two-way traffic and steep ledges. At times you may need to stop at a pullout to let the cars going in the opposite direction pass by. Remember that cars coming up have the right away but just be courteous in general.

Mile 1.5: Shafter Trail Viewpoint 

The Shafer Trail Viewpoint is a fun stop where you can get a good view of the Shafer Switchbacks. It is typically a quick stop to take a few pictures and continue.

Mile 5.1: Intersection with Potash Road 

After completing the switchbacks and the trail has flattened out, you will run into an intersection that has a vault toilet. It is at this intersection where you can go left on the Shafer Trail, which will take you below the Dead Horse Point State Park and the Potash Road that is just north of Moab, or continue on what is the White Rim Trail.

Mile 6.2: Gooseneck Overlook

Gooseneck Overlook is an overlook where you can see the river has created a sharp 180-degree bend creating what is called a “Gooseneck.” If you want to see the full gooseneck from the best vantage point, you will need to make a separate stop at the Dead Horse State Park.

A popular gooseneck bend that many visit is in Page, Arizona, is called Horseshoe Bend and is near Antelope Canyon . These goosenecks can be very pretty and have great views.

Mile 8.2: Colorado River Overlook 

The Colorado River Overlook is a short distance from the Gooseneck Overlook. You will see a great view of the Colorado River.

Mile 8.3: Musselman Arch 

Musselman Arch is a great stop on the White Rim Trail. There is a nice parking area where you will take a short walk to the Musselman Arch. You will be at the same level as the arch.

Do not walk on the arch. This can be dangerous and can cause damage to the arches.

This was a great stop to let our kids get out and stretch their legs before continuing on the trail.

Mile 9.3: Musselman Canyon Viewpoint 

After you leave Musselman Arch, there will be a viewpoint where you can see the arch and the Musselman Canyon. You will not be close to the arch because the canyon is large, but if you look closely, you will see the arch you just hiked to.

Mile 12.3: Little Bridge Canyon Viewpoint 

This is another fun viewpoint along the White Rim Trail. There are some rock pillars, and it is a nice view of the canyon.

Mile: 16.5: Lathrop Canyon Road Junction 

At this point, you can take a 4-mile detour down the Lathrop Canyon. The trail is easy. In the beginning, the trail is narrow and can be bumpy. You will descend into a sandy wash which is the majority of the trail.

If you take this trail, it is important to be aware of any recent or coming rain. The wash can be dangerous and impassable during and after heavy rains. There are a bathroom and picnic tables at the end of the trail.

The trail ends at the Colorado River. You cannot camp here.

Mile 17: Airport Campground 

Here you will find the second of the campgrounds on the White Rim Trail. The first is considered Shafer Campground, but for a trip on the White Rim Road, it is not recommended because it only has one spot and is only 7 miles from the Visitors Center on the Shafer Trail.

The Airport Campground has 4 sections. You have sections A to D. Sections A and B are close together, and sections C and D are close together. These can be one of the last campgrounds to fill up because it is only about 17 miles into the trail if starting at the Visitors Center.

Mile 19: Airport Tower Viewpoint 

From this viewpoint, you will see a large tower, and the viewpoint is right on the road.

Mile 20.5: Monster Tower Viewpoint 

Another viewpoint is the Monster Tower. You will pass the tower as you drive the White Rim Road, and the viewpoint will be right on the road.

Mile 29: Gooseberry Camp

Here you will pass the 3rd campground called Gooseberry (A, B). There are two sections, and each has one site for a total of 2 sites.

Mile 34.5: White Crack Road Intersection 

The White Crack Road Intersection will take you to the White Crack Campground. The campground only has one site, but it is the most coveted site of all the campgrounds. The views are amazing, and you will get to see parts of the Maze District and the Needles that are part of Canyonlands National Park.

It is highly recommended that you drive this 3-mile trail for the views, even if you are not staying at this campground.

Mile 40-42: Murphy Hogback Ascent and Campground 

The Murphy Hogback campground has three sections A to C. This is the 5th campground and is about 45 miles from the Visitors Center and around 40 miles from the start of the trial. There are 3 sites at this location.

Mile 51.5: Candlestick Campground and Viewpoint 

The Candlestick Campground is the 6th campground on the trail and is a single site like the White Crack Campground. Single-site campgrounds are nice because they have a private toilet that will not be shared with anyone else camping on the trail.

The majority of single-site campgrounds will allow up to 3 vehicles and 15 people.

Mile 57: Holeman Canyon Viewpoint 

Mile 63: potato bottom campground and hardscrabble hill .

The Potato Bottom campground is the 7th campground and has sections A to C. There are 3 total sites in the area, and is right as you get to Hardscrabble Hill. There can be some washed-out areas on HardScrabble Hill, and there have been rockslides in the past in the area.

Mile 65: Hardscrabble Campground

Hardscrabble is the 8th Campground and has 2 sites available. They are along the river like some of the other campgrounds nearby.

Keep in mind if you are traveling the White Rim Road in the summer months, the campsites along the river will have more bugs, so make sure you bring bug spray.

Mile 66.5: Taylor Campground Turnoff

The Taylor Campground is the 9th Campground and is probably the most remote. The road to the campground is 4 to 5 miles long, and you stay below the rock towers of Zeus and Moses.

Mile 67: Upheaval Dome Trailhead and Labyrinth Campground 

The Labrinth is the last campground on the White Rim Road but is easier to access than the Taylor Campground. There are sections A and B, and it is a nice scenic campground.

Mile 73.5: Mineral Bottom Road Intersection 

At this intersection, you will get to the end of the White Rim Road and turn onto the Mineral Bottom Road. You will ascend up the Mineral bottom switchbacks and should do so with caution. If the road is wet, it can be very slippery, and you may not be able to get up the switchbacks.

Mile 75: Top of the MIneral Canyon Switchbacks 

At this point, you will have pretty much completed the White Rim Road. When you leave the dirt road and arrive at a paved road, you will be smooth sailing back to your destination.

If you go right, you will go back to the Visitors Center, which is about 9 miles away, or if you turn left, you will go back towards Moab and Arches National Park.

Guided Tours on the White Rim Trail 

A guided tour is the best way to let the professionals do the work, and you can skip right to the fun. There is no need to plan or figure out fall the details. Here are some great guided tours that will take you through the White Rim Trail that are highly rated with many great reviews.

Canyonlands National Park White Rim Trail by 4WD

▶ BOOK Canyonlands National Park White Rim Trail Tour

⭐ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | 🕑 LENGTH: 9 hours

The Canyonlands National Park White Rim Trail Tour is a great stress-free tour that will take you through the Canyonlands National Park along the White Rim Road.

You will love the steep, tight switchbacks and the beautiful red rocks. You will get to visit many of the most popular viewpoints and even a few secret canyons and caves found in the national park.

One thing to know is that if you are taking a child that is 7 years old or younger, you must shave a car seat or a booster seat to go on this guided tour.

The Canyonlands National Park White Rim Trail Tour includes:

✔ Professional Guide ✔ Transport by 4×4 vehicle ✔ Ice water and lemonade ✔ Buffet-style lunch

Great experience, incredible way to see and experience Canyonlands. You are immersed in the canyon not just observing. It is well worth the money and we highly recommend. Our guide Blaine was knowledgable and did an outstanding job making our day very memorable. – Philippe (See more reviews )

Canyonlands Mountain Bike Tour on the White Rim Trail

▶ BOOK Canyonlands White Rim Mountain Bike Tour

⭐ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | 🕑 LENGTH: 4 days

If you are mountain bikers wanting to bike the White Rim Trail, this is the tour you need for the best mountain bike trips. Biking the White Rim Trail can involve a ton of planning to make sure you have everything you need.

This 4-day mountain biking tour will get you everything you need to experience the White Rim on a bicycle. They handle all of the permits, transport, and food.

One thing to be aware of is that you will need to bring your own camping gear, or you will need to rent some camping gear for an additional 40 to 65 dollars.

The Canyonlands White Rim Mountain Bike Tour includes:

✔ Transportation to and from the White Rim Trail from their Green River Headquarters ✔ Guides and permits ✔ Camping chairs and dry bags ✔ Snacks ✔ Breakfast (3) ✔ Dinner (3) ✔ Lunch (4)

The White Rim is really a dream trail, and having the logistics so seamlessly planned and managed makes this a trip of a life time! The guides worked hard, and very well together, to keep morale high through any surprises. The bikes and gear were in good order so all that was left was to stare in awe at the world class scenes unfolding around every turn. I had not ridden a Mountain Bike in several years and prepared for about two months riding 2-3 times a week. I only really struggled with a couple of the steep climbs, though it was a great challenge the entire way! I could not recommend the trail or Holiday more highly! – Tripadvisor Reviewer (See more reviews )

Frequently Asked Questions 

Can you drive the White Rim Trail? 

