The White Rim Trail, located in the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands National Park, is truly a special place. This classic tour is a must for anyone visiting Utah’s canyon country, offering a perfect combination of great riding and spectacular scenery. We ride along the “White Rim” layer of sandstone, with dramatic canyons below and majestic red rock cliffs above. The trail leads to arches, towers and other fantastic rock formations. Your guides will lead you on bike and on foot to explore the hidden treasures the White Rim offers. Visit an Indian dwelling of ancient times or perhaps trek into a slot canyon disappearing into the desert sandstone. The White Rim is the trip of a lifetime. On the three-day tour, we ride approximately 30 - 35 miles each day. On the four-day tour, we ride approximately 20 - 25 miles each day.
Itinerary
Day 1: 28 Miles ^3151ft v4156 – Prepare to embark on Utah’s premier mountain bike tour. Get off to a good start by arriving on time, but not early, at 8:00 AM at Rim Tours Headquarters for a continental breakfast of bagels, fruit, coffee, tea and orange juice. If you desire a bigger meal, we recommend the Love Muffin Café, Red Rock Bakery, or the Jailhouse Café. Please be sure to give yourself ample time to wait in line and still be on time to meet at 8 a.m. Please be ready to ride as there are no private areas to change at the trailhead. At this point the group will be meeting the guides, getting fitted to rental bikes, and doing one last gear check, everyone will load personal gear into dry bags and then onto the support vehicle. We will then load into a van and transport the group to the start of the ride, about a 45 minute-1 hour drive. The riding will begin at the top of the Shafer Trail where we will begin our 3-mile descent of 1,200 feet down to the White Rim Layer. The terrain will be rolling with short ups and downs. We will stop at Musselman Arch and take in the scenery. Then we will continue to ride another 4+ miles to our lunch where the guides will put out a fantastic sandwich spread with lots of options. At any point guests may get more water from the support vehicle which will carry all of the group’s personal gear. Following a 28-mile ride, we will arrive at our Campsite Gooseberry. \Points of Interest: Lathrop Canyon, Buck Canyon, Airport Tower, Monster Tower and Washer Woman Arch. Once at camp, the guides will assist you with tent set-up. At this point your work is done! The guides will set up chairs and hors d’oeuvres while you enjoy a cold drink and a healthy delicious meal is prepared. Washbasins are available for personal use and a solar shower is usually available for 1 or 2 nights during the trip. This is your time to relax, whether you chose to lounge around camp with our library of books or set out for an exploratory hike.
Day 1: Approximate milage/elevation: 14-18 miles (22-29km)/ ^2190-2340ft (667-713m) – The White Rim is truly a mountain bike classic. We will meet at Rim Tours HQ at 8:30. Please be on time, but not early. Rim Tours staff will explain to you were to park and where to turn in your vehicle keys. You will also meet your guides and be given expedition style dry bags to stow your personal gear in for the trip. If you are bringing alcohol, please give it to your guides to load onto the truck. No glass or computers in your drybags. If you are renting a bike from Rim Tours, you’ll get to meet it and get fit. Arrive ready to ride. Helmets, shoes, and packs should all be ready to go before you load into the shuttle vehicle. A continental style breakfast will be available at Rim Tours. If you would like to enjoy a proper breakfast we recommend the Love Muffin Café, Red Rock Bakery, or the Jailhouse Café. Please give yourself ample time to wait in line and arrive promptly at 8:30 AM. Following brief introductions, we will load into the shuttle van. It’s almost an hour-long drive to Canyonlands and the start of your adventure. The trip will begin at either the Shafer Trail or the Mineral Bottom Trail. This is determined by campsite reservations available on the White Rim. Once at the put in, we’ll unload the bikes, provide an orientation, then shove off. Our 4x4 tour truck will follow at a distance providing support to the group with water, snacks and a hearty lunch as we make our way to camp. Once at camp, we will unload the truck and set up camp. Once your tent is set up and comfortable, your work is done! Your guides will prepare hors d’oeuvres while you relax and enjoy a well deserved cold drink. Hot washcloths will be made available so you can freshen up while a delicious healthy meal is prepared. This is your time to relax, whether you choose to lounge around camp with our library of books or set out for an exploratory hike. As darkness begins descends, watch the light transform your surrounds and get ready for some truly amazing night skies.
Day 2: 25 Miles ^3475 v3859 – Fill up on breakfast and get ready to pedal and explore the unique canyons on foot. Today’s ride is going to more challenging. There will be a few sections with several steep short climbs, such as the Hogback climb up to the Murphy’s campsites. On the ride will encounter some sections of chunky rock, small to mid-sized rocks, but nothing to worry about. Our guides will prepare you and provide assistance if needed. Lunch will be a set and snacks will also be available to stash in your pack to eat during the ride. Once we return to camp, kick off your cycling shoes and relax as the guides prepare a scrumptious dinner. After dinner there will be opportunities for short walks in the moonlight or time to sit and gaze to the sky. Easily view planets, satellites, the Milky Way, and more in this Gold-Tier International Dark Sky Park! Tonight’s camp: Candlestick Tower Points of interest: Monument Basin, Junction Butte, and White Crack.