A White-Knuckle Drive On the Edge - The White Rim Road

The White Rim Trail is a jeep road that wanders for 100 miles along the brink of the Colorado and Green River canyons in a remote area of Canyonlands National Park.
I drove a section of this road - in a full-size pickup hauling a pickup camper - and filmed a scary cliff-hanging three miles of it between Musselman Arch and the intersection with Potash Road and the Shafer Trail.
If you are afraid of heights, you might want to avoid this video.
I shot this on an all-weather pocket camera, the Nikon Coolpix AW-100 mounted on a suction cup base stuck to the outside of the windshield.
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I love travel, adventure and the out-of-doors. From backpacking to car camping to full-time RV-ing or living in a log cabin, I have been there and done that, and sharing my adventures with others makes life even more enjoyable! Please Like and Subscribe!

[@max7143]

Last thing I would expect would be a freaking dump truck 😂

[@rogermetzger7335]

Thanks for making this video without music.

[@rasims49]

You are welcome. Actually, the hum of the diesel engine is music to my ears.

[@blueelephantthailandtours8860]

Oh wow !! driving on the rim

[@JohnHMoore]

Dude, 6:16 is literally the stuff nightmares are made of!!!!

[@thomasallen4340]

Live the sound of that diesal

[@rasims49]

Heh, me too!

[@ryanirvin9886]

This video answers my question, if my half ton RAM would be safe on this trail. It is on top of the list.

[@rasims49]

I'm sure you'll be fine. I did not drive the whole loop because the road was SO rough I thought it would scramble the eggs in my camper fridge! So I went out and back part way and did the river crossing twice. Have fun!

[@robwastman4993]

I enjoy watching these videos of places I would never think of driving a car.

[@ahbenjamin2889]

i could never do this. don't have the guts. great video - thank you so much sir.

[@cambrosn]

How is that road not one way? Yikes!

[@dunnebug]

I was thinking the same thing.

[@rasims49]

I don't know, maybe because there is so little traffic so far. Only like 20 permits per day or something like that. Not many people out there.

[@jamespolucha6911]

I’m going to Moab in May for a dirt bike trip and can’t wait

[@deborahmcleod-morris6290]

spectacular views

[@davemasbutter266]

I’ve driven this road in my Raptor & wife hated every minute of it

[@CaptAdell]

Full size over lander, love it !

[@jonwolfe2936]

What a Beautiful Drive and you did a wonderful job of narrating your adventure...Must put this one on my Bucket List...

[@rasims49]

Great to hear from you Jon, I hope you have a great time on the drive!

[@rasims49]

Hello Jon, are you gonna do the White Rim Trail this year?

[@dezertraider]

Thank you Rob,Fantastic! I have done part of Lockhart Basin and Beef basin,This looks like a well maintained trail/Road ,I just put on my bucket list..TY73s

[@rasims49]

Thanks, Ralph, I'm glad you liked it. I agree the trail is pretty well maintained at least at the east end. I don't know about the middle parts, but I have heard/read that they are rougher. That's partly why I didn't do the whole trail with the camper. I think if you drive an SUV or Jeep you will enjoy the whole thing. Happy trails!

[@Itsjusttim365]

Balls of steel. Lol. Awesome video

[@rasims49]

Heh, thanks! I just hope for the best and take what comes, I guess. Have a great day!

[@mapmaker1697]

Lol, the face you made walking back to your truck cracked me up. I'd have made the same face!

[@TRAVELLLINGCHI]

Thank you so much for this! I had been wanting to do this trip for a few years and just about this time last year, I finally did it! All the way down from Islands in the Sky Visitor Centre....yep, I came down those crazy switchbacks in a Nissan Rogue !!!! Amazing amazing trip. I think I saw Jesus, a few times on it.....Dude, when you met the white truck, I felt I was IN YOUR TRUCK with you! Love you clip...and I've subscribed too! Keep travelling and smiling, my friend!

[@rasims49]

Thank you! I'm glad you were able to do the drive!

[@brucestephenson5962]

So there are camp grounds along this trail?

[@TRAVELLLINGCHI]

@@brucestephenson5962 None at all, my friend. As my University Professor would say 'Govern yourself accordingly 😊'.... It's probably the most nerve wracking road I've ever driven on....... and I've driven on some real scary roads (The Dalton in Alaska, The Dempster past the Arctic Circle in Canada, the James Bay Highway to The Hudson Bay in Northern Quebec....... but this stands out as 'Jesus meeting driving!'

[@daveeady8244]

Crazy!

[@mr.commander3947]

this cummins diesel is damp loud , man. the view is amazing.

[@Outdoorlinda]

Great !

[@christinemichele2318]

Ive driven this road with my husband on our honeymoon. I’d love to hike it.....

[@rasims49]

More people bike it than hike it, but either way it will be the experience of a life time. Have fun!

