Photos and video from the White Rim Trail in Canyonlands National Park
The Shafer Switchbacks. A hell of a descent at the start of the ride on the White Rim Trail.
The White Rim trail in Canyonlands National Park has become a yearly tradition among our group of friends. Each spring we work out the mountain bike kinks and stretch our winter legs by tackling one of the longest rides in Utah. Over 70 miles of dirt road, slickrock and sand makes for a hell of a warmup before the summer months… though not so bad when spread out over four days and three nights.
But the White Rim is so much more than biking. It’s taking a slow, scenic drive in a support vehicle. It’s stopping at every overlook and point of interest for pictures. It’s lounging in the sun with beer in hand at the end of a long day on the saddle. It’s camaraderie with friends. Most of all, it’s about unplugging from the world, if only for a brief moment.
The White Rim Trail is also about taking tons of pictures and video, so check out the photo gallery below and this video shot and edited by Jared Anderton, as images of the White Rim can convey the experience far better than words on the screen.
Photo Gallery – all images by Jared Hargrave
Mountain Bikers descend the Shafer Switchbacks at the start of the White Rim Trail.
Looking across Canyonlands National Park to the La Sal Mountain in the distance.The views never end along the White Rim.
Callista Pearson flexes atop Musselman Arch.
Solitude courtesy of Canyonlands National Park. Although Sheila Warren can't get away from the telephoto lens.
Dusk reveals the layers of pillars and sandstone bluffs in Canyonlands.
Each viewpoint is an opportunity to stop, rest and take in the scenery.
Jared Anderton cruises a buffed out section of road on the White Rim.
Rebecca McFadden and Callista Pearson carefully peer over the edge.
Biking the White Rim can feel like traveling through an iconic southwest painting. Rider: Dani Weigand.
One of many canyons that branch out from the White Rim.
Daniel Kelley rides toward the white rock that the trail is named after.
Evening storm clouds roll in over Canyonlands National Park.
Although wind and dark skies threatened rain, not a single drop fell that night.
Dave Hert admires the desert sunset from the Murphy's campsite.
A support vehicle slowly makes its way down the backside of Murphy's Hogback.
Is there a more spectacular place on earth to lube up a bike?
The White Rim is much more than a biking trip. It's a chance to reflect.
The only wildlife we saw other than suicidal lizards.
Making our way down the Holman Slot Canyon.
Jason Reppart stands in Holman Canyon.
Clear skies at Potato Bottom on the final night on the White Rim Trail.
Spectacular images. I’ve had many great times in this area. I need to get back soon.
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