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White Rim Overlook

Rating: 
Round Trip Distance: 1.9 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation: 6109 - 6264 feet
Cellphone: 0-3 bars
Time: 1 hr.
Trailhead: White Rim Overlook
Fee: $30/vehicle
Attractions: Scenic views




The White Rim Overlook trail is located in the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands National Park west of Moab, Utah. Canyonlands National Park is about 120 miles from Grand Junction, Colorado and 32 miles from Moab, Utah. The White Rim is the layer of sandstone that caps the Organ Rock formation. When you look down from the Island in the Sky at the lower elevations the exposed rock of the White Rim formation makes the canyons below it look like the cliff has been traced with a large whitish crayon. The White Rim Road can be seen from the Island in the Sky as it snakes around the bench far below.



The trail begins by crossing an expanse of slickrock that makes it a little confusing to tell exactly which way to go. There is a wooden trail sign a hundred yards or so away that is a good target to aim for.


At the wooden trail sign the White Rim Overlook trail branches off to the right. The trail straight ahead is the Gooseberry trail that will take you over the side of the cliffs to the White Rim Road.


The White Rim Overlook trail is well packed and easy to follow.


The closer the trail comes to the point the narrower it becomes.


The rocks at the very end of the peninsula are broken up to the point that they aren't very inviting to walk on.


The views of the canyons of Monument Basin are incredible. The best view of the Colorado River from the Island in the Sky District is probably from this overlook.


Rock climbers hike down into Monument Basin to scale its pinnacles and cliffs.


The Needles District of Canyonlands National Park can be seen to the south across the Colorado River.


There are several nice picnic areas around the loop near the trailhead.


The White Rim Overlook is an easy trail with some spectacular views. The trail is suitable for small children although you may want to have them on a tight leash around the cliffs. If you have the time on your next visit to the Island in the Sky you won't be disappointed with the views. If you would like to see it for yourself then all you have to do is 'Take a hike'.