[@MOAB-UT]

It's too exposed and l o n g to hike IMO. Bike is better and a Jeep with A/C and snacks even better than that!

[@crismoore6811]

High 5. I went that and shafer. I had a subaru out back. 20 years ago both were not really roads. Lots of stones, rocks, ditches. Many times I had to maneuver to go on. Honestly: scary. I think going those paths aged me me a few yrs. Lol When I got to bottom we swam in Colorado.

[@davefaceparty1614]

Awesome video, thanks for uploading this! I've stood at top looking down and the roads up looked terrifying, lol. I kind of want to do it - but for now, I'm sticking to the main road in to island in the sky lol. It's on my list though, which means i have to do it one day.

[@rasims49]

I hope you do it! It will be quite the adventure!

[@davefaceparty1614]

It looks amazing. Thanks!

[@mikerobbins5049]

We have done Shaffer Switchbacks several times and been out White rim as far as Musslemans Arch. (IN a Jeep). Hope to be able to do the entire white Rim trail someday.

[@rasims49]

I hope you get the chance to do it! Have fun!

[@stevenmoore4078]

Whoa.

[@joewilkerson3444]

Great video. I am not very familiar with this park and have mostly just seen it in Magazines ect. I don't believe I'd do this one in a truck camper or like someone else said, towing a trailer. Bring on the nerve pills. I would do it in my Jeep though. I've always said that the south west had a special beauty of its own. Thank for the ride.

[@rasims49]

Joe, you are so right: most of the vehicles on this road are high clearance Jeeps and SUVs. I had plenty of clearance and 4WD, but the high profile of the camper makes it rock and roll a lot on uneven roads, so I had to take it pretty slow. Your Jeep will have no problems here. The park service limits the number of permits they issue daily, so this cool spot will hopefully never be overrun with crowds like you see nearby at Arches N.P. Thanks for the comment!

[@JpOcDenver]

Can’t wait to do this on my motorcycle.

[@rasims49]

That sounds like a lot of fun!

[@MOAB-UT]

I've driven many trails in MOAB. This one is special. It will get your attention- but the views are great. I definitely recommend the ride at least as far down to Muscleman Arch (not very far- permit still required for White Rim.) One day I would like to explore more of this trail. The entire Shafer tail is also great- not nearly as intimidating.

[@rasims49]

Yes, it is all pretty spectacular!

[@explorewithme4707]

Probably shouldn’t drive that huge truck out there.🤦 But thx for the video.👍

[@jaelee7844]

I did it in a day from mineral bottom to potash road. When I arrive Moab that night, it was dark.

[@rasims49]

You have to be pretty determined to do that road in a day; good job! When I got back to Moab after my day out and back on the WRT I first rewarded my truck for a job well done by taking it through the car wash, then rewarded myself by heading across the street to the Moab Brewery for a burger. Then went to bed early.

[@Meekerextreme]

@@rasims49 Us riders do it in a day, benefit of motorcycles.

[@rasims49]

@@Meekerextreme Okay then! I couldn't do it even on a dirt bike; Stopping too often for photos!

[@jimthompson717]

My life is too precious to risk it.

[@OldBrownDog]

I did not expect to see a ten wheeler. And he took the cliff side like a pro. Amazing place to visit but wouldn't want to live there.

[@harvey6864]

must have given the cooling system a workout.

[@annsaniam]

Loved this! did the Shafer trail from the rim to the potash road in '89 in a Suberu wagon, Husband driving - I shot no stills going down the switchbacks - even more nail biting than this section of white rim. I'm sure you knew not to try going up the Shafer switchbacks. DId you drive the whole white rim? So envious... thanks for posting

[@rasims49]

Hi! No, I didn't do the whole rim. I drove out from Moab on the Potash Road as far as Musselman Arch and returned the same way. I actually had a reservation for one of the campsites at White Crack but decided I didn't have time to do the whole loop. Yeah, I looked at the Shafer Trail from above and saw a Subaru wagon stop and back up to make one of the turns. Knew at that moment that I would not be able to maneuver it with a full size pickup and camper. Also, my emotional adventure quotient was depleted and I was running short on nerve. Glad I skipped it.

[@annsaniam]

better skip the Moki Dugway, too, then :-) Happy trails! Hope you post more adventures

[@rasims49]

Hmm, it seems if it is do-able with a Suburban, it ought to work for a full-size pickup and camper. Oh, well, I'm not going back to try it.

[@alsantos5518]

thanks for fliming this. Im waiting for my RV Van Sprinter high top 4x4 Revel.. Would you recomend me doing this solo in the spring. I have no overlanding or 4x4 experience like this. I heard Utah soil gets tricky when its rain. Thoughts?

