Experience the White Rim Road in Canyonlands National Park

Overview of the White Rim Road

When you think of national park roads, iconic routes like the Going-to-the-Sun Road in Montana’s Glacier National Park and Crater Lake Rim Drive in Oregon’s Crater Lake National Park likely come to mind. They are paved, accessible to anyone with a car, and can be completed in as little as two hours.

However, the White Rim Road in Utah’s Canyonlands National Park presents a striking contrast. This unique road is unpaved, narrow, and rugged, designed for drivers of high clearance, 4-wheel-drive vehicles, as well as travelers on bicycles and motorbikes.

Route Details

Consequently, due to its notoriously rough terrain, the 100-mile White Rim Road generally requires multiple days to complete—even for experienced drivers. This route takes 4-wheel-drive vehicles between two to three days to traverse and mountain bikers three to four days.

The route leads through southeastern Utah, where the terrain is steep, rocky, and exposed. Moreover, the views are extraordinary and unlike any you have ever encountered. The White Rim Road encircles the Island in the Sky, an iconic mesa that soars over 1,000 feet above the surrounding landscape.

Visitor Tips

To enjoy the scenic beauty of the White Rim Road, the best times to visit are in the spring and fall when the temperatures are mild. Nevertheless, spring visits may face challenges due to potential snowmelt affecting the water levels of the Green River, which can render access to parts of the road difficult. Thus, it’s advisable to check current road conditions before embarking on a journey.

For those planning to undertake the journey, there are 20 campsites available across 10 camping areas, each equipped with toilets. Nevertheless, you must bring your own food, water, and be responsible for carrying out your trash. It is highly recommended for mountain bikers to have a 4-wheel-drive support vehicle to transport supplies and equipment needed over the multiple days of travel.

Permits and Regulations

Additionally, all vehicles, motorbikes, and cyclists are required to apply for either a day-use permit for single-day trips or an overnight permit for extended travel. Furthermore, dogs and campfires are strictly prohibited on the White Rim Road to ensure the protection of this exceptional environment.