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White Rim Trail, Canyonlands NP

8K views 49 replies 28 participants last post by  gregvb 
#1 ·
Just got back form Canyonlands NP in Utah. Myself and two college buddies went out to drive the White Rim Trail. It was certainly one of those trips that I'll remember forever. The scenery was breathtaking, and the drive was fun. One thing I learned on this trip, was that I do not give one damn for exposure. Not a huge fan of the shelf road, especially when one slip up means a violent, tumbling death. White Rim is a 71 mile road, and for the most part, it's just a gorgeous drive through and around canyons. However, there's a few places where the pucker factor exceeds 10. Murphy's Hogback and Hardscrabble Hill were the real " oh s**t " moments for me. Again, not liking exposure, the drive into and out of the canyon were stressful as well, but not like the before mentioned climbs.

Murphy's Hogback is a straight line climb, maybe 25 degree pitch, gaining about 1000 feet in a short run. Oh, and it's just as wide as the Jeep. That made it a slow, deliberate crawl for me. I never even looked out the window. I was zoned in about 10 feet in front my bumper, picking lines and sticking to them. Here's the top, looking down the road -


Hardscrabble Hill was almost the end of my flatlander nerves. Way steep, deathly narrow, rutted out switchbacks, and zero room for error - as it's a long way down. It just kept going, one swtichback only lead to another one. It was the end of my nerves, but I survived. I did learn to regret buying a manual transmission on this trip.

The day ended with a fun, easy river crossing. Then watching Matt get his Land Rover stuck out in the river on purpose.


If you ever get the chance, I'd highly suggest the White Rim Trail. However, if you don't like exposure, you might think twice.





 
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#44 ·
To better answer the question about 4WD being necessary....most of the trail is a drive down a dirt road, similar to driving through a field or pasture, so no. However, a few of the climbs would be almost impossible without 4WD and some of the descents without 4L would be terrifying. It's all based on your skill level and death wishes, I guess.
 
#48 ·
We had the chance to make it out to Moab last month. Spent five days riding trails. We were flying solo so stuck to beginner/intermediate trails. What a beautiful place. Never ran the White Rim but drove by it running Potash Rd and connecting to the Schafer trail/switchbacks. White Rim is on our bucket list for next year. Plan on taking two days to complete it. This was our first time visiting. Moab, I LOVE that place. If you're unfamiliar with the trails and plan on going, buy the book Moab, UT Backroads & 4-Wheel-Drive Trails third edition by Charles A Wells. Wealth of information and well worth the money.
 
#49 ·
I did it back in May alone on my dirtbike. 6 hours and 100 miles. I put in at mineral bottoms road from my truck and that is where I ended back at. I rode it CCW and over all it was pretty easy on the dirtbike. I didn't see many people all day long.

I eventually want to go back with my wife and take the jeep and make it two days with a camp stop along the way.

Here are a few of my pics. Sorry no jeep

Unloading at mineral bottoms rd


The one and only water crossing and it was deep!


Spectacular views on all directions




Shaifer switchbacks


Ranger that went over the edge in his truck. According to the box left there he survived. Doubt they'll ever recover the truck.


The solitude out there was therapeutic to me. My lunch stop on the day


I look forward to going back and camping out there with the jeep and my wife one day. Very beautiful place.
 
#50 ·
I did the White Rim Trail back in 2011 in an extended cab chevy truck with 4wd (z71). I generally thought the trail was fine for the pickup. I never once felt like I was on the edge or pulled my mirrors in. There also weren't any large rocks requiring ground clearance. There are regularly pickups, FJs, landrovers, and xterras on the white rim as most of the trail can be done in 2wd. The trail is a good way to get your first experience of what off roading in Moab can be like, however Jeeps can do a lot more difficult trails around the area.

Generally the pucker factor is not bad. Both trails down from the Mesa are wide and not very steep. You can easily pass other vehicles going in the opposite direction. If you decide you just can't do it, there is a 3rd way in from Potash Rd. that doesn't include switchbacks. If you have any experience with roads in the rockies, such as independence pass, the switch backs probably won't bother you.
 
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