White Rim Road
United States
The otherworldly terrain of Canyonlands National Park is intimidating enough from the hard-top, once you leave the tarmac for the White Rim Road, it feels like driving on Mars. A 4WD-only loop around the Island in the Sky mesa, sneaking along sheer cliff walls above two deep river canyons. Built by Cold War uranium miners; no potable water anywhere on the route.
Explore on the interactive map →Stops along the route
- Island in the Sky Mesa
The mesa sits 600 m above two river canyons. Grand View Point is the highest overlook on the entire Colorado Plateau.
- Shafer Trail
Seventeen hairpin turns carved by ranchers in the 1920s drop 600 m from mesa top to canyon floor in 4 km of demanding 4WD.
- Musselman Arch
A sandstone arch on the canyon edge, thin enough to walk across and wide enough to frame the Colorado River 300 m below.
- Murphy Point
Midpoint of the western loop with panoramic views into the Green River canyon. One of the most isolated vehicle campsites in the US.
- White Crack
A crack in white sandstone on the canyon rim with 180-degree views to the La Sal Mountains. Most contested permit on the route.
- Mineral Bottom
The exit switchbacks descend to the Green River floor. The final view back up at the 600 m mesa wall is a dramatic farewell.
Where to Eat
- The Cowboy Grill at Red Cliffs LodgeAmerican
Offers hearty American fare with stunning views of the Colorado River and surrounding red cliffs.
- Moab BreweryBrewpub
Serves a variety of craft beers and pub-style dishes in a lively atmosphere.
- Desert BistroSouthwestern
Features upscale Southwestern cuisine with a focus on fresh, local ingredients.
Things to Do
- Mesa Arch TrailHike
A short, easy hike leading to a stunning natural arch with panoramic views of the canyon below.
- Grand View Point OverlookScenic Viewpoint
Offers breathtaking vistas of the vast canyon landscape stretching to the horizon.
- Dead Horse Point State ParkState Park
Provides iconic views of the Colorado River and Canyonlands, especially at sunrise and sunset.
Travel advisory
A backcountry permit from the National Park Service is required and must be reserved well in advance, especially for spring and fall. The 180 km loop has no services and limited cell coverage, so carry extra fuel, water, and a full repair kit. Low-range 4WD is essential on sandy and rocky sections.