Your Virtual Guide to Adventure Outdoors!
Your Virtual Guide to Adventure Outdoors!
Utah 
Mtn. Biking Maps & Trails
Maps
& Trails
Virtual
Slickrock Trail
Virtual
Poison Spider Mesa Trail
Virtual
Porcupine Rim Trail
Canyonlands:The
Needles, Biking & Hiking Trails
Gemini Bridges Mtn. Biking Trail Guide
Poison Spider Mesa &Portal
Trails
The White Rim Trail Guide
White Rim Trail Campsites
Click for full-sized view
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The Needles, Biking & Hiking Trails
SHORT HIKING TRAILS (Round Trip), Distance(Approximate), Hiking Time, Features
Roadside Ruin .3 mi./.5 km 30 min. Hard surface, well maintained
Pothole Point .6 mi. /l km 45 min. Slickrock, uneven surface
Cave Spring .6 mi./l km 45 min. Slickrock, two wood ladders, cowboy camp
Slickrock Foot Trail 2.4 mi./4 km 2-3 hr. Slickrock, little shade, mesa top, uneven . surface, canyon view
LONG BIKING TRAILS (Round Trip), Distance(Approximate), Biking Time, Features
Squaw Flat Trailhead
Big Spring-Squaw Canyon 7.5 mi./12 km 3-4 hr. Washes, slickrock pass with sheer drop-offs
Peekaboo 10 mi./l6.5 km 5-6 hr. Slickrock, sheer drop-offs, two ladders
Squaw-Lost Canyon 8.7 mi./l4 km 4-6 hr. Ladder, washes, slickrock pass, sheer drop- . offs
Big Spring-Elephant Canyon 10.8 mi./17 km 4-6 hr. Slickrock pass with sheer drop-offs and . ladders
Elephant Hill Trailhead
Lower Red Lake Canyon Trail 19 mi./31 km Overnight 1,400 ft. elevation change, canyon hiking
Elephant Canyon to Chesler Park (the Needles) 6 mi./l 0 km 3-4 hr. Loose rock, slickrock
Elephant Canyon and Chesler Park Loop 11 mi./l8 km 5-7 hr. Varied terrain, narrow sections
Elephant Canyon to the Joint Trail 10 mi./l6.5 km 5-6 hr. Varied terrain, narrow sections
Elephant Canyon and Devils Kitchen Loop 11 mi./l8.5 km 5-7 hr. Varied terrain
Elephant Canyon to Druid Arch 11 mi./l8 km 5-7 hr. Sandy wash with steep slickrock in places, . ladder
Big Spring Trailhead
Confluence Overlook 11 mi./l8 km 4-6 hr. Little shade, one ladder, view of Green and Colorado rivers
Trailheads Accessed by Four-wheel-drive Roads
the Trails(Round Trip), Distance(Approximate), Biking Time, Features
Chesler Park Loop 4.9 mi./8 km 3-4 hr. Varied terrain, narrow section through Joint
Joint Trail 1 mi./1.5 km 45 min. Narrow crack
Devils Kitchen Loop 5.1 mi./8 km 3-4 hr. Varied terrain
Upper Salt Creek 28 mi./46.5 km Overnight Sandy wash, occasional dense brush
Angel Arch 1 mi./1.5 km 30 min. Hard surface, slickrock, view of arch
Castle Arch .8 mi./l km 30 min. Primitive trail, view of arch
Fortress Arch 1 mi./1.5 km 45 min. Primitive trail, view of arch
Confluence Overlook 1 mi./1.5 km 45 min. Slickrock, view of Green and Colorado rivers
Many trails interconnect allowing for a variety of options for day or overnight bike adventures!
Trails
Trails are marked with cairns (small rock piles). Please do not disturb cairns or build new ones. Signs are located at trailheads and intersections. All backcountry trails are primitive and rough. Water may be found in some canyons, but is rarely available in others. All water should be purified before drinking. Spring and fall are the preferred times of year for hiking due to temperature and water availability.
Day Use Permits
Traveling on four-wheel-drive roads into Salt Creek, Horse and Lavender canyons by vehicle, bicycle or horse requires a day use permit. (See map, or Visitor Center for permit information.)
Backcountry Permits
All overnight stays, except those at Squaw Flat Campground, require a backcountry permit. Visitors are responsible for knowing and following backcountry regulations. (See map, or Visitor Center for permit information.)
