Half the White Rim Trail

[IntrepidXJ]

September 10-11, 2011

The White Rim Trail seems to be the one I just can’t complete. I’ve been wanting to for years, but it just never seems to happen. The first big issue for me is getting a permit to camp along the trail (yes, I know I could probably get around the full trail in a day if I wanted, but I would prefer to enjoy it and not rush through it). I dislike planning my weekend trips too far in advance, so in the past I have always just never bothered to try to get a permit. Finally, last year I decided I really was going to try and get a permit so that I could drive the trail near the end of the year. Unfortunately, a storm managed to wash out the Mineral Bottom switchbacks making a complete loop impossible for a while. Once they repaired the switchbacks earlier this year I actually managed to reserve a permit for September. Who knew that the Green River would flood for much of the spring and summer and the road would again be closed? I was hoping Canyonlands would open the road right before our trip this last weekend, but thanks to anothe storm causing some damage to the switchbacks again on Friday, it just wasn’t in the cards this time. We decided to drive to our campsite at Murphy Hogback on Saturday and then drive back out the same way on Sunday. Even though we didn’t get to complete the full loop, we had a great time and am glad we still went. I guess there’s always next year to try again! On a side note, the park opened up the complete loop again on Tuesday…..we were just a few days too early….oh well!

Maybe you’ll be pleasantly surprised to find out that there is not going to be any rock art photos in this trip report! It was actually kind of nice to get back into taking photos of the landscape and my Jeep. Enjoy the photos!


Shafer Trail by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

A few of the switchbacks on the Shafer Trail that take you down to the White Rim from the Island in the Sky.


Colorado River Overlook by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

We stopped at the Colorado River Overlook across from the The Gooseneck.


White Rim Trail by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

My Jeep on the White Rim Trail headed towards the Island in the Sky.


Descending Towards the Airport by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Following the road down towards Airport Tower.


Head of Lathrop by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

This road would be much shorter if it didn’t have to avoid many deep canyons along the route. Here it loops around the head of Lathrop Canyon.


Colorado River by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

We took the side trip down Lathrop Canyon to the Colorado River. We saw no one on the river while we were there. I’d love to float this section of the river in the future!


Lathrop Canyon Intersection by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Back at the signed intersection for Lathrop Canyon and the White Rim.


On the Edge by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Skirting around another deep canyon cut into the White Rim. Washer Woman Arch and Monster Tower can be seen in the distance. We also spotted Mesa Arch from the trail (not visible in any photos I have posted) which looked tiny from below.


White Rim View by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

View down into a deep chasm with the Island in the Sky in the background.


Rubicon by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

After we got up to our campsite on Murphy Hogback and setup camp we still had plenty of daylight left, so we decided to continue driving to the Candlestick campsite and then turned around. Looking ahead in this photo you can see the top of the Turks Head which is in a meander of the Green River.


Island in the Sky by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

On our way back to camp again. Nice lighting on the Island in the Sky in the background.

[IntrepidXJ]

Great Campsite by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

How do you know when you’ve found a great campsite?


Rainbow Over the Island by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Another view of the rainbow over the Island in the Sky.


Murphy View by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

A view from Murphy Hogback from near our campsite.


Green River View by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

A view of the Green River peeking out from between the canyon walls as the sun sets.


Green River Sunset by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

The sun dips below the horizon over the Green River.


White Rim Sunrise by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

The weather was perfect overnight. I slept great! The following morning I got up just in time to catch the sun rise over the Island in the Sky.


Murphy Hogback by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

The Murphy Hogback in early morning light. The Maze in the distance. We were able to see Standing Rock and Chimney Rock over the the Maze District which reminded me of our great trip in April over there. I need to get back soon!


Off the Hogback by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Heading down off the hogback and starting our way back home.


White Crack by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

The intersection that heads to the White Crack. We had driven out there on Saturday and hiked out to the end.


Jeep On the White Rim by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

Just another photo of my Jeep on the White Rim.


Headed Back by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr

The long road back home.

[chaos]

That looks like such great trip. I have boated the green on the friendship cruise. I need to drive it. Thanks for the photos

[ibenick]

Awesome, Randy. That sucks you didn't get to do the whole loop though. I think I might just have to add this to the to-do list. Have any recommendations on the best campsites (with photography in mind)?

[IntrepidXJ]

Of the campsites I saw, I thought Murphy Hogback was one of the better ones. White Crack looked like it could be a good one, too.

[accadacca]

Great stuff!

[Big_E!]

Definitely on my list of to do's! Thanks for sharing.

[Sombeech]

Awesome photos yet again!

[Candace66]

Nice report, beautiful photos! A few years ago, I did the whole loop in one day (clockwise). Meaning I ended up driving about the last 1/3 in the dark! And I didn't do any of the side trips. I definitely want to do it again the right way. Thanks for the inspiration.

[Sandstone Addiction]

Wow, amazing photos!

What's the road conditions like? Did you have to shift into 4 wheel drive at all?

How many people did you cross paths with out there?

Thanks for sharing!

Dave

[IntrepidXJ]

Wow, amazing photos!

What's the road conditions like? Did you have to shift into 4 wheel drive at all?

How many people did you cross paths with out there?

Thanks for sharing!

Dave

When I drove it, the road to Murphy Hogback was in good shape, but beyond there it got a little rougher....probably because it had been closed for a while and no one was going past Murphy Hogback...

I did not need to use 4wd.

I crossed paths with a few mountain bikers and one ranger.....and maybe two other vehicles the whole weekend. It was pretty quiet out there that weekend.

[cw50must]

Those are some really nice Pictures, thanks.