Yes, you can drive the White Rim Trail, but there are a few things you must know before you drive the trail.

First, you need to have a permit to drive on the trail. Second, you must have a 4×4 high clearance vehicle.

Third, you need to be prepared, and you should not have rain in the forecast. If you are unsure, make sure you call the Visitors Center and ask them any questions.

How difficult is the White Rim Trail? 

The White Rim Trail difficulty is considered a moderate trail. In general, the majority of the trail is easy, but there are a few rocky sections that make it moderate.

Even though the trail is moderate, there are times when the road will close because when the trail is wet, it can be impassable. You do need a 4×4 vehicle to drive the White Rim Road.

How do you ride the White Rim Trail?

You can ride on the White Rim Trail a few different ways. You can take a 4×4 vehicle. Another option is to ride a bicycle, or you can take a motorcycle on the White Rim Trail.

You cannot take an OHV or an ATV even if the vehicle is street-legal.

How long is the White Rim Trail? 

The White Rim Trail is about 100 miles long, depending on when you start tracking the length. If you track from the Visitor Center or the park entrance, the mileage can vary slightly, but in general, the entire route is between 95 and 100 miles long.

Can you bike the White Rim Trail in one day? 

No, you cannot bike the White Rim Trail in one day. The trail is long, and rocky, and can be difficult on a bicycle. It is typical that it takes someone on a bike 2 to 5 days to complete the trail.

It is also recommended that you have a 4×4 support vehicle to carry your needed gear.

Where can I camp on the White Rim Trail? 

There are 10 different campgrounds on the White Rim Trail. You need to make sure you reserve them in advance. Reserving a campsite is separate from purchasing a permit. All of this can be done on recreation.gov.

The 10 campgrounds are as follows:

• Shafer: 7 miles from the Visitor Center
• Airport: 19 miles from the Visitor Center
• Gooseberry: 30 miles from the Visitor Center
• White Crack: 39 miles from the Visitor Center
• Murphy Hogback: 45 miles from the Visitor Center
• Candlestick: 55 miles from the Visitor Center
• Potato Bottom: 66 miles from the Visitor Center
• Hardscrabble: 70 miles from the Visitor Center
• Labyrinth: 72 miles from the Visitor Center
• Taylor: 77 miles from the Visitor Center

For more on the White Rim Trail and campgrounds, check out the national park website

Conclusion: White Rim Trail 

The White Rim Trail in Moab is a beautiful 100-mile loop with some of the best views in the Canyonlands National Park. It is a great place to explore and see bighorn sheep.

Even though the trail is not overly difficult, you should use extreme caution when traveling this trail. The road conditions can change quickly, and the jeep road can become impassable during heavy rain.

We loved our time on Moab’s White Rim trail in our four-wheel-drive vehicle, and many others enjoy the trip every year. Stay prepared with potable water and enjoy the amazing experience.

If you’re looking for some other fun off-road trails in Moab to explore, we’d highly recommend Hell’s Revenge , Fins and Things , and Poison Spider Mesa .

More Moab Adventures

Hiking Jeep Arch in Moab: A Complete Trail Guide

Candice Steele is the owner of CS Ginger, a blog that helps travelers explore the United States in their RVs. Since 2017, she and her family have been providing valuable insider tips about travel experiences suitable for families. They love exploring the country in their RV and offer helpful insights to make RVing easy and family-friendly.

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Insider’s Guide to Biking Utah’s White Rim Trail in Canyonlands

By Susan Munroe

Perfect for: cycling enthusiasts, active adventurers, people who like to earn their turns, stargazers, geologists, groups of friends (custom charter trips available with 8 to 12 people).

White Rim Trail Highlights

The White Rim Trail accesses some of the best scenery and terrain in the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands National Park. The Island in the Sky is an elevated wedge of land that rises above the Green and Colorado rivers, and the White Rim is the bench of white sandstone that all but encircles that wedge. The trail can be ridden either clockwise or counterclockwise (depending on camp assignments); either way, the ride begins with a thrilling descent, following steep switchbacks that drop 1,000 feet from the top of the Island down to the White Rim, and ends with a climb back up a similar set of switchbacks. Other than the start and finish, the trail largely rolls along at the same elevation, with the exceptions of Murphy’s Hogback and Hardscrabble Hill: steep (but short) climbs that reward you with incredible views.

Constructed by the Atomic Energy Commission during the uranium boom in 1950s, the “trail” is actually a four-wheel-drive road, and its mix of sandstone and graded gravel make for fun riding and easy sightseeing (Holiday’s trips are fully supported, with a 4×4 non-passenger van that carries food, water, and camping equipment). The entire trail is a scenic overlook, with views that encompass the countless spectacular canyons that give this national park its name. Watch epic sunsets while sipping post-ride refreshments from beautiful, open campsites, and sleep under the absolutely enormous, clear skies of an International Dark Sky Park. Take three or four days to fully enjoy Utah’s classic multi-day mountain bike ride.

Only on the White Rim:

• Airport, Monster, and Washerwoman towers, red sandstone monoliths popular with rock climbers.
• White Crack, where ranchers used dynamite to open up a route for their cattle between the White Rim and lands below.
• Candlestick Tower, perched on the edge of Soda Springs Basin.
• Upheaval Dome, where steeply uplifted rock layers create something that looks like a massive crater: a geological enigma that may have involved a salt dome or a meteor strike, or both!
• Bike along the Green River where the White Rim runs into Stillwater Canyon.
• Small group sizes: maximum is 12 guests (with 2–3 guides).

Best known for:

The White Rim sandstone, a thick and highly localized layer of marine sandstone deposited 240 million years ago.

The Holiday Way: The Bike-Raft Combo

What’s better than a bike trip or a river trip? Combining both! Spend three days biking around Utah’s White Rim Trail, gazing down at the canyons of the Colorado and Green rivers, then hop on a raft and float downstream through those same canyons for another four days. When ridden clockwise, the White Rim Trail gradually descends into Stillwater Canyon, and the last dozen or so miles of the trail are at river level. Our rafts meet us trail-side, and the guides take care of the logistics.

Holiday has always been driven by a passion for the outdoors and activity. We love the relaxation that only a river trip can provide, but we aren’t afraid of some good, honest physical exertion, too. The bike-raft combo was designed to appeal to people like us, people who like to settle in to their vacation with a satisfied sigh, knowing that the rest has been well-earned.

Hiking Options

The White Rim has some fun hiking options for those who still have energy to burn. Although the biking is the primary focus of both our three- and four-day trips, the four-day pacing is more leisurely and there is often more time to stop and do short hikes during the day.

• Musselman Arch, a short leg-stretcher to a delicate rock arch hanging above Musselman Canyon.
• Lathrop Canyon, an eight-mile round trip hike (or side ride) through a narrow, winding canyon that emerges at the Colorado River.
• Black Crack, a short walk from the road reveals an incredible view of the Green River and Turk’s Head. What makes it even more fun is that to get to the view you have to step or jump across a seemingly bottomless crack in the White Rim sandstone.
• Holeman Canyon, a short but sweet scramble into a sinuous slot canyon.
• Granary walk: pick your way through loose shale and climb to a rock structure just above the trail and learn about the cultures that made their home in this landscape 800 years ago.
• Fort Bottom, a two-mile round trip hike to an ancient Ancestral Puebloan lookout tower above the Green River.

Starting and Ending Points

Meet at Holiday’s warehouse in Green River, Utah, and hop in our vans for the 90-minute drive out to the top of the Island in the Sky. Most commonly we begin at the head of the Shafer Trail, and ride around the White Rim clockwise, ending with one last climb out at Mineral Bottom. Occasionally we’ll start at Mineral Bottom and ride out the Shafer Trail. Either way, the ride starts with a fun downhill and ends with a good climb. Our passenger vans will pick us up for the 90-minute ride back to our Green River warehouse.

• 77 miles from the top of the Shafer Trail to the top of the Mineral Bottom road
• April–May, September–October
• Required, administered by the National Park Service.

