White Rim!

[Pivvay]

I can't believe none of us have brought this one up yet. Marni and I just did it as a 2 day this weekend. It's a good beginner multiday if you have support or a strong person to lug the extra water. I'd do it as up to a 3 day with beginners if I had a BOB to haul the extra water.

JK asked for a gear list so I'll try to work on that (didn't make one pre trip, just packed what we needed) but here's some pictures and write up from my perspective and Marni's.

http://slipangles.blogspot.com/2008/10/linked.html
http://mrspivvay.blogspot.com/2008/10/white-rim-take-2.html

[ScottM]

Nice stuff, Chris.  I've never done WR at all, and it looks like I need to put it on the list.

I'd like to add it to the "Route Matrix" and make a page.  Any interest in owning a White Rim page?  It doesn't take too much, just a picture, some descriptions, advice, maybe some GPS data (I'm sure I can find a file if you don't have it).

I'd love to see a gear list from your trip on the personal setups area, too.

Thanks.

[Eric]

that's awesome you carried all the water for 2 days with lightweight means.

The time I did it as an overnight with 4 people total and we used 2 trailers. Kinda a drag... (literally)

[Pivvay]

Nice stuff, Chris.  I've never done WR at all, and it looks like I need to put it on the list.

I'd like to add it to the "Route Matrix" and make a page.  Any interest in owning a White Rim page?  It doesn't take too much, just a picture, some descriptions, advice, maybe some GPS data (I'm sure I can find a file if you don't have it).

I'd love to see a gear list from your trip on the personal setups area, too.

Thanks.

Sure I can do all that Scott, it might take me a little while. I do have a GPS track (although if you get lost you're an idiot) and some good photos and data.

My gear list is on my blog right now so I can probably convert it to here without too much effort. It's not very pretty though but it is posted

[ScottM]

Cool, thanks Chris.  No rush on any of it.

I saw your gear list on the blog -- maybe not so pretty but very thorough.  Should be an easy cut n' paste job into word press.

Thanks and let me know if you run into any issues.

[ScottM]

Chris -- I created a White Rim page and made you the author.  Right now the routes are "pages" rather than "posts" so you'll need to look for it there when you get to it.

[DeanHill]

You can also make it easier planing wise to do it in a day.    Or one day it from town and add in the descent down Gemini brides and skip Shaffer hill.   The way I've done this it is right around 140 miles.   There is now a tour company in Moab offering One day supported trips on the White Rim.  I did one this year and it was the best time I've ever had.  They suppied a shuttle, a fully stocked half way lunch stop with shade, and a water stash 3/4 of the way.  And there just good people.   

http://magpieadventures.com/

[Pivvay]

Yea I've done it in a day a bunch of times but it's a lot of fun to camp out in the desert

[vaporjourney]

can anyone comment on stealth camping on the white rim?  I know its a bit of a shady subject.  I'd love to add the White Rim into my larger 1,600 mile utah loop this spring, but I'm well aware that campsites are supposed to be reserved months and months in advance for this popular trip.  Seems like it'd be easy to follow Leave No Trace principles, traveling solo and unsupported, throw down a bivy for the night in some nondescript place without a BOB trailer, rise early in the morning and keep going.  Is this feasable?  Are there loads of park rangers patrolling this popular section to make sure that this doesn't happen?

Finally:  is late april/early may a complete and annoying zoo on the rim with dozens of bike tours going on, as well as 4wd tours? 

[frejwilk]

Late April / early May is a very busy time on the White Rim. Whether it seems like a zoo depends on your perspective. I've always enjoyed being out there then.

You only need a campsite reservation inside Canyonlands National Park. You could camp outside the park along the Green River and along the Potash road. It's only about 70mi from boundary to boundary inside the park. I'd recommend using the Postash road on your way in or out, if you're off road touring it from Moab. You could also use the Gemini Bridges road on the other end and avoid more pavement.

It would be relatively easy for someone traveling light and riding late / starting early to stealth camp in the park. Anyone with a more elaborate camp, and time spent there, would more likely someone have noticing them.

If seventy miles isn't too far, I'd recommend just camping outside the park. It doesn't seem like it would be an issue for you.

Sounds like you've got a big ride planned. Have fun.

FW