 | White Rim Trail The White Rim Trail is Utah's ultimate multi-day party trail. The trail is a 103-mile loop on jeep road through Canyonlands National Park. Most riders spend 4 days (3 nights at campgrounds) to ride this trail. (Three days = Buff. Two days = Monster. One day = Lunatic.) Technically, this trail is easy. But the length (and a few stiff climbs) means you need to be in good condition to do the whole thing. You'll need a support vehicle for food, water, camping gear, and bike parts. Campgrounds (with bathrooms) are spaced every few miles. |
| You can ride the trail either direction. Most bikers ride
clockwise, from the Schafer Trail around to the Green River, which tends
to be
easier. There are four big hills with over
1000 feet elevation gain, but one is downhill as you
drop into the canyon the first day. A three-day trip gives you one
major climb each day. Some riders tackle this loop in one day. Be prepared
for an insanely difficult ride. Don't even think of doing this while
self-supported (riding solo without a support vehicle). Side trips and stop-and-gawk opportunities abound. Some of the more famous include (listed from Schafer clockwise) the Colorado Overlook, Musselman Arch, Lathrop Canyon (bike 1 mile), White Crack (bike 1 mile, hike 1/3 mile to canyons overlook), Murphy's Trail, Whilehite Trail (and the slot canyon opposite it), and the Syncline Valley Trail. Because this trail is in Canyonlands National Park, biking off-trail is prohibited. This isn't a ride to test your rock-hopping prowess. Before entering any dirt road, check for a "no-bikes" symbol. Most side trails prohibit bikes. Pets are prohibited in Canyonland's back country. You need a permit! Contact: Canyonlands National Park Attn: Reservations, 2282 Resource Blvd, Moab, UT 84532. Include: number of vehicles, number of people, dates and campsites requested (list alternate dates and campsites if possible). In 2001, the non-refundable fee is $30 for the reservation. Call 435-259-4351 for information. You'll have to pay additional entry fees when you arrive. |
| Getting there:
Eastbound on I-70, turn at the Moab
exit onto US-191. About 20 miles later, turn right on U-313 towards
Canyonlands. Pay the entry fee ($10 in 2001) at the gate and proceed a
couple of miles to the Island-in-the-Sky Visitor's Center. Register here. Now backtrack to your point of departure. The parking area off U-313, and at the top of the Horsethief Trail, are popular areas to leave a vehicle. Most riders go clockwise, dropping down the Shafer Trail the first day, then climbing up the Horsethief Trail on the last day. Copyright 2002 Mad Scientist Software Inc |