Facilities:

• Camps are assigned by the National Park Service and include enclosed, outhouse-style toilets. Holiday carries all of the water that we’ll need for a trip, including more than a gallon per person per day for drinking, plus everything for cooking and washing. We even provide solar showers for rinsing off at the end of each day.

White Rim Trail Weather

Things to Know for Maximum Enjoyment of Your Bike Trip

The White Rim Trail is a spectacular experience for bikers of most ability levels, but there are a few crucial details that you should know in order to set yourself up for success.

• White Rim trips are true, human-powered adventures. This means that you must power yourself around the trail. Our support van cannot carry passengers except in emergencies. If you don’t feel comfortable riding up or down a particular section, it is perfectly acceptable to hop off your bike and walk until you reach a place where you feel okay about riding again. Most people with mountain biking experience find the White Rim trail to be a great, fun challenge. You will be tired at the end of the day, but for most people, the satisfaction that comes with that tiredness is its own reward. Consider a four-day trip: give yourself an extra day to cover the same amount of miles as a three-day trip .
• Know your ability level. Recognize that there is a significant difference between riding 20–30 miles a day on a road bike on pavement vs. a mountain bike on a rough, rocky dirt trail. Be sure to prepare for the trip by getting out and riding dirt roads on a mountain bike. If you are a beginner when you book your trip, you should not be a beginner by the time you show up for your trip.
• If you’re a trip organizer, know the ability level of everyone in your group. Groups have more fun if everyone can ride at more or less the same level. For safety reasons, it’s our guides’ job to try to keep our groups together while riding. You don’t have to ride right next to each other, but we don’t want people spread out over five miles of trail, either.

Recommended Bikes

The White Rim Trail is a non-technical double-track mountain biking trail with plenty of rough, rocky sections. Although we’ve had guests who’ve ridden it on rigid-frame bikes, we feel pretty strongly that having at least front suspension makes for a much more enjoyable ride, and that rear suspension will make your, um, rear thank you. Ditto for wide, knobby, mountain bike-specific tires. This is not a trail for road bikes or skinny tires, and probably not for that old Schwinn that’s been rusting in your garage for the last 10 years, either. Holiday’s rental fleet consists of full-suspension Specialized Stumpjumpers with 29- and 27.5-inch tires. There’s a lot of terrain to cover out there, and bigger tires roll better and faster.

Susan Munroe is a reader, writer, traveler, and river guide. She moved to Utah from New Hampshire for the mountains, but it was the allure of the desert and its rivers that have truly kept her transfixed. More than eight years after she first came to work for Holiday River Expeditions, she still can’t get enough of life on the water. Susan spends her winters skiing and working in Salt Lake City, Utah, with frequent trips to southern Chile to run the Río Baker and support the work of the educational kayaking exchange program  R íos to Rivers . See more of  Susan’s work here:  www.susanmunroe.com

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White Rim Trail

“ an amazing adventure in canyonlands high on a plateau between the green and colorado rivers. ”.

6,180' 1,884  m

3,950' 1,204  m, 5,656' 1,724  m, 5,636' 1,718  m, know this trail, dogs no dogs, e-bikes allowed, features commonly bikepacked, need to know, description.

Land Manager: National Park Service - Canyonlands

Trail Ratings

25 Comments

Comment type:, current trail conditions, conditions history, add check-in, nearby recommended routes.

Canyon Rims-Lockhart Basin Loop

120.1 mi 193.3 km • 5,342' Up 1628.31 m Up • 5,294' Down 1613.7 m Down

Poison Spider Loop Route

17.7 mi 28.5 km • 1,975' Up 602.11 m Up • 1,960' Down 597.41 m Down

7.9 mi 12.8 km • 289' Up 88.1 m Up • 284' Down 86.55 m Down

Hidden Valley / Moab Rim

6.7 mi 10.8 km • 1,039' Up 316.7 m Up • 1,654' Down 504.19 m Down

Intermediate Brands Loop

7.9 mi 12.7 km • 742' Up 226.25 m Up • 742' Down 226.09 m Down

Bar M Loops

10.9 mi 17.6 km • 720' Up 219.4 m Up • 719' Down 219.28 m Down

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Difficulty ratings, difficulty rating, average from 69 votes:, your rating, virtual tour of white rim trail, join the community.

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Spring 2022

White Rim Trail MTB

Spend six days cycling through Southern California’s beautiful desert landscapes

About the Ride

Join us on our epic Climate Ride 4-day White Rim Trail backcountry mountain bike tour! Our route begins with an amazing descent to the Colorado River, and circumnavigates the Island in the Sky District in Canyonlands National Park and the Colorado River

Join the interest list for next time!

We’ll explore secluded red-rock canyons, rich in cultural history of the ancestral Puebloan people, searching for ancient rock art and cliff dwellings.

Event Details

Positive Planet Impact

Full event story.

This bucket-list trip in Canyonlands National Park offers some of the best cycling and scenic views in all of the American Southwest. The White Rim Trail, located in the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands National Park, is truly a special place. This classic tour is a must for anyone visiting Utah’s canyon country, offering a perfect combination of great riding and spectacular scenery. We will ride along the “White Rim” layer of sandstone, with dramatic canyons below and majestic red rock cliffs above. The trail leads to arches, towers and other fantastic rock formations. Your guides will lead you on bike and on foot to explore the hidden treasures the White Rim offers. Visit an Indian dwelling of ancient times or perhaps trek into a slot canyon disappearing into the desert sandstone. The White Rim is the trip of a lifetime. On this four-day tour, we ride approximately 20 – 25 miles each day.

On this charitable event, all of the biking takes place on gravel roads and trails. Local guides and our Climate Ride team will take care of all the details, allowing us to ride, connect, and see the national park in the most intimate way possible – by bike! Plus we overnight in beautiful backcountry camps, avoiding some of the most crowded areas.

This trip is well-suited to road cyclists who can get comfortable on a mountain bike.  The terrain is gravel roads and trails. You should train to ride 30 miles per day on gravel roads. There are shorter options each day if you choose to ride in the support van. Or if you wish for extra mileage, there will be options on most days. For very fit road cyclists who are also good mountain bikers, this is a moderate trip. For road cyclists who are not experienced with mountain bikes, this will be an intermediate trip.

This tour was operated in conjunction with the outfitter, Rim Tours which is permitted to operate in the areas we rode. Climate Ride charitable events bring together bright minds, breathtaking routes for all cycling abilities, and an unforgettable combination of passion and purpose. On this trip, we’ll get a first-hand look at the environmental issues affecting the desert Southwest. Proceeds from this event will support Climate Ride directly (no beneficiary selection for this event).

Photo Gallery

Itinerary overview.

Itinerary subject to change, your Ride Guide will include full details .

Day 1, 17 Miles Following brief introductions, we will transport the group to the start of the ride, about a 45 minute-1 hour drive. The trip will begin along the Mineral Bottom road where we’ll start to give everyone a warm-up before a big descent down to the White Rim Trail along the Green River. Today we’ll ride to Potato Bottom Camp with a big climb up and over Hardscrabble Hill and numerous scenic stops along the way. The support vehicle will follow behind the group to refill water, supply snacks, and a lunch spread along the way to camp.

Once at camp, the guides will assist you with tent set-up. At this point your work is done! The guides will set up lawn chairs and hors d’oeuvres while you enjoy a cold drink as a healthy delicious meal is prepared. Washbasins are available for personal use and a solar shower is usually available for at least 1 night during the trip. This is your time to relax, whether you chose to lounge around camp with our library of books or set out for an exploratory hike

Day 2, 22 Miles Fill up on breakfast and get ready to pedal and explore unique slot canyons and view Puebloan ruins on foot. We will break camp between 9-10AM, and head out on the double track route as we continue around the White Rim. There will be a few challenging sections with several steep short climbs on our way to the final big climb up Murphy Hogback to our camp. Today will offer some fun side-hikes possibly into a slot canyon and to view “Black Crack”.

Lunch each day will be a spread and snacks will also be available to stash in your pack to eat during the ride. Once we return to camp, kick off your cycling shoes, and relax as the guides prepare a scrumptious dinner. After dinner, there will be opportunities for short walks in the moonlight or time to sit and gaze to the sky. Easily view planets, satellites, the Milky Way, and more in this Gold-Tier International Dark Sky Park!

