The White Rim Road, in Utah's Canyonlands National Park, is a wildly popular mountain bike adventure near Moab. On this 100 mile White Rim journey, you will ride below the Canyonlands Island in the Sky mesa through diverse terrain and unique desert scenery. You will enjoy biking over sandstone, sand patches and dirt trails with stunning views of red rock cliffs, rugged canyons, arches, rock formations, buttes and the Green and Colorado Rivers.
The White Rim Road
Climbing
The White Rim Road is on the White Rim Plateau, a layer of sandstone lying between river gorges and mesa tops. In the early 1950s, the White Rim Road was built and used for a short period in time to access uranium. In 1964, the Canyonlands National Park was formed. Luckily, the road was not further developed and now remains a stunning recreational backcountry road for mountain bikers and jeeps.
White Rim Adventure
This mountain biking trip was an all time favorite outside adventure of mine. The biking is fun and rewarding, the views are spectacular, the remote backcountry experience is amazing and the camaraderie you will experience with fellow bikers is an experience like no other. We had a group of 9 bikers. We biked hard, yet took plenty of time for scenery stops and hanging out for lunch and at camp.
White Rim Schedule
Here is the basic schedule of our incredible trip!
Day 1: 25 Miles
Started at the Canyonlands Island in the Sky visitor center. Rode down Shafer trail. Lunch at Musselman Arch; one of the few you can legally walk on. Camped at Airport Tower.
Day 2: 27.5 Miles
Lunch at White Crack; turning point from Colorado to Green River side. Climbed Murphy's Hogback. Camped on top of Murphy's.
Day 3: 25 Miles
Cruised down the other side of Murphy's. Lunch at Wilhite Canyon; slot canyon to explore below road. Climbed up and over Hardscrabble hill and down the other side. Camped next to the Green River at Hardscrabble camp for swimming and fun.
Day 4: 11 Miles
Rode along the scenic Green River to Mineral Bottom. Finished up the imposing Horsethief Canyon trail. Ended with huge smiles on our faces and a beer to celebrate! We arranged for pickups and cut off a few miles of paved road.
What You Need to Know!
You will want to plan your mountain bike trip well in advance. You need to reserve for a permit and campsites early. Planning for the support vehicle and gear should be well thought out. Once you are in the backcountry, you will need to provide for water, food, camping needs, your basic necessities, first aid supplies and bike repair tools.
Our group had several seasoned White Rim bikers. If this is the first time for everyone on your trip, I would suggest using a guide service. The town of Moab offers many guide outfitters.
Time and Ability Levels
The White Rim is suited for all levels of mountain bikers. I would recommend taking 3-4 days to ride, check out the scenery and hang out with friends at the the gorgeous viewpoints and backcountry campsites.
Our group had bikers of all levels. You will love the journey whether you are a beginner or experienced rider.
As a beginner, you will like the diverse rolling terrain. You may need to walk a few sections of the steeper hills. Even if you are new to mountain biking, I recommend being in good physical shape. You will be riding for many hours in diverse weather and it can be tiring. Advanced riders can challenge their pace up the hills, cruise with their buddies, spend more time sightseeing and if so inclined, drink a few extra beers. (This was a crucial part of the trip for a most of our fun loving members! Hydration was important!)
Basic Biking Needs
Camelbak to hold plenty of water Sunscreen Helmet Sun Glasses Emergency bike repair kit (or stay close to support vehicle) Camera Appropriate biking clothes & gear.
White Rim Mountain Biking - Moab & Canyonlands National Park
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