White Rim Trail NOV 2024

[SLEDAWG]

I’m finally getting around to posting my Canyonlands White Rim Trail trip. Been on my bucket list for some time and was postponed due to heavy rains a few years ago. This trip worked out great since it was Nov before T-Day, cold 20s at night and there were no crowds! I live in San Diego and headed up through Flagstaff, Monument Valley, Mexican Hat and then north up through Moki Dugway toward Bears Ears.
Couple of stops I recommend:
Navajo National Monument: Great hikes and the only place to camp passing through Indian lands in NE AZ. Free!

Unless you like crowds, just drive through Monument Valley and head towards Mexican Hat, Valley of the Gods and Goosenecks State Park. Had some excitement of a landslide during a stop in Valley of the Gods!

Moki Dugway is an exciting drive similar to the Schaefer Trail and a good warm up for things to come. At the top of the Dugway and to the east is Muley Pt. which has some epic boondocking and overlooks Monument Valley.

Grand Gulch south of Bears Ears NM is loaded with great hikes and exploration. Since it was November, we had the area much to ourselves and were able to get a pass to the Moon House ruins. Bit of a challenging drive and hike into the canyon. Well worth it.

Natural Bridges NM is a favorite of mine. Off the beaten path. My companion for this trip had never been to Arches NP. I was hesitant due to previous experiences with the mobs; fortunately due to the cold it was deserted and a great time.
On to Canyonlands in the next post…..

 

[Sagebrush Reconnoiterer]

Had some excitement of a landslide during a stop in Valley of the Gods.

People are going to have to stop feeding them coyotes! Causes them great amounts of gas ...

 

[SLEDAWG]

The White Rim Trail was more challenging than I expected and I’m glad I had a competent buddy with me for the trip. It started somewhat ominous with the welcoming committee.

We did the trip clockwise.
- Get the book, “The White Rim Trail- Mile by Mile”. Good gouge before and during the trip.
- Take at least two days. We averaged 3 mph bouncing along the rocks. You will need 4wd and low gear especially with a camper.
- Reservations are required to camp. We made them 4 months prior but found out chatting with the ranger that lots of folks don’t show up. Even though everything was booked on the website we found at least half of the camps empty.

Schaefer Trail starts the “fun.” I found it the easiest part of the drive even though it was steep and curvy. I wouldn’t want to do it with mud or snow.

The trail heads along a shelf road for a majority of the trip. The sights make you feel “small” and it is easy to get distracted.

Pictures don’t accurately portray the scenery or the road well. The scenery is epic and the road after Murphy’s Hogback, let’s just say I’m glad my turnbuckles worked well and I think I left imprints in my steering wheel for hanging on so tight! Campsite:

There were lots of stopping to check out the path and views like this of challenging spots.

More to follow…..

 

[Occidental]

Nice report so far, looking forward to the rest!

We have done the WRT once, it's been a few years. 3 MPH is realistic, we had a few groups of bicyclists pass us like we were standing still. The narrow parts with overhangs make you appreciate your smaller rig, for sure.

 

[SLEDAWG]

As mentioned, the later portion of the trail was the most challenging. Sheer cliff on one side and a challenging steep climb that tested my turnbuckles. Glad I replaced them from the stock FWC. No pics but I have videos. I’ll post the video of the climb if I can figure out where to save it. The switchbacks up the Mineral Bottom Trail from the Green River are easy….unless it is wet.

Bucket list checked! Enjoyable trek but I think once is enough.
Horseshoe Canyon and Henry Mts were next on the agenda.

Horseshoe Canyon (Utah) - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

ALIENS?
The galleries were impressive as well as the canyon. I felt small and insignificant in this timeless place.

The hike down to the canyon floor and along the canyon is moderate and not one I would like to do in the summer heat.
Take a picture of the map at the trailhead to reference where the galleries are located.

Despite the clear sky the temps dropped to the teens as a front approached with snow. The Henry Mts had to wait.

I always want to see what is over the next hill. Thanks to all who have posted trips and inspire me to keep wandering!

SLEDAWG

 

[ski3pin]

Very, very, very nice! Thank you for posting and sharing. We enjoyed it greatly.

 

[AWG_Pics]

A great report on a great trip! Glad you went into Horseshoe Canyon - that was the highlight for us last year. Thanks for sharing!

 

[chopyourown]

Thanks for sharing! Having grown up in Utah, the WRT has long been on my bucket list as well. Looks like a fantastic trip.