Day 3, 28 Miles Today’s ride starts with an exciting descent off the east side of Murphy’s and fun and rolling ride to an optional side trip to White Crack, the southernmost part of the trail. From here we work our way around Monument Basin with hoodoo towers rising up from the canyon floor and the in-and-out journey around the fingers of Buck Canyon on our way to our final camp at Airport Tower. We are now on the Colorado River side of the White Rim Trail and high above the rivers for the rest of the trip. An optional 9-mile ride can take strong riders down to the Colorado from our camp.

Day 4, 17 Miles The phenomenal views continue as we climb back to the mesa top up the Shafer Trail at the end of the ride. Be sure to load up at breakfast as today consists of some climbing to reach the trailhead. Lunch will be had along the way, with snack foods available to stash in your pack for a quick bite as you pedal. Expect to reach the end of the trail early to mid-afternoon, and arrive back to Rim Tours Headquarters in Moab between 4 and 5 PM. Please make lodging arrangements in advance, as you may not arrive in time to catch flights.

Ready to get started?

FAQ’s and More Info

This is a backcountry camping trip. You will need to bring or rent a tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad. You can rent these through our outfitter and they will be brought to camp (rental information will be provided the Ride Guide).

Our guides carry solar showers and washbasins on each tour. Washbasins are available every day. Depending on the group size and weather, solar showers are usually available every other day. We suggest bringing unscented “baby- wipes” for quick clean up after riding.

Breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snacks are handled by our expert local guides. We serve delicious energy-packed meals with lots of fresh ingredients to satisfy all tastes. We can accommodate special diets; just let us know your preferences. We do not provide alcoholic beverages, but feel free to bring your own. If you require or prefer special snacks and electrolyte supplements we recommend that you bring them.

This charitable mountain biking trip begins at 8 am on Friday in Moab, Utah. You may safely leave your car at our meeting place or you may arrange a pick-up at your hotel.  A continental breakfast of coffee, juice, fruit, and bagels will be served while our staff is loading your gear into the support vehicles and taking care of last-minute details. If you prefer a larger breakfast you may want to dine before you arrive. We recommend Jail House Café or the Moab Diner, both located on Main Street. The cycling event will end in Moab on Day 4 between 3-4pm. You should not book a flight out of SLC or Grand Junction before 9 pm.

GETTING TO AND FROM MOAB:

Fly Directly into Moab – Skywest Airlines has daily flights to Moab out of Denver using 50-seat jets. They code-share with United, so you can book via United or any flight booking platform. The Moab airport is Canyonlands Field (CNY) and lies 17 miles north of Moab on Hwy 191. You can rent a car through Enterprise, (970) 242-8103 or use one of several taxi-like services. For a full list of ground transport options visit http://discovermoab.com/transportation-services/.

From Salt Lake City, UT (recommended) – Delta, United, Frontier, Southwest, Alaska, Boutique, American, JetBlue all have flights into SLC. – Rent a Car: Drive time is about 4 hours to Moab. If renting a car please know you must return it to Salt Lake City or pay an exorbitant drop fee. All major rental car companies have a presence at SLC.

From Grand Junction, CO (limited flights) – United, Delta, American and Allegiant Airlines all fly into Grand Junction. You’ll need to rent a car to get to Moab but it’s a less than 2-hour drive, take Hwy 128 if in daylight. – Enterprise Rent-A-Car, (970)242-8103, 406 S. 5th ST. Grand Junction, CO. http://www.enterprise.com/car_rental/deeplinkmap.do?gpbr=1228&bid=004&cnty=US Enterprise may be able to do a one-way rental to Moab — most others will probably require it be a round trip rental.

Please visit our  Covid-19 Policies and Procedures Page .

We want to keep everyone as safe as possible during this trip, so we recommend being very cautious and following the recommended protocols for coronavirus during the two weeks before this trip. We recommend getting a COVID-19 test, self-isolating as much as possible, and taking extra care when traveling to the Ride start.

There is very limited cell phone access. Enjoy this digital detox!

Climate Ride White Rim is a moderate, multi-day off-road experience that takes place in remote areas, mostly on doubletrack with packed dirt, loose rock and a bit of sand. A mountain bike is required. While you don’t have to be an expert mountain biker, we recommend doing at least some of your training on a mountain bike. You should be comfortable riding on packed gravel and should be generally physically fit.

This is not a technically difficult ride but there are some obstacles and several climbs and descents. Steeper pitches can be easily walked! Overall if you’re a strong cyclist and have some experience riding mountain bikes, you will be just fine!

All riders need to have a mountain bike (see below for bike rental info), helmet, tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad (see camping gear rental info), and a suitcase or duffle containing clothes, toiletries, and anything else necessary for several days on the road. The Ride Guide will contain a more detailed suggested packing list. The Ride Guide will be distributed to participants several months before the event. If you have a non-perishable personal favorite snack or electrolyte brand please feel free to bring some along!

Mountain bikes are required for this trip as we’ll be riding on gravel roads and single track sections. The most important factor in choosing a bike and pedals is your comfort. You want to be riding a bike and using pedals that you will be comfortable riding with for multiple hours a day, for several days in a row. Our local outfitter has mountain bikes (high-quality full suspension bikes) available for rent.

IF BRINGING YOUR OWN BIKE: Have your bike tuned up before the tour and have any worn-out parts replaced. You may want to ship your bike ahead of time to Rim Tours in Moab. The assembly fee is $40 or $80, if they also disassemble and box it up at the end of the trip as well. As for tires for your tour, any good off-road tires are fine. We use Wilderness Trail Bike’s latest creations. They’re the best! We do recommend bringing a full suspension bike.

  Yes! Our partner in Moab will have mountain bikes for rent in various configurations and sizes. These are high-quality full suspension bikes. More information will be available in the Ride Guide.

Climate Ride has partnered with a local Moab outfitter to provide the most experienced and friendliest professional guides. We have rest stops each day with snacks and water, and on-route we have vehicle support that carries luggage, and also functions as a mobile mechanic and first aid station. You can also expect an unlimited supply of camaraderie and encouragement from the Climate Ride staff, the guides, and your fellow riders!

Riders can choose from the more than 100 incredible beneficiary organizations in our network ! One of the things that make Climate Ride such an effective charitable event is that you can select the organization(s) you wish to benefit from our extensive list of beneficiary organizations. Our beneficiaries were selected for their work on the environment, conservation, sustainability, climate education, and active transportation advocacy. At the end of the year, Climate Ride grants the proceeds from our events to these hard-working organizations.

Our support vehicle will carry all of your personal and camping gear during the tour. A day pack or hydration pack for carrying water and the essentials – snacks, sunscreen, camera, rain gear, etc – is the only thing you’ll need to carry with you on your bike. On singletrack tours &/or tours where the support vehicle is unable to travel on the same route as the riders, you may be required to also carry your lunch.

Fundraising Deadlines:

Learn more about deadlines and transfers on our  Policies  page.

Note:  If you’d like to register after or near a fundraising deadline, don’t worry, we’re here to help you get up to speed!

We carry solar showers and washbasins on each tour. Washbasins are available every day.

Depending on the group size and weather, solar showers are usually available every other day. We suggest bringing unscented “baby-wipes” for quick clean-up after riding.

Be sure to review our  general FAQ  and  policies  or  contact us !

Related Trips

Testimonials.

I’ve enjoyed bike touring trips in the past, but Climate Ride stands out for its ability to attract groups of riders who see biking as more than a recreational activity. It was great to ride with people who see biking as a way to protect the environment and to share other ways that we all strive to fight climate change.

Participating in the Climate Ride was the perfect way to educate and immerse myself deeper into current environmental issues. On this ride I was surrounded by an incredible group of supportive and inspirational people – participants and staff alike. The community paired with challenging, but rewarding climbs and views made for a life-changing and memorable experience. 10/10 would recommend to everyone I know!

Our Supporters

Mountain Biking the White Rim Trail in Canyonlands National Park

Plan your mountain biking trip on the White Rim Trail in Canyonlands National Park with this guide to permits, itineraries, gear, campsites & more.

Canyonlands National Park in southern Utah is a huge swath of land consisting of high desert vistas, an intricate maze of deep canyons, sheer red rock cliffs, and the mighty Colorado River. It has a real rugged feel to it compared to many of the other national parks, and much of its territory is only accessible by a 4WD vehicle, bike, or by hoofing it, including the stunning White Rim Trail.

