White Rim Trail washout closes Mineral Bottom switchbacks
A huge washout destroyed the switchbacks at Mineral Bottom, closing the White Rim Trail for several weeks. Photo: Moab Mike
Mountain bikers and four-wheel-drive enthusiasts with permits to ride the White Rim Trail will have to change their plans after a huge storm caused severe damage to the switchbacks at Mineral Bottom. The storm hit Canyonlands National Park on Friday, August 20, dropping enough heavy rain to create a flood that cut out a giant swath through the road that allows access to the White Rim Trail and the put-in/take-out for boats at Mineral Bottom.
According to park officials, the White Rim Trail and Shafer Switchbacks are undamaged and will remain open. But Mineral Bottom will probably be closed for several weeks for major road repair.
This will put a damper on plans for mountain bikers on the White Rim who rely on the switchbacks to return to their vehicles after completing the 100-mile long loop, and boaters who use Mineral Bottom as a take out and put in for rafts and kayaks.
For more information, contact the National Park Service at Canyonlands.
Related articles:
Photos and video from the White Rim Trail in Canyonlands National Park
Mountain biking the White Rim Trail: Day one
Mountain biking the White Rim Trail: Day two
Mountain biking the White Rim Trail: Day three
Mountain biking the White Rim Trail: Day four
Man O Man! The downpour has sent the underground yellow jacket colony into a tiff around Moab from this rain. The adventurers will be repelling with their bikes and biking White Rim counter clockwise. Hey Utah Outside, Moab’s Travel Council has begun ( in 2009 ) promoting Moab for meetings, weddings and events, so visitors have Another Reason to Love Moab! The 2010 information helps planners find venues and services for Moab.
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