Canyonlands White Rim Trail 4-Day Bike Tour

RIDING TYPE | ■︎ Intermediate
TRIP DURATION | 4-Days
SEASON | March – May & September – October
PRICE | $1,495 pp

Experience the ultimate White Rim mountain bike tour, where you’ll navigate the iconic 100-mile loop through the heart of Canyonlands National Park with stunning vistas of the Green and Colorado Rivers. This fully supported Moab cycling adventure handles every detail from gourmet backcountry meals to gear logistics, allowing you to focus on the profound solitude of this legendary desert landscape.

Itineraries are subject to change due to weather, road conditions, rider safety and other factors which may affect the logistics of the adventure.

Road Surface: Four wheel drive jeep roads: packed sediment, sand and slickrock.
Overall Rating: Intermediate
Technical Difficulty: Moderate, some steep climbs and rocky sections.
Physical Difficulty: Moderate.
Altitude: 4,000 - 6,000 feet
Biking Mileage: 14-27 Miles
Packing for your trip

This Itinerary may be in reverse depending on the entry point.

DAY 1: Shafer Descent & Colorado River Views 

  • We shuttle from our shop in Moab to the Island in the Sky District of Canyonlands National Park.
  • We begin our ride with a dramatic descent of the Shafer Trail switchbacks, dropping 1,200 feet in three miles to the White Rim layer.
  • Points of interest include the Colorado River Overlook, Musselman Arch, and Little Bridge Canyon (prime Bighorn Sheep habitat).
  • The route continues rolling gently to our camp at Airport Tower with views of the La Sal and Abajo mountains.
  • Total Mileage: 18 miles

DAY 2: Monument Basin & Murphy Hogback Ascent 

  • As we approach Monument Basin, we ride past the spectacular 300-foot tall sandstone pillar, The Totem Pole.
  • A gentle climb takes us to Junction Butte, marking the confluence of the Green and Colorado rivers.
  • An optional 1.5-mile side trip to White Crack offers fantastic views of both river canyons and the Needles District.
  • We finish the day descending to the base of Murphy Hogback, where a steep 400-foot climb brings us to the high point of the trip and camp.
  • Total Mileage: 27 miles

DAY 3: Holeman Canyon & Green River Camp 

  • We begin the day with a fun but technical descent off the Hogback down to the White Rim layer.
  • Points of interest include Candlestick Tower and Holeman Canyon, where we may take a short hike. Hiking into this canyon is narrow and requires maneuvering.
  • We stop at Black Crack for lunch, enjoying incredible views of the Green River below.
  • We then descend along the rim of the sheer canyon to Potato Bottom, where the White Rim layer meets the Green River, and camp under cottonwoods.
  • Total Mileage: 21 miles

DAY 4: Mineral Canyon Climb & Archaeological Hike 

  • A hearty breakfast prepares us for the major 800-foot climb up Hardscrabble Hill (1 mile) and then the final ascent of Mineral Canyon switchbacks (2 miles).
  • Along the way, we pass Upheaval Dome (a massive geological anomaly).
  • Our journey concludes with the strenuous 800-foot climb out of Mineral Canyon. After a final lunch at the viewpoint, we shuttle back to Moab.
  • Total Mileage: 14 miles riding, 3 miles hiking

Moab, UT
This trip will meet at 8:00 AM MST at the Aarchway Inn, 1551 North Riverview Drive, Moab, Utah. 259-2599 Please meet the group at the Northern dirt lot.

We will be happy to pick you up at your hotel; please call us Monday - Friday, 9 - 5 to schedule your pickup.

Ending Time
We will return to Moab between 2:00-3:00 PM on the last day.

Driving
Moab is located 30 miles south of Interstate 70 on Highway 191. We have a roomy parking area.

Flying into Salt Lake City, UT
Airport Code: SLC

From Salt Lake City there are 2 options:
1) Rent a car and drive to Moab, it will take approximately 4 hours.
2) Contact Moab Express at 435-260-9289 for shuttles.

Flying into Grand Junction, CO
Airport Code: GJT

From Grand Junction there are 2 options:
1) Rent a car and drive to Moab, it will take approximately 2 hours.
2) Contact Moab Express at 435-260-9289 for shuttles.