The White Rim Trail is a 100-mile jeep road that travels through the park’s Island in the Sky district. A few years ago, my friends convinced me to join them on a four-day vehicle-supported mountain biking trip of the route. I had never been on a mountain bike before, but I knew this was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up. I was told the White Rim Trail had some steep uphill pushes but was not an overly technical trail. Plus if things got really rough, I could always hop in the truck, blast the tunes, and enjoy the scenery from the passenger seat.

So I went out and got myself a bike and some super sexy padded bike shorts and crossed my fingers that I would survive!

**Spoiler alert** I made it…and what a cool trip! Yes, there were times when my legs felt like cement, but the burn was totally worth it….plus with the support vehicle, you can camp in comfort and have some cold drinks and a nice meal to look forward to at the end of the day.

The White Rim Trail offers something for all levels. For the beginner, it’s a challenge. For the experts, it might be smooth sailing. But either way, the views, the camping, and the general camaraderie on the trail make it worth adding to your bucket list. And with fall in full force, it’s the perfect time to head to the southern Utah desert.

Here is how to plan your own mountain biking trip along the White Rim Trail in Canyonlands National Park.

Important Reminder: As it goes in all of the destinations we share, please practice  good trail etiquette  and remember to  Leave No Trace . This means packing out all of your garbage (including toilet paper) and following the established rules.   In the desert, this also means   learning how to protect cryptobiotic soil  and how it has a huge impact on our ecosystems.

About the White Rim Trail

Best time to bike the white rim trail, white rim trail permits and camping, our white rim trail itinerary, what to pack for the white rim trail.

The White Rim Trail is a 100-mile semi-loop that can be ridden in either direction. We rode the route west-to-east and started our trip at Mineral Bottom and ended at Shafer Hill. The advantage of starting at Mineral Bottom and riding counter-clockwise is that you get the long (and least scenic) section riding along Mineral Road out of the way at the very beginning and the scenery (in my opinion) got better every day.  The disadvantage of counter-clockwise is that you have to ride (or walk) up Shafer at the very end…and believe me, it’s no fun. On the elevation profile, you’ll also see that counterclockwise appears to have some longer uphill sections than riding it clockwise.

White Rim Trail Map

In total, the White Rim Trail gains about 7,500 feet of elevation. Going counterclockwise, there are two major climbs – Murphy’s Hogback at the approximate halfway point and Shafer Hill on the last day. These two climbs are tough, and I ended up walking my bike up a majority of these sections….which is nothing to be ashamed of, by the way.

How many days does it take to bike the White Rim Trail?

Most people take 2-4 days to complete the White Rim Trail by bike. Some people might consider four days to be more of a booze-cruise sort of pace – and for most of my friends, I think it was. But as a beginner, 4 days seemed perfect. Most of the elevation gain is gradual, but 25 miles of dirt is still a lot of ground to cover.

Four days meant we had plenty of time to take breaks and explore our surroundings and still arrive at camp with a couple of hours of daylight. We also took our mornings slow, not getting on the trail until about 10 or 11 every day.

With that said, many people do it in much less time. in fact, some people do it unsupported in a single day, which would definitely be a slog. When planning your trip, you need to consider first and foremost how good of biking shape you are in and then what type of pace you want to keep.

Your White Rim Trail Support Vehicle

The White Rim Trail is a moderately rough, but decently maintained 4WD jeep road. There is no potable water anywhere along the trail, so unless you are a stellar biker who can confidently bike the entire 100 miles in a day, it is best to be accompanied by a 4WD support vehicle. That way, all of the food, camping gear, and extra water can be transported by the vehicle, and you don’t have to carry any gear on your bike.

For our group of 7, we had one Toyota Tacoma that we were able to cram all of our gear in. You’ll also need a very study bike rack that can hold two bikes. That way if someone gets tired, they can hop in the truck and keep the driver company. For more on what gear to pack, scroll to the bottom of this post.

A couple of things to keep in mind… the person driving the support vehicle should have some experience with 4WD roads, especially if it’s been raining and the road is slick, muddy, or rutted. Most of the road is pretty mellow, but there are a few tricky and steep parts where you’ll want someone experienced behind the wheel.

Secondly, make sure you stop in Moab and top off your tank of gas. You’ll want a full tank before starting the trail!

The best time of year to mountain bike the White Rim Trail is fall and spring. Summer is unbearably hot and dry and there is ZERO shade. Sounds pretty miserable (and potentially dangerous) to me.

In late October, daytime biking temps were ideal – 70s, warm and sunny – and nights were chilly.  The key thing to remember is the weather in the desert can change instantly so no matter when you go, you should be prepared for the elements.

Planning on exploring Canyonlands by foot? Check out our favorite hikes here .

The White Rim Trail has a total of 20 designated camping sites that each accommodate up to three vehicles and 15 people. Each campsite has access to a pit toilet, which may or may not be shared with another nearby campsite. No water is available at the campsites. Reservations must be made using the advanced permit process on the Canyonlands National Park website. The fee for a permit which is good for 3 cars and 15 people is $36.

Permits become available four months in advance. To reserve a permit, start at this page . For the Activity, choose “Island In The Sky White Rim Road – 4WD/Mountain Bike” and enter your desired start date and group size. A list of available campsites and dates will pop up.

If a campsite is already occupied, it will say “0”, meaning it’s not available for that date. If there is a number – typically “15” – that means that the campsite is available and up to 15 people in one group can book that site. (If you have less than 15 people in your group, you still book the whole campsite. In other words, you won’t be sharing it with strangers).

You need to book each campsite you want at the same time or else you’ll need to pay for an additional permit.

Day #1: Mineral Bottom Road to Potato Bottom (33 miles)

The White Rim Trail starts off on Mineral Bottom Road. The first 12 miles are a smooth gradual downhill, and it’s a good chance for the newbies to get comfortable on the bike before the terrain gets rougher. At mile 12 you reach a series of steep switchbacks down Horsethief Road that take you down into the canyon where you meet up with the Green River.

I don’t have many pictures from the first day since I was focused on my riding, but the trail is pretty much what you expect for an old jeep road. Rocky in places but overall there weren’t too many obstacles. The most challenging thing about the trail was every so often you run into some deep sand that could really throw off your momentum and balance. So you had to keep an eye out to make sure you didn’t hit one of these sand traps unexpectedly.

We arrived at our campsite at Potato Bottom right on the Green River earlier than I expected. The sites at Potato Bottom are the last campsites near the river. In October the water was definitely too cold to swim in, but it provided a nice backdrop for our afternoon hangout and bocce ball session.

Day #2: Potato Bottom to Murphy’s Hogback (22 miles)

Despite being significantly shorter than the first day, day 2 kicked my butt. It was all uphill with a pretty steep climb up to Murphy’s Hogback at the very end. If you are looking to take a shift in the support vehicle, this might be the day to volunteer.

Luckily we didn’t take our day too seriously. It was Halloween, so we donned our costumes and got into the spirit. Just call me disco bunny biker babe.

Around lunch time, we arrived at the entrance to Holman slot canyon which is shown on the map above. This is a great place to stop for lunch and explore. The slot canyon heads down towards the direction of the Green River and can be explored until you reach an unpassable obstacle.

When we were there, there were a few tricky spots where ropes had been installed, but they didn’t appear permanent. Remember that every drop-off you go down, you will have to come back up. So don’t get yourself into a situation where you can’t get back to the top.

Also, if there is a chance of rain, don’t head down into the slot canyon.

After lunch, my legs were feeling heavy and by the time we got to the hill at Murphy’s hogback, I knew there was no way I was going to make it. There was already a passenger in the support vehicle, which meant I was going to have to get up the hill one way or another. I pushed as long as I could but didn’t make it far before I got off and started walking. This is the view when you finally make it to the top.

I felt so happy when I learned that our campsite was no more than 100 yards away from this lookout, and I was even happier when we realized just how awesome our spot was.

Now it was time for the real fun. One of our friends decided to bring some pumpkins to carve, and we had a blast sipping on cocktails and carving away while watching the sunset.

Day #3: Muphy’s Hogback to Airport Campground (26 miles)

Day 3 was the most scenic and the easiest in my opinion.. Yet for some reason, I spent most of the day riding in the truck. I felt kinda lazy (and I was), but my legs needed a little recovery time after the previous day’s climb. My friend Beau and I cranked up the tunes, stopped and took a ton of pictures, and enjoyed the views as the canyon started to appear more intricate with lots of arches and mind-boggling rock formations.

Turns out riding in the SAG wagon is pretty dang fun!