[@rasims49]

Hello, Al! 4x4 and high clearance are the two most essential options, but it might be good to check with the outfitters in Moab before heading out if you are in doubt at all or call the park service for the current conditions. Have fun, and be safe!

[@alsantos5518]

@@rasims49 thanks

[@mikioni]

Scary .

[@joanmarshall6653]

Nearly all the videos I’ve seen do great views of the Shafer Road and then stop.

[@rasims49]

I wonder if it is because the White Rim drive requires a bigger commitment. A few will take part of it out-and-back like I did, but many will do the entire 100 miles over a couple of days. The Shafer Road can be done in a couple of hours so it gets a lot more traffic... and resulting videos.

[@travelingman21000]

Good video, coming head to head another vehicle is a problem from time to time on this trail. We did the WRT 5 times hauling our Lance 815 camper. What kind of TC do you have?

[@rasims49]

Hello, traveling man! I am hauling a 1998 Wolverine camper that I bought used. I love it; I call it my Mobile Man Cave. Have you ever tried driving the Shafer Trail with the camper? Seems the turns would be challenging. Thanks for your interest!

[@travelingman21000]

I've been on the WRT all time 5 times hauling my Lance 815 on my F250, we made it all the way around twice. You can see a complete trip at my channel, 5 parts. I've also taken Potash out of the WRT. Just a little there was once a site detailing a Unimog doing this trail, my friend has a excellent video I shot on his channel, Truck Camper Adventure climbing Murphy's Hogback. Coming head to head with another vehicle has happen to us, lucky enough not with one as big as your meeting.

[@travelingman21000]

Rob Sims, I've gone down the Shafer switchbacks 5 different times with my Lance 815 on my truck you can see that happening in a couple of my videos. It's really not that hard to do just take your time going down and watch out for the bicyclist they love to zoom down it. My truck is a 2007 F250/ diesel/ext. cab/ long bed

[@laurakurtz4285]

Can this road be driven with a 4wd SUV? How bad is it? We're going at the end of the month and I'm nervous about it. Please give me some insight!

[@rasims49]

Yes, you shouldn't have any trouble. It's rough, so the going will be slow. Have fun!

[@apolonioman5479]

Hi, hopefully you reply... if not it’s fine I guess... but how did you do it for gas? I imagine you gas’d up before headin on the trail and also have extra tanks? Any advice would help. Thinking about doing this but I know you burn a lot of gas when you’re in 4x4

[@rasims49]

Hello, thanks for the question. I did not cover the entire 100-mile loop; leaving Moab with a full tank, I took Potash Road out as far as Musselman Arch and back for a total of about 50 miles. Most of the time I was not in 4WD and was moving pretty slowly, maybe 30 - 35 MPH, so fuel (diesel) consumption was not excessive. Much of the trail follows the plateau and is relatively level. I think most vehicles make the whole loop on one tank of fuel without any need for extra tanks. Maybe others will reply here and report their experiences too. Have a good time!

[@mathejoh]

Good video :) Scary but I did the Himalayan pass which is insane too. This is not that bad :) What were you driving? sounds like a Ram 3500?

[@rasims49]

2004 Ford F-250. We love our diesel trucks, don't we? Mine has over 300K miles on it now and is doing great! Thanks for the comment!

[@mathejoh]

Adventure Bob & Company yes we do :). Heard Wrangler Rubicon will have a diesel option next year!

[@iLuveKatsup]

I was under the impression the trail goes counter clock wise (starting from Shafer) unless of an emergency.

[@rasims49]

Most of the traffic goes clockwise starting at Shafer Trail or Potash road, but to my knowledge there is no regulation either way. Lots of folks - like myself - drive only a part of the trail and then backtrack, like the dirt bikers I met on the trail, and the maintenance truck that I met had to reverse direction at the end of the day to get back to the garage.

[@michael184272]

Both ways...not camp trailer friendly

[@orthzar1012]

the music of diesel

[@temosgarage]

Did you have to do water crossing? I’ve seen a video or two of people crossing the green river or Colorado river at around 4-6 feet deep. I want to do this trail but afraid of doing deep water crossings.

[@rasims49]

No, I have never heard of that. Must be a different trail.

[@temosgarage]

It was on the White Rim trail.

[@temosgarage]

What time of the year did you go on this trail? I plan on going there last week of June, im sure itll be hot by then

[@rasims49]

Yeah, I think the average daytime high temp is around 90 degrees by late June. I was there in late September. Five Foot, I did look around a little and it looks like you are right about the Green River crossing, but the depth of it depends on the weather. It is normally not very deep, but it's probably a good idea to watch the weather before going and then call the park visitors center to ask about water depth. Also, there's no harm in driving that far and taking a look before driving into the river. If you don't feel good about it. turn around and go back the way you came. I didn't go far enough west to get to the Green River, so it is an area I am not familiar with, but that's what I did at the crossing of the Fremont River in Canyonlands. I got out of my truck and waded across first to make sure I wasn't gonna get stuck. Have fun and be safe!

