Anyone been out of the White Rim road this summer/fall? We did it last year this same time and didn't have any problems. We are planning to go the route counter clockwise. The NPS post warns of deep sand and we plan to bring traction boards. Just looking for some first hand reports. thanks
White Rim conditions
- Thread starter ronhop
- Start date
- Location
- Grand Junction, CO
This is always a good start... - https://www.nps.gov/cany/planyourvisit/whiterimroad.htm
Current road conditions for the White Rim- https://www.nps.gov/cany/planyourvisit/road-conditions.htm
Looks like you're prepared with the recovery boards;
"White Rim Road 4WD: Due to a deep sand obstacle, recovery boards are strongly recommended for vehicles traveling counter clockwise and climbing up Hardscrabble Hill. Otherwise, road is passable to high-clearance four-wheel-drive.
Even when rated as "passable," four-wheel-drive roads are challenging. High-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicles with a low range gear (4LO) is required on the White Rim Road. Other vehicles (e.g., all-wheel-drive vehicles, and low-clearance or high-clearance two-wheel-drive vehicles) have difficulty negotiating the rough slickrock, loose rocks, deep sand, and steep switchbacks. Permits are required on the White Rim Road.
Carry extra fuel and be prepared to self-rescue. During winter, all vehicles should carry chains."
I don't have any first hand info though.
Current road conditions for the White Rim- https://www.nps.gov/cany/planyourvisit/road-conditions.htm
Looks like you're prepared with the recovery boards;
"White Rim Road 4WD: Due to a deep sand obstacle, recovery boards are strongly recommended for vehicles traveling counter clockwise and climbing up Hardscrabble Hill. Otherwise, road is passable to high-clearance four-wheel-drive.
Even when rated as "passable," four-wheel-drive roads are challenging. High-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicles with a low range gear (4LO) is required on the White Rim Road. Other vehicles (e.g., all-wheel-drive vehicles, and low-clearance or high-clearance two-wheel-drive vehicles) have difficulty negotiating the rough slickrock, loose rocks, deep sand, and steep switchbacks. Permits are required on the White Rim Road.
Carry extra fuel and be prepared to self-rescue. During winter, all vehicles should carry chains."
I don't have any first hand info though.
Homefryy
Active Member
- Location
- Salt Lake City
I did it counterclockwise back in June. The road conditions were great then.
Thanks, I have already reviewed the NPS info, but its hard to gauge the actual severity of things as they always "pad" the report to discourage beginners.
lhracing
Well-Known Member
- Location
- Layton, UT
Did it clockwise 2 weeks ago and the road conditions were great.
zgfiredude
Old Fart in Training...
- Location
- Silt, CO
How long is it taking you guys? I only done by motorcycle.....
lhracing
Well-Known Member
- Location
- Layton, UT
I my opinion the White Rim is not a trail to be in a hurry on, slow down and enjoy the experience. We spent 3 nights, took our time, small hikes and took lots of pictures.
- Location
- Grand Junction, CO
I've done it in a handful of hours on a motorcycle, in an unplanned ride one time.
- https://www.rme4x4.com/threads/ride-over-the-white-rim-trail.107712/Also done it in a 4x4 over 2 days, but like the idea of 3 nights and plenty of hiking. There is a LOT of country out that way to see, best to take your time and take it all in.
zgfiredude
Old Fart in Training...
- Location
- Silt, CO
Oh I get it, just wrapping my head around the transition from motorcycle travel times to Jeep travel times still. I'll start planning a spring trip so I can see what I've missed previously!