We arrived at camp with plenty of time to soak in the scenery. We played a serious round of bocce and watched the clouds transform with storms forming in the distance. One of my friends also brought a professional kite which provided an hour or two of solid entertainment in the strong winds.

Day #4: Airport Campground to the top of Shafer Hill (19 miles)

On our final day on the White Rim Trail, we were back to the uphill. I can’t say I was looking forward to it, but I wanted to try and push myself so I was committed to getting to the top without the help of the truck. The day started out nice and one of the biggest highlights of the whole trip happened just after hopping on my bike. My friend Adam and I were riding along when we looked to the right and saw a bighorn sheep with giant horns galloping no more than 30 feet away from us on the very edge of the rim.

We continued cruising along, and he continued running next to us for about 5 minutes. I wish I could’ve snapped a picture, but I knew that if I stopped to get my camera out, he would’ve been gone. It was a magical moment that I will never forget, photo or not.

Shortly thereafter, we hit some rain, which is a reminder that the weather can turn very quickly in the desert.

Luckily the storm passed quickly and by the time we reached Shafer it was a comfortable temperature for our climb. Like I predicted I didn’t make it too far before I had to start walking, but my friend Beau stayed behind with me and kept me company.

At times the switchbacks seemed endless and when things finally flattened out at the top, we realized just how far we had come. Even though I walked quite a bit, I was still pretty proud of myself for keeping up as well as I did. I also felt much stronger and more confident by the end of the trip than I did when I started.

The White Rim Trail is car camping at its best . You’ll want to bring a roomy tent, a plush sleeping pad, and a warm sleeping bag. In addition, there are a few additional gear considerations that will make your trip as comfortable as possible.

I’m definitely not an expert when it comes to mountain bikes, but I purchased an REI Brand women’s 29″ Madrona Hardtail for my first mountain bike. They don’t make that anymore, but Becky – our behind-the-scenes assistant – did a self-supported bikepacking trip on the White Rim Trail on a Santa Cruz Chamaleon hardtail and loved it.

In addition to the bike, make sure you bring a few spare tubes, a hand pump , chain lube , and the necessary tools to fix your bike if something goes wrong.

• Shorts : Bring padded bike shorts. No joke. You may feel like you are wearing a diaper but that’s better than a bruised ass and serious chaffing. Unfortunately bike shorts can be pretty pricey. Check out our post on Where To Buy Discounted Outdoor Gear to find deals.
• Gloves : The trail can be rough on your hands and cause major calluses. Some people like wearing gloves, others don’t – but it’s worth bringing a pair just in case.
• Warm Clothes : Outside of summer, nights in Canyonlands can get very cold. Make sure you are prepared with a warm synthetic jacket , a rain coat , some long johns, a hat, and gloves – basically the same kind of clothes you would take on a backpacking trip. To see the clothes I bring on my outdoor adventures, check out this guide to what to wear hiking , and for cooler weather, see our guide to what to wear hiking in fall .

Camp Kitchen

• A good cooler : To make sure your food doesn’t spoil, you need to make sure you have a solid cooler that can keep ice for the duration of your trip. We had a couple of Yeti Coolers  on our trip, but I’ve since discovered RTIC which makes comparable coolers at a fraction of the price. Having a good cooler is worth it because it will keep ice longer, and nothing results in a trip gone awry more than your food gone bad.

• Camp Stove : Having a support vehicle means you can eat gourmet. This two burner Camp Chef camp stove is only $149.99 and is large enough to cook for the whole group. For pots and pans, I like to use a pre-seasoned Lodge cast iron . Not only are they super easy to clean, they also give the food some delicious flavor. I’d also recommend prepping and pre-cooking as much of your food at home as possible. Then package it using  vacuum sealer  and throw it in the freezer until you depart for your trip.
• Water jugs : Make sure you bring plenty of water. The National Park Service recommends at least one gallon per person per day and more if it’s hot outside. You can pick up reusable 5 gallon jugs at your local Army Navy store or on Amazon . Everyone should also carry a day pack with a 3L water reservoir for easy access to drinking water throughout the day.

Camp Comforts

We also brought along a few comfort items that provided their worth in camp entertainment.

• Portable gas fire pit : You can’t have a wood fire on the White Rim Trail, so a portable gas fire pit  with a bit of extra propane was a great substitute. It gave off plenty of heat, and without it we probably would’ve been in bed by 8 o’clock.
• Glow in the dark bocce ball set : I swear, glow in the dark bocce is the best camp game ever. Especially in the desert when it’s pitch black and there are all kinds of rock obstacles. Just watch out for cacti if you are roaming around at night.
• Camp chair : You are going to want something to rest that tush in at the end of the day. I’m obsessed with my Helinox Swivel Chair and thought it was perfect for this trip. When folded away, it’s super compact…plus it swivels and you can’t beat that.

Have you done or been eyeing a mountain bike trip along the White Rim Trail? What questions do you have? What was your experience like? Leave us a comment below!

With two decades of hiking and seven years of van life under her belt, Kristen has dedicated her life to helping people experience the positive effects of nature. As a pioneer in the outdoor blogging space, she founded Bearfoot Theory in 2014 and has since authored more than 350 blog posts about outdoor travel, hiking, camping, and van life. Her work has been featured in National Geographic, Outside Magazine, and Backpacker, and when she’s not on the road, she lives in Park City, Utah with her partner Ryan, their son, and two adventure pups.

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30 Comments

Great write up! One of the most memorable trips I’ve ever taken. We totally got lucky, and the sand wasn’t too bad. Dryer fall will mean far more sand slogs.

Also keep an eye out for the road conditions, a bit more rain can mean impassable hills and turning back without enough fuel would be dangerous. 🙂

Hey Justin – It was such an amazing trip! And thanks for the reminder about fuel. I’m going to edit the post to mention that. Hope to see you soon! -Kristen

I saw that trail from Island in the Sky this summer and wished I had time to drive it. Now I want to ride it. I’m adding this to my list. Great post!

Awesome Caroline! Glad this inspired you…come back and let me know how it goes!

I used to 4-wheel the White Rim in the early 70’s no established campsites, jeep trail was really a jeep trail…did it forwards and backwards. Rescued an elderly couple who put their fan through their radiator and started hiking towards Murphys Hogback instead of back towards Moab, followed the footprints down into Queen Ann’s Bottom as they went down to the river for water. Finally caught up to them and drove them back to town and got a steak dinner as a reward. There was a guide from Moab who used to do a weekly tour of the White Rim in a Volkswagen bus that he had put a low rear end differential. I have mixed feelings about stories about Canyonlands since it is a very special place…and the more people who visit it, the less special it seems. It will of course outlast us all. Cheers, and a toast to Edward Abbey!

Hi Joe – Sounds like an epic adventure you had. Thanks for sharing! -Kristen

Another great article, amazing thorough!! The costumes are so great, make for really great photo’s..

Thanks Carri! Glad you enjoyed it.

What were you all making on top of the Yeti Cooler? Looks like some type of power pita. Is that peanut butter or hummus? Either way looks delish! Thanks for sharing and awesome pics!

It was pita bread sandwiches with veggies, lunch meat, and hummus.

WOW now that sounds like an adventure! Bet it was tiring, the question is, is could it be done on a folding bike? Or is that just impossible? lol.

I’ve never ridden a folding bike, so I’m not totally sure. If it can handle a rugged trail with lots of hills, then maybe so?

White Rim Trail is an amazing trip. I did it as a three day Jeep trip in September…

So great to hear! Thanks for your comment!

What kind of camera, lens and filter were you using to take your really nice photographs?

Hello David! For more information about Kristen’s camera gear check out this space on Bearfoot Theory: https://bearfoottheory.com/category/photography/ .

Hello Kristen, It was really an amazing trip, right? You did a very good write up. I’m just inspired on writing my travel experience on my blog. Thanks.

Great post. Your comment about robust bike rack is spot on and when ours failed it was one of those minor catastrophes that makes these trips memorable. Ours was a hitch rack, brand new, made by a major manufacturer. We had 4 bikes on it, so maybe just 2. Any thoughrs?

I agree – have had a couple racks fail; two that I like and consider bombproof are 1UP USA racks and North Shore Racks; neither are cheap but they cost a lot less than the bikes they are carrying and aren’t made of plastic or rubber pieces that tend to fail (spectacularly, whether your bike or not)

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Kristen, Great write up.. and exactly what I needed to read in approach to being a SAG driver this year. Just sent you a quick email when you get a chance.

Thanks for reading. Just responded to your email, enjoy your trip!

