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The White Rim (White Rim, Canyonlands, Canyonlands National Park)
Mountain Biking Trail
Hard
102.42 mi
7,391 ft
Pedal through the visually-stunning depths of Canyonlands National Park.
The White Rim Road, running through Canyonlands National Park, is one of Utah’s premier multi-day mountain bike rides. Granted, select badasses will choose to pedal the 102-mile distance (with 7,000 feet of climbing) in one day, but most riders choose to divide the route into 2-4 days.
While the entire White Rim Road is actually a jeep road and not a singletrack trail, most riders still choose a mountain bike as their weapon of choice. Between sandy sections and rough rock slabs, the forgiveness and traction of a mountain bike are much more comfortable and confidence-inspiring than opting for a skinny-tired gravel bike. In fact, recommends a plus-size bike as the ideal choice for this route.
The goal of the trip isn't ripping rad singletrack, but rather total immersion in the stunningly-beautiful wilderness of Canyonlands. Around every corner, a new rock formation emerges—deep canyons, massive rock walls, towering spires, natural arches, and narrow slot canyons.
However you choose to divide the trip up, make sure you plan ahead. All travel on the White Rim requires a permit—even if you do it as a century ride. There are campgrounds spread throughout the route, but you must have specific permits and reservations for the sites you plan to use. Couple the difficulty of scoring permits with the limited access to water, and many people choose to book a paid tour instead of wrangling the logistics on their own.
Paid tours will already have permits, eliminating that challenge. They’ll also haul your gear, food, and water from one campsite to the next, allowing you to ride light and fast. Certain tour companies, like [Western Spirit]( will also prepare gourmet meals for you in the heart of the backcountry—a true treat! Sometimes, the added convenience of a guided tour is worth paying a little extra for.
Sources:
Written by Greg Heil
The White Rim Road, running through Canyonlands National Park, is one of Utah’s premier multi-day mountain bike rides. Granted, select badasses will choose to pedal the 102-mile distance (with 7,000 feet of climbing) in one day, but most riders choose to divide the route into 2-4 days.
While the entire White Rim Road is actually a jeep road and not a singletrack trail, most riders still choose a mountain bike as their weapon of choice. Between sandy sections and rough rock slabs, the forgiveness and traction of a mountain bike are much more comfortable and confidence-inspiring than opting for a skinny-tired gravel bike. In fact, recommends a plus-size bike as the ideal choice for this route.
The goal of the trip isn't ripping rad singletrack, but rather total immersion in the stunningly-beautiful wilderness of Canyonlands. Around every corner, a new rock formation emerges—deep canyons, massive rock walls, towering spires, natural arches, and narrow slot canyons.
However you choose to divide the trip up, make sure you plan ahead. All travel on the White Rim requires a permit—even if you do it as a century ride. There are campgrounds spread throughout the route, but you must have specific permits and reservations for the sites you plan to use. Couple the difficulty of scoring permits with the limited access to water, and many people choose to book a paid tour instead of wrangling the logistics on their own.
Paid tours will already have permits, eliminating that challenge. They’ll also haul your gear, food, and water from one campsite to the next, allowing you to ride light and fast. Certain tour companies, like [Western Spirit]( will also prepare gourmet meals for you in the heart of the backcountry—a true treat! Sometimes, the added convenience of a guided tour is worth paying a little extra for.
Sources:
Written by Greg Heil
Route and Elevation
Segments
Name | Distance | Elev. Diff. | Avg. Grade |
---|---|---|---|
Shafer Down | 2.16 mi | -1,112 ft | -9.7% |
Murphy's | 1.05 mi | 433 ft | 7.7% |
Thinair-Murphy's Climb | 0.29 mi | 220 ft | 14.1% |
Murphy's final push | 0.26 mi | 230 ft | 16.6% |
Murphy's to bottom of Horsethief | 32.94 mi | -1,316 ft | -0.7% |
short stinger after black crack | 0.30 mi | 115 ft | 7.3% |
Climb before Candlestick | 0.15 mi | 79 ft | 9.4% |
Thinair-Hardscrable Climb | 1.20 mi | 377 ft | 5.9% |
Hardscrabble to Obvious Overlook | 1.10 mi | 381 ft | 6.6% |
Hardscrabble Climb | 1.08 mi | 397 ft | 6.9% |
Hardscrabble | 0.88 mi | 364 ft | 7.8% |
Screamer to the River | 0.97 mi | -407 ft | -7.9% |
Last 5 Miles | 5.16 mi | 72 ft | 0.3% |
Mineral Bottom | 2.29 mi | 1,001 ft | 8.3% |
Mineral Bottom Climb | 1.53 mi | 853 ft | 10.5% |
Mineral Bottom climb to overlook | 1.47 mi | 807 ft | 10.4% |