COMPLETED: Moab/Canyonlands White Rim Trail

[hilljb]

After being in Utah two weeks earlier, we were back to run the White Rim Trail around Island in the Sky in Canyonlands National Park.

White Rim from Island in the Sky

Day 1: Denver to Airport B

It takes about six hours to get to Moab from Denver. We experienced heavy rain during some of that. After pulling over in Grand Junction, taking on as much fuel as we could and calling the ranger station in Moab to get the local weather/road report, we decided to enter the trail from Potash Rd. instead of going down the Shafer Trail from Island in the Sky. The latter option is simply too slick (red clay) and dangerous when wet.

Start of the White Rim on Potash Rd.

The whole place was wet, but we decided to go ahead anyway. The White Rim isn't a really tough trail, but the west side can be impossible in wet conditions. Our permits had us entering on the east side and we wouldn't hit the tough mud sections for two days. Knowing that the weather was going to be dry until then, we decided to go for it. We saw two people for the next day as a result, as most who had permits were simply avoiding attempting the trail.

Here's out campsite that night.

Airport B camp

[ErikSS]

REALLY nice pictures. Looks like a good time!

[hilljb]

Day 2: Airport to Murphy's Hogback A

We left the Airport camp area and headed south the next day. The White Rim Trail is slow, but there aren't really any obstacles that you need to avoid. It's just slow and rocky. The scenery is pretty amazing though, so we never were bored. At times, you drive right on the canyon rim.

White Rim Canyonside driving

We stopped every now and then for a break. Here's our lunch spot.

Our lunch spot.

After rounding the south of Island in the Sky, the road became a bit more challenging and even slower. Still, the only real obstacle on the entire road is known as Murphy's Hogback, which is really just a steep climb up a minor butte. It isn't bad, but I was glad that my TB is an automatic at this point. I've seen a video of a Jeep that stalled and crashed on this section. It is steep, but otherwise there wasn't much to worry about. 4-Low handled it without issues.

Murphy's Hogback from the bottom

My girlfriend sometimes refuses to ride in the truck on sections she thinks are dangerous. I joke with her a bit, although her tolerance is getting better. But, I have found that she's willing to take the phone and video those sections.

[hilljb]

Day 3: Murphy's Hogback to Potato Bottom A -- MUD

We hit mud big-time on day 3 of the trip. There were a few vehicles (mostly with slick road tires) coming in the opposite direction that were stuck for several hours. Luckily, we made it through without issue. Although, truth be told, I've spent $40 to wash the truck since this trip and I still have clay falling off it.

Mud at Potato Bottom

Our lunch spot on day three was a bit epic...

Lunch - Cliff-side

[hilljb]

Day 4: Driving Out and Home

We woke up at Potato Bottom and started the drive out. I have to say that this was probably my favorite section of the trail. There are some steep climbs with switchbacks and you're driving alongside the Green River for most of it. We hit a few more muddy sections and crossed a few small rivers, but nothing major. The truck was pretty caked in red mud at this point.

The End of the White Rim Trail - photobombed by a bighorn sheep

The following photo is the first time we hit pavement in 95 miles.

Pavement for the first time in 95 miles

We drove to the Island in the Sky visitor center and watched as one person after another pointed at and commented on the truck being so muddy. Here's what the TB looked like sitting in the parking lot there.

One of these things is not like the others...

[bartonmd]

Cool! Looks like a great time!

Mike