Hi Kristen, we are planning a trip, travelling the same direction as you. Where did you park your vehicles (that weren’t SAG), in the Mineral Bottom area? Did you camp the night before you started? If so….near mineral bottom? Do you recall how long the drive was from the end of the ride, back to the vehicles at Mineral Bottom? Thanks for any tips for the night before, and getting back to vehicles the day after. Lara

Hi Lara – there are two parking areas at Mineral Bottom, which you’ll see when you go to reserve a permit. You can choose to park at the top or bottom of Mineral Bottom and I’m sure you could camp there overnight if you want to. It takes about 40 minutes to get from the visitor center back to the car. Hope that helps!

Great post! I walked down into Mineral Bottom from the top one time in college. We decided to launch our rafts… Yes, that hill is a b*tch. Haha. Cool share. Glad you got to bike the White Rim.

This looks really fun, Kristen! Never really gone on a trail for more than a day. This makes me want to plan my first overnight trail in the Canyonlands National Park. I feel like it’s fit for beginners like me who want a challenge. One question though, do you need to schedule ahead of time in the visitor center? I’m excited for this! Thank you very much!

You do need to get permits ahead of time for campsites and they can be snatched up quickly. Check out the “White Rim Trail Permits & Camping” section for more details on how to get a permit. Have a great time!

Hey Kristen, my husband and I are mountain biking White Rim in October this year (3 nights). Though I’m afraid of heights, I’ve done rim-to-rim in Grand Canyon and lots of other challenging hikes.. I’m also kinda new to mountain biking but have been road biking for 10 years. We’re training — doing 20-30 mile rides — but I’m concerned about the heights + being newish to mountain biking. Is this ride doable for someone like me?

There is some exposure, but nothing on the edge. I don’t like heights and I was never scared or felt unsafe — I did walk my bike up and down a couple of the steeper sections but the road is wide enough for a truck, so it’s not super exposed. This feels like a cross between mountain biking and road biking since you’re biking on rocky gravel. Enjoy your trip!

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Bikepacking The White Rim

% singletrack, % rideable (time), total ascent, difficulty (1-10).

• 4 Climbing Scale Fair 56 FT/MI (11 M/KM)
• - Technical Difficulty
• - Physical Demand
• - Resupply & Logistics

Contributed By

Logan Watts

Pedaling nowhere.

Beginning on Shafer Canyon Road, the White Rim Trail descends onto the aptly named white rim and follows breathtaking plateaus along the Colorado and Green rivers via slickrock, graded gravel, dirt roads, semi-technical rocky doubletrack, and thick sandy bottoms. Although the route can be ridden either way, most prefer to tackle the 100 mile loop in a clockwise direction starting with a spiraling descent on Shafer Road. The easiest place to begin is at the Island in The Sky Visitors Center to obtain a backcountry permit and then leave a vehicle at the Shafer Canyon lookout parking area (details in the Need To Know section below). Other options include parking at the end of Mineral Bottom Road at Hwy 313, or above the switchbacks 10 miles from the pavement.

There are reservable campsites along the route (details below). It is highly recommended to reserve a campsite well in advance as backcountry zone camping impossible with bikes. Also, please note that this route is not to be taken lightly for the lack of water resupply.

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• The geologic wonderland and unbelievable scenery that is Canyonlands National Park.
• Great riding along the White Rim allows for unbelievable sightseeing.
• Camping along the rim under an incredible starry sky.
• Peering into the abyss of the canyons.
• Spotting big-horned sheep and other wildlife.
• The unmatched views in the Needles area.
• It is required to obtain and carry a backcountry permit reservable online here or available for purchase at the Island in The Sky Visitors Center.
• Spring and fall are the best times to ride the White Rim (April/May or September/October are ideal).
• The highest point on the route is over 6,000 feet so nighttime temps can dip well below freezing anytime of year; bring proper clothing. Also, be prepared for snow.
• The sand can be fairly thick near the river bottom areas and sometimes challenging for even a fatbike; large tires are recommended, although not necessary for 95% of the route.
• The ideal bike for the route is a ‘ Plus Bike ‘, because of a few stretches of sandy terrain. However, a lot of folks ride on a standard mountain bike with 2.1 or larger tires.
• Designated campsites must be reserved well in advance and some are booked over a year in advance; group camping permits are $30 per night; more info here .
• Backcountry camping is not possible with bikes. There is a map in the visitor center that provides ‘zone’ boundaries for backcountry camping; however, the rules for cyclists prohibit bicycles from designated hiking trails and anywhere off the White Rim Road. At the time we rode this, if you wished to camp in the backcountry, it was necessary to stash your bike along the road in order to hike to the permitted zone. According to the park office:  possession of a bicycle off of a designated road is prohibited in Canyonlands National Park. Camping with a bicycle is considered vehicle camping, which is only legal in 20 designated vehicle campsites, in 10 locations along the road. At-large zone permits are intended for backpackers only. They are not meant to be a way to travel the White Rim when vehicle sites are full. 
• Abide by common sense  and stay on the road.
• This is a destination route , and as such, it experiences a lot of tours and visitors. If you choose to do this route, please  leave no trace , or better yet, pick up a piece of trash or make it better. Doing so will help preserve this area for future use.
• Check the weather in advance; flooding may occur in spring or fall.
• There are pit toilets along the route (near designated campsites) that are available for use; most are stocked with toilet paper.
• The only water source available on the route (waypoint on GPS map above) is the Green River which is very silty and needs filtering.
• During wetter times , there may be water available in puddles on the rock mesas.
• If intending to stay more than one night , caching water is recommended. We cached on the Gooseberry Trail which was about 30 miles from the start; this required a significant hike the day before (about 5 miles round trip with a climb of 1,400 feet), but the water was well worth the effort.
• The National Park Service recommends 1 gallon of water per day.
• During the high season , there may be options to beg water from tour guides and jeeps along the way, but don’t depend on it.

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20 years as MAGPIE CYCLING in 2024! Register today to join one of our 20th Anniversary Celebration Tours!

Mountain Bike Tours and Instruction in Moab, Canyonlands National Park, Southern Utah, the famous Kokopelli Trail and the Grand Canyon’s North Rim.

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Professional certified guides and mountain bike instructors based in moab, utah share their local knowledge and mountain biking skills with personalized service to maximize your vacation experience.

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Whether you’re traveling solo, with family, or in a group of friends, MAGPIE CYCLING offers the best mountain bike instruction and tours in the American southwest.

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All our tours can be booked as custom charter tours . You invite your own group and we take care of all the details!

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Thank you for a wonderful experience! Last week was our 1st trip with Magpie and it was absolutely over-the-top. It completely exceeded our expectations on numerous levels. The team of Mike and Mike was terrific – their combined knowledge of the areas, the geology, the history, and the geography significantly enhanced our experience. And we can’t leave out the excellent cooking … we all brought home an extra pound or 2. On top of that, they are just all-around “good guys” who we all enjoyed spending time with. They were safe, professional, and took good care of us.

Great White Rim Ride Our three day mountain bike tour of Canyonlands White Rim Trail with Magpie Cycling was the experience of a lifetime. Our guides Maggie and Eric were FANTASTIC. Everything was organized and planned perfectly. The food was excellent…fresh, healthy, and delicious.

Flying High With Magpie Cycling Wow! What a great experience! We are a family of four, with 10 and 12 year old boys. Three of us had done single track trail riding a fair bit in the past …but the Mom was a total novice! Maggie answered my message, collected our information and sent me a very reasonable quote for a 6 hour guided ride.

Awesome learning adventure! What an incredible day with and amazing guide/instructor. Sasha took my teenage son on a full day private instructional tour. He taught him new skills and helped him improve his biking knowledge all while enjoying the beauty of Moab. I can’t praise Sasha enough. He was attentive and above and beyond accommodating. Magpie cycling and Sasha exceeded our expectations.

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Mountain bike tours on white rim trail.

Utah is famously known for its breathtaking landscapes and national parks that dot the southern part of the state.  Visiting these exquisite locals, like the millions of tourists do is fine and dandy, but one of the best ways to enjoy the land is via bike.  Thousands of trails designated for hikers and bikers wind through canyons and across red desert stretches, but one trail stands out among the others for backpacking trips or long bike tours; the White Rim Trail.

