Another White RimTrail TR
I drove and camped on the WRT in mid-June. I chose that time to have dry weather, and a small crowd -- got both. It was ~ 10 degrees hotter than the advertised average high of 93, and didn't cool to 8...
Forum Discussion
Thanks for the compliments. I forgot to summarize the trip. Scenery outstanding, camping adequate but not a reason to go back; road conditions pretty mild. Hardscrabble B is the best site in my opinion, and Labyrinth would also be nice if not much traffic.
Don't mean to step on any toes with my description of the road as fairly tame. Honestly, I had a little trepidation based on other descriptions of the road and the various warnings on the Canyonlands site. But I described it as I found it in the dry, uncrowded conditions I had (by plan). I said it could be much worse when wet.
For instance, currently on the Canyonlands site:
Bicycles: If you ride this road in the summer, you're a much better man than I -- or flat out nuts. Or both.
Narrow spots and overhangs: No, there is no bail out room. You either fit, or you back out. My camper is 7 feet wide, and the mirrors stick out to almost 9 feet. I didn't pull in the mirrors, and never touched them on any obstacles, but it was very close. As you can see in the pictures, my Apex 8 basement popup (travel height approximately 8'-9") cleared the lowest overhang by about 2 feet.
Hardside campers: As I read the TC trip reports, NedRierson78 is the only one here who has made the entire route in a hardside camper, although C.Traveler2 got close by by combining two trips and starting in different directions. Please correct if mistaken. So it can be done. The two tightest places are between Hardscrabble camp area and Mineral Bottom. So if you're concerned about making it, I'd suggest starting at Mineral Bottom, and walking the tight areas first.
Wheelbase: Obviously, shorter is better for the tight turns. My wheelbase is 143", and I had to make one 2-point turn. However, there are large turn areas at every really tight turn that I remember.
And finally,
If more questions, let me know.
Don't mean to step on any toes with my description of the road as fairly tame. Honestly, I had a little trepidation based on other descriptions of the road and the various warnings on the Canyonlands site. But I described it as I found it in the dry, uncrowded conditions I had (by plan). I said it could be much worse when wet.
For instance, currently on the Canyonlands site:
White Rim Road: open with some significant flood damage.It would also be 'undesirable' if much backing up for traffic was required in the narrow places .
Lathrop Road: impassable after two miles
UPDATE – July 13, 2015 – Recent rain events have heavily impacted certain sections of the White Rim. Significant impacts occurred mostly in wash bottoms between Murphy Hogback and Airport, including Lathrop Canyon. One occurrence of rockfall on Murphy Hogback has created a significant barrier to four-wheeled vehicles attempting to drive the White Rim in its entirety.
Bicycles: If you ride this road in the summer, you're a much better man than I -- or flat out nuts. Or both.
Narrow spots and overhangs: No, there is no bail out room. You either fit, or you back out. My camper is 7 feet wide, and the mirrors stick out to almost 9 feet. I didn't pull in the mirrors, and never touched them on any obstacles, but it was very close. As you can see in the pictures, my Apex 8 basement popup (travel height approximately 8'-9") cleared the lowest overhang by about 2 feet.
Hardside campers: As I read the TC trip reports, NedRierson78 is the only one here who has made the entire route in a hardside camper, although C.Traveler2 got close by by combining two trips and starting in different directions. Please correct if mistaken. So it can be done. The two tightest places are between Hardscrabble camp area and Mineral Bottom. So if you're concerned about making it, I'd suggest starting at Mineral Bottom, and walking the tight areas first.
Wheelbase: Obviously, shorter is better for the tight turns. My wheelbase is 143", and I had to make one 2-point turn. However, there are large turn areas at every really tight turn that I remember.
silversand wrote:And many say 'You can't slip anything by ole Silver'.
....this one slipped by me!
And finally,
67avion wrote:You are TOTALLY on your own with that situation, Sir.
I know Dear Jane would flat get out and walk back....and I'd have to go on without her ;-(
If more questions, let me know.