[@rasims49]

On second thought, I don't see anything like a Green River crossing on the WRT on Google Maps. Go figure.

[@billygoat4591]

Did I see GOV plates on that dump truck?

[@davidmull7263]

I'd like to drive this with my very off-road capable teardrop trailer. I will have plenty of ground clearance, but I'm concerned about those hairpin switchbacks. The trailer is 12.5 feet long. Do you think I could make it?

[@rasims49]

Hello, David! I can only tell you about my route which was from Moab via Potash Road as far as Musselman Arch. I have never heard of anybody towing a trailer on the White Rim Road, but I think you could do that route out and back as I did with the pickup. I did not do the Shafer Trail switchbacks or the west half of the White Rim, so I won't make any recommendation there. Some of the outfitters in Moab might be able to answer you more knowledgeably. Be safe, and have fun!

[@davidmull7263]

@@rasims49 Thanks!

[@brads3111]

Im pretty sure this trail is one way only via the canyonlands source.

[@rasims49]

Hi Brad, it's probably a good thing that most people drive or bike the trail in a clockwise, east-to-west direction as there is a minimum of oncoming traffic to encounter (like in this video!). Of course, day trippers who get the day-use permits have to reverse direction to get back to where they came from by day's end as the trail cannot be completed in one day, not to mention road workers like the guy I met who have to return to the county garage by the end of the shift. Also, if the west end of the road is flooded, the trail can't be finished in one direction, so there will always be the possibility of meeting traffic at some point on the trail. I guess that adds to the adventure! Thanks for the comment, and have a great day!

[@DirtRoadie]

It is a two way road. There are only a few spots where passing is truly awkward, notably Hardscrabble Hill and Murphy Hogback. For the most part, the traffic is reasonably light due to the restricted number of permits both for multi-day trips (mostly mountain bike groups) and day travelers (4wd, motorcyles and mountain bikes).

[@gaylefadden-keffer2349]

IS THIS ROAD A ONE WAY RD...? HOPE SO!!!

[@pinzgauer7591]

How wide was your rig? Can an 8ft wide rig make it?

[@rasims49]

My rig is 7 feet wide, but if gravel trucks and heavy equipment can work out there, I suppose your rig can do it too (there was a backhoe parked at Musselman Arch when I was there). Have fun!

[@elli003]

7:23 Enter 2 teenage girls that approach truck. Rock - Paper - Scissors. Dispute settled.

[@utahdan231]

Shafer trail is awesome. Smaller car better. I did it driving Ford Focus. It was very dry and dusty.

[@prandomable]

You did this trail in a low ground 2WD sedan??

[@100mpgus]

wtf. hes gonna have to back up

[@kong3]

White Knuckle ... dont think so.

[@ZachBrimhall]

They should alternate hours of up and down the trail

[@rasims49]

That may be a good idea. I think that their method of controlling the flow is simply by limiting the number of permits they issue for each day. There really is not usually much traffic out there.

[@prandomable]

I was expecting you to let that dump truck instead of that dump truck yielding to you. As he is bigger so harder and more dangerous on a cliff.

[@rasims49]

Yes, I would have been happy to back up if there had been a wide enough spot behind me.

[@arlenehenrikson7953]

This is nothing......it’s a road....I did more my first day in Moab....Fins & Things, pure rock!! Was awesome, Easter Jeep Week...nice views for sure.....😂😂😂

[@mellomike1962]

We did this with a full-size truck and a truck camper, too. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iaKcZ5x8edFoY6M

[@rasims49]

Excellent! Living life large, I guess. You were rocking and rolling on that climb! Love it!

[@TexaSteven]

WTF I’d be like no way man I’m getting out to walk

[@rasims49]

Heh, I know what you mean; my strategy when I came to that spot was to keep my eyes on the road and not look down! Thanks for the comment and have a great day!

[@crawdaddy14]

What kind of jackass makes a dump truck back up? 🤔

[@kong3]

So the skinny bikes are a problem, but your driving a pickup with a camper on a "Jeep Trail"... by your own definition. They are the ones who should be irritated. Dude. I guess it's not a Jeep trail. Btw I've ridden that road multiple times since 1986, dude.

[@randyconklin]

When they are parked in a spot that restricts passing, I would say yes. On the camera it looked like there was plenty of room but hind sight is 20/20.

[@rasims49]

kong3: Dude, I don't think any of us were irritated with each other. Everybody I met was polite and accommodating; nobody seemed to be in a hurry, just soaking in the radical experience. I returned there recently and this time I had to wait for some mountain bikers at a narrow spot. No problem. Glad you have been there and hopefully had a good experience every time! Peace.