Pets
Pets are only permitted on paved and two wheel-drive roads. Pets are not allowed on trails or four-wheel-drive roads (either inside or outside of a vehicle). Pets are permitted in your campsite at Squaw Flat Campground. Pets must be leashed at all times.
Crypto-biotic Soil Crusts
An important feature of the Colorado Plateau is the black, knobby crust often seen growing on soil surfaces. Cryptobiotic soil holds moisture, prevents erosion and contributes nutrients to the desert environment. The crust is easily broken and crushed by tracks. Please do not step or drive on these living soils.
Safety Information
The high desert is a land of extremes. For a safe and enjoyable visit, please follow these guidelines:
Drink a minimum of one gallon of water per day! More for very active people.
Avoid overexposure to the intense sun. Carry long pants and shirt, as well as a hat. Sun-block is a must.
Spring, summer and fall temperatures may become extremely hot. Save strenuous activity for morning or evening hours.
During winter, temperatures drop well below freezing. Wear warm wool or synthetic clothing. Carry storm gear and a flashlight.
During lightning storms avoid lone trees, cliff edges and high ridges. Return to your vehicle if possible.
Watch weather conditions. Slickrock lives up to its name when wet or icy!
Remember that climbing up is easier than climbing down.
Flash floods occur with amazing rapidity. When caught in flash flood conditions, go to high ground. Do not attempt to drive through washes in flood. Get out of dead end canyons.
Group members should stay together to avoid becoming lost.
If you become lost, stay where you are. Make your location as obvious as possible to searchers.
More Information:
Canyonlands National Park
2282 S. West Resource Blvd.
Moab, Ut. 84532
or call, 801-259-7164
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Click for a great view!
The White Rim Road offers the opportunity to explore and discover the backcountry of Canyonlands National Park. The 100 mile (16l km) trip traverses the edge of the canyons above the Green and Colorado Rivers as it loops around the Island in the Sky mesa. Access is by the Shafer Trail Road or Mineral Road, both descend about 1,400 feet (427m) through a series of narrow switchbacks. The rough and rocky road is considered moderately difficult for four-wheel-drive vehicles and the many steep hills make it challenging for mountain bikes. Either way, modern adventurers are exposed to a wonderful panorama of scenic red rock canyons and desert skies.
Planning Your Trip
Trips usually take two to three days by four-wheel-drive and three to four days by mountain bike. Twenty campsites are arranged in ten locations; refer to the chart and map for locations, mileage’s, and maximum group sizes. You must stay in a designated campsite. If your time is limited, consider spending a night at a campsite closer to the visitor center, then backtrack the next day. Traveling in for a few hours and then back out on a day trip is also possible if no campsite is available. A support vehicle to carry water and equipment is highly recommended on a multi-day mountain bike trip. A backcountry permit and ~$25 fee are required for all overnight stays. Mid-March through October a park entrance fee is charged per vehicle too.
Reservations
The White Rim is very popular. Reservations are highly recommended so campsites will be available for you when you arrive. Reservation requests are accepted by mail or in person. Please include your name; address; daytime telephone number; the number of people, four-wheel-drive vehicles, and mountain bikes in your group; and your preferred campsites and dates. It is best to include alternate dates and campsites. Each reservation request or permit issued must include the fees too, (check or money order: payable to National Park Service) for each trip planned. The fee is nonrefundable once the trip is confirmed. Write to White Rim Reservation Office, 125 West 200 South, Moab, Utah 84532. Telefaxs are not accepted. Information: 801 259-4351. Reservation requests are accepted (postmarked) beginning the second Monday in July for the following year and are processed in the order they are received. We will return a written confirmation.
To increase your chances of getting a reservation, make your request as early as possible and be flexible on dates and campsites. Weekends and holidays in the spring and fall are busiest. If possible, plan your trip to start Sunday through Wednesday. When requesting campsites, consider traveling east to west. Most people go this way; with everyone traveling in the same direction, you are less likely to see other groups.
Weather
May and April are pleasant months in the desert. Expect high temperatures of 60 to 85*F (15-29*C) and lows of 30 to 50*F (minus 1-10*C). The peak wildflower bloom is early May. Strong winds are common and it is the beginning of the gnat season. June through early September is warmer with highs of 80 to 11O*F (26-43*C) and lows of 50 to 70*F (10-21*C). The weather is cooler September through October with highs of 60 to 85*F (15-29*C) and lows of 30 to 50*F (minus 1-10*C), but a little less predictable with rain possible. November through March is very unpredictable with equal chances clear skies or snow storms. Highs can be 10 to 50*F (minus 12-10*C) with lows of -10 to30*F (minus 23-minus 1*C). Sections of road on shaded hillsides often remain icy for months. Carrying two pairs of chains and traveling in groups of two vehicles is recommended in winter.