Coming in at just around 100 miles long, the White Rim Trail is a loop that provides a wide array of challenges and rewards, and is best done over the course of several days.  The trail will pass into Canyonlands National park, so you will be required to obtain a backcountry permit. Plan ahead by reserving yours online well in advance, as they are quite popular and tend to go pretty fast.  The Canyonlands is a pretty rugged place, and sometimes it looks and feels more like you are on Mars than your home planet.  Spring and fall months are the best time to go, and be prepared for temperature dips at night, as the lowest point in the trail is just under 4000 feet, and the upper sections are much higher, where you could even experience snow.

You will have to be entirely self-sufficient on the trip, as there are no resources available throughout the entire trek, save for a the Green River, which is along your path at about the 66 th mile.  You can refill your water stores at the river, but it is advised to have filtration or purification systems with you to do this.  Other than nature’s aqueous reprieve, you will have to carry your own supply of water and food for your entire trip.  While it is possible to have a support vehicle meet you, the trail is fairly rugged, and requires serious 4×4 action to access most areas.  Make sure to account for enough water for consumption as well as cooking, and in dry seasons, make sure to look into the status of the river before going.  Along the way there are numerous campsite options that offer stunning views of nearby canyons or geographic wonders like spires or arches.  A safe and enjoyable way to experience this is with a tour with Escape Adventures.

The trail begins on the namesake “White Rim” at a visitor center, which is a little above 6000 feet in elevation.  Quickly the path descends and winds downwards.  The path will continue to sport alternating uphill and downhill sections as you make a clockwise loop (as is recommended).  You will rise up onto small saddles before descending again, which will continue on for 60 or so odd miles.  No matter how many mini climbs you do, the views will never cease to amaze you.  With about 20 or so miles to go, you will begin the punishing ascent to the finish.  The ending views and sense of accomplishment will be the cherry on top of a sweet, sweet ice cream sundae that is the White Trim Trail.

With its corporate headquarters in Las Vegas, Nevada, Escape Adventures has more than 25 years of experience and more than 50 destinations around the globe. The company is a worldwide leader in environmentally friendly biking and multi-sport adventure tours.

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Celebrating 30 years of Mountain Biking and Road Cycling tours 🥳 Join in on the adventure! ⛺️🚵🏽‍♀️🧗🏻‍♀️🚴🏾‍♂️

Nature lovers, rejoice! Dive into an unforgettable journey through the Grand Tetons this June! 🏔️ Experience towering peaks, verdant forests, and pristine lakes—and that`s just the beginning! Discover why this destination is truly one-of-a-kind. With multiple departure dates available, explore our website or give us a call to learn more details! 🏞️ ...

🚴‍♂️🌎 Happy Earth Day! 🌎🚴‍♀️⁠ ⁠ We hope all our fellow adventurers had an amazing Earth Day, pedaling through the stunning landscapes and soaking in the natural wonders our planet has to offer! Whether you were cruising along rugged mountain trails, gliding through scenic valleys, or discovering hidden gems in bustling cities, we`re thrilled you chose to celebrate Earth Day with us.⁠ ⁠ As we traverse this beautiful world on two wheels, we`re constantly reminded of the importance of preserving and protecting our environment. Every pedal stroke is a testament to our commitment to sustainable travel and responsible tourism. Let`s continue to ride together towards a greener, cleaner future for our planet!⁠ ⁠ Thank you for choosing Escape Adventures to explore the wonders of our Earth. Here`s to many more eco-friendly adventures ahead! 🌿🌍 ...

This is your reminder that Earth Day is tomorrow! 🌿💚 Whether you`re exploring your local trails, riding your bike to work, or simply enjoying some outdoor time, we`d love to hear about your Earth-loving plans! What`s on the agenda? 🌎 ...

From flowy singletracks to coastal cliffs, Santa Cruz has it all! 🌊 Explore the pristine Redwood groves, and epic trails at Wilder Ranch and Soquel Demonstration State Park with us on May 23rd! This tour is right around the corner, sign up soon! 🌲🚵‍♂️ ...

Experience the grandest adventure of them all on our Grand Canyon North Rim tour! 🏞️ Enjoy cooler temperatures and breathtaking views of the Grand Canyon`s quieter, less crowded side. We have an upcoming tour departing June 13th! You don`t want to miss it! 😉🚵‍♂️ ...

Escape to Idaho`s wilderness on our multi-sport mountain bike tour, departing June 9th! 🚵‍♂️ Experience the thrill of mountain biking, the serenity of hiking, and the excitement of whitewater rafting. Afterward, unwind with glorious soaks in the area`s abundant natural hot springs. Don`t miss out on the ultimate outdoor adventure! 🚣🥾🌿⁠ ⁠ 📸: Zach Price ...

Craving an epic adventure that knocks three of Mother Nature`s greatest hits off your bucket list in one go? Picture this: Bryce Canyon, Zion National Park, and the Grand Canyon all in a single trip- we`ve got it! Our tour departing May 19th has some space available, sign up soon to experience nature`s perfect trio for yourself! 🏞🏜🚵‍♀️ ...

No need to be green with envy! Sign up for our Maah Daah Hey tour and immerse yourself in these breathtaking views firsthand! Our June 17th departure has some space available. Get in soon!! 🌿🌱💚 ...

PSA: Our White Rim Tour on May 16th is filling up! Traverse 100 miles of breathtaking terrain with us, from the mesmerizing spires and arches to the serene Colorado River. 🏜️🏞️ With our expert guides and custom support truck, you`ll navigate primitive trails and discover hidden gems along the way. Don`t miss this chance to experience the ultimate adventure!🚵‍♀️ ...

Journey through the untamed wilderness of The Maze with us! 🌵 Explore rugged terrain, uncover ancient pictographs, and dive into the beauty of Canyonlands National Park. Limited spots available for our upcoming May departures- reserve yours ASAP! 🚵‍♂️🏞️ ...

A Word From Our Founders

For those who have yet to tour with us, we appreciate the opportunity to introduce you to our family-run company and guiding principles of sustainability and adventure. Our portfolio specializes in Western North America and is rapidly growing internationally. Building on over 100 destinations, we cater to the full spectrum of active traveler, respective to fitness level and activity type. From road cyclist to mountain biker to electric biker, hiker, and multi-sport enthusiast, and from first-timer to friends and family groups of all ability levels, on behalf of our Escape Adventures family, we look forward to many new and exciting adventures with you.

With much gratitude, and happy trails,

Jared and Heather Fisher

Founders and Owner-Operators Escape Adventures

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Kokopelli Trail

From singletrack to slickrock, pinyon pines to aspens.

This is a journey through the lands of the mythical “Kokopelli” or wandering flute player exemplified in Southwest rock art. Our route ranges from singletrack to slickrock, aspens to pinyon pines and offers sights that will wow your senses and terrain that will definitely test your riding skills. The Kokopelli Trail begins with challenging singletrack, leading to fun, rugged 4 wheel drive trails that touch periodically on the Colorado River. From the Top of the World we descend into Fisher Valley and Onion Creek Canyon, one of the most beautiful and colorful spots in Moab’s Canyon Country. The final day offers a choice of riding Moab’s legendary Porcupine Rim or Slickrock Trails.

For those considering doing a multi-day tour for their first time, especially those who have little or no camping experience, we’ve written a detailed description of what it’s like to go on a multi-day tour with us. Click here to read it .

For further details about this particular tour, view any of the below items:

Photo Gallery

Each photo has a text description at the bottom. Double-click the first photo, then right-arrow through the sequence for a step-by-step preview of the entire tour.

Multi-Day Tour Details

• Region: Colorado , Moab Area
• Duration: 5-Day/4-Night
• Style: Camping at Multiple Locations
• Season: Fall , Spring
• Skill Level: Doubletrack , Intermediate/Advanced , Singletrack
• Location Info:

Deposit / Cancellation policy

Pricing Structure

$75/day Bike Rental page

• Camp gear rental: $85/person

4/24-28, 2024 5/13-17, 2024 9/30-10/4, 2024 10/11-15, 2024

• See calendar
• Departs: Grand Junction, CO
• Distance: 130 miles
• What to do in Moab
• Frequently Asked Questions
• This tour is operated under permit with the Manti-La Sal National Forest and the Moab Field Office of the Bureau of Land Management. Rim Tours is an equal opportunity provider.

ELEVATION PROFILE:

• Click to enlarge

This tour is ridden in 2 parts connected by a shuttle.

10 Day Forecast

Route Video (Part 1)

Route Video (Part 2)

Descriptive Video

Multi-Day Tour Skill Levels

Day tour skill levels.