Preparations
Check your equipment; a breakdown could spoil your trip and a tow will cost hundreds of dollars. Four-wheel-drive vehicles should carry an inflated spare tire, jack, lug wrench, tool kit, shovel, extra water, and enough gas to drive 200 miles (322km). Bicyclists should have a patch kit, pump, spare tube, tools, water bottles, helmet, gloves, and should be in good physical condition. Topographic maps are available in advance from Canyonlands Natural History Association, 30 South 100 East, Moab, UT 84532, or telephone 801 259-6003. Bring and drink a minimum of one gallon of water per person per day. There is no water available at the visitor center and you should not expect to find any on the trip. Purchase supplies and top off your gas tank before arriving at the visitor center. The nearest facilities are in Moab, 32 miles away. Pets, weapons, and wood fires are prohibited. You may have a charcoal fire if you provide your own fire pan and pack out all ashes.
Heat, intense sunlight, low humidity, and high elevation require humans to adapt to the desert. It may mean more than the difference between being comfortable or uncomfortable; it may mean your survival.
Carry and drink one gallon of water per person each day. Active people may require more. Don't wait until you become thirsty, drink often.
Avoid overexposure to intense sun. Carry long pants and a long sleeve shirt and be prepared to wear them. Wear a hat or helmet and sunglasses. Sunscreen alone will not protect you. Limit your exposure.
Save strenuous activity for early morning or late afternoon. Like desert animals, take it easy during the heat of the day
Be careful near cliff edges; you will not survive a long fall.
Flashfloods can occur without warning, often from a storm many miles away. Never camp in a dry wash or try to drive or walk across a wash in flood. Do not travel in Lathrop or Taylor Canyons when thunderstorms threaten.
If you become lost or separated from your group, remain where you are. Protect yourself from the sun and await rescue.
When You Arrive
Overnight campers must pick up a backcountry permit at the Island in the Sky Visitor Center. Your reservation confirmation letter holds your campsites for you, it is not your backcountry permit. If you do not pick up your permit for reserved campsites by 11 a.m. on the first scheduled day of your trip or telephone to let us know you will be late, your campsites become available to other visitors. It is also possible to pick up your permit one day before your trip begins. All non-reserved campsites are available; first come, first served. The visitor center will also have the latest weather and road conditions, and maps for sale. You may leave vehicles at the visitor center during your trip but do not leave anything of value inside.
On the Road
Watch ahead for approaching vehicles. Some steep hills do not have enough room to pass so wait until the road is clear. If you do meet on a hill, there is no standard for who backs up, common sense and safety should decide. If you see another vehicle coming, arrange to meet in a place that is wide enough to pass. Motorized vehicles should yield to bicycles. Bicyclists should wear a helmet; it may save your life or prevent life-altering injuries!
Emergencies
If you have mechanical problems and can't go on, it is best to wait with the vehicle. Other groups will pass and you can send a message to the visitor center with them. Include the date and time, your name, permit number, location, and describe the problem and what you may need to get going again. Four-wheel-drive tow trucks are available in Moab but may take a day or more to reach you. In a medical emergency the same principles apply. Park Rangers on patrol and most commercial-guides have medical training. Help others having problems and someday the favor will be returned.
In Camp
Keep a clean camp by packing out all your trash. Food scraps attract ants (a primary food of scorpions) and mice (a primary food of rattlesnakes). You get the picture. Do not put trash in privies as it makes them impossible to pump out. Strain dishwater to remove food scraps then pour it on plants away from camp or into the privy vault. Sound travels easily in the desert; please respect the solitude of others.
Protecting the Park
Crypto-biotic Crust
An important feature of the Colorado Plateau is the black knobby surface commonly seen growing on the soil. Crypto-biotic crust, also known as cryptogamic soil, is a combination of organisms that perform an important function in the desert. The organisms hold moisture, prevent erosion, and contribute nitrogen and carbon to the shallow soil. This thin crust is easily crushed by footsteps and tires and then blown away by the wind. Fortunately, because of its distinctive appearance, it can be easily recognized and avoided. Please do not walk on crypto-biotic crust. Walk on exposed rock, in dry washes, or stay on trails and roads.
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