Flying into Moab
Airport Code: CNY
The airline that offers service into Canyonlands Field Airport: Contour Airlines provides daily jet service, in a partner relationship with American Airlines, between Moab and Phoenix, AZ and between Moab and Denver, CO
Book here: contourairlines.com
1 (888) 332-6686
email: customercare@contourairlines.com
Dates and times vary with the seasons, please check the website for flight times.

Contact Moab Express at 435-260-9289 for shuttles to and from Canyonlands Field Airport.

Lodging before your trip
It is a good idea to book your rooms in advance; here are a few recommendations:

Aarchway Inn -Where the trip meets (10% off for WS guests)
435-259-2599 - Use Hyperlink above or mention your a Western Spirit guest over the phone for discount.

Red Stone Inn
800-772-1972, 435-259-3500
moabredstone.com

Gravity Haus Moab
435-355-1088
gravityhaus.com

Taxi Service
Moab Taxi: 435-210-4297
435-259-Taxi: 435-259-8294

Need more information about our bike trips? Check out what a bike trip is all about by visiting our camping page, FAQ page,  what to bring page or be the first to know about new trips, last minute trip openings and future discounts by .

Need even more details? Send us a message or call and talk to one of our trip specialists at (435) 259-8732 

RIDING TYPE |■︎ Intermediate

TRIP DURATION | 4-Days

SEASON | March - May & September - October

Canyonlands White Rim Trail 4-Day Bike Tour

The White Rim: Classic Moab Biking & Canyonlands Grandeur

The White Rim Trail is THE classic Moab mountain bike trip. With jaw-dropping views, slot canyon hikes, and ancient ruins, this guided trip is your ticket to get off the grid and into the vast open spaces of Canyonlands National Park. The White Rim Sandstone encircles the Island in the Sky, and mountain biking this route is the ultimate way to experience the unique beauty of Canyonlands. Our fully supported trip offers ample opportunities to explore slot canyons and Ancestral Puebloan ruins, while learning how to travel responsibly through this wild landscape. This journey is an exciting experience for all levels of riders; the short technical sections can be easily walked by beginners while providing a fun challenge for the more experienced. Western Spirit Cycling is an authorized concessioner in Canyonlands National Park.

Intermediate Riding, Icon Views & Archaeological Hikes

This White Rim Trail adventure is designed for Intermediate riders but is accessible to all, featuring:

  • Iconic Geology: Ride past Musselman Arch, the Totem Pole, and Upheaval Dome, with views into the Maze and Needles Districts.
  • Accessible Challenge: Moderate Technical Difficulty with short, navigable rocky sections and rewarding climbs.
  • Archaeological Access: The scenic Holeman Canyon hike (Day 3).
  • Trail Surface: Mostly well-maintained four-wheel drive jeep roads featuring packed sediment, sand, and sections of slickrock.

Itineraries are subject to change due to weather, road conditions, rider safety and other factors which may affect the logistics of the adventure.

  • Road Surface: Four wheel drive jeep roads: packed sediment, sand and slickrock.
  • Overall Rating: Intermediate
  • Technical Difficulty: Moderate, some steep climbs and rocky sections.
  • Physical Difficulty: Moderate.
  • Altitude: 4,000 - 6,000 feet
  • Biking Mileage: 14-27 Miles

MEETING PLACE AND TIME

Moab, UT

This trip will meet at 8:00 AM MST at the Aarchway Inn 1551 N Riverview Dr, Moab, UT 84532 (435) 259-2599 Please meet the group at the Northern dirt lot.

We will be happy to pick you up at your hotel; please call us Monday - Friday, 9 - 5 to schedule your pickup.

ENDING TIME

We will return to Moab between 2:00-3:00 PM on the last day.

GETTING TO MOAB, UT

Driving

Moab is located 30 miles south of Interstate 70 on Highway 191. We have a roomy parking area.

Flying into Salt Lake City, UT

Airport Code: SLC

From Salt Lake City there are 2 options:

1) Rent a car and drive to Moab, it will take approximately 4 hours.

2) Contact Moab Express at 435-260-9289 for shuttles.

Flying into Grand Junction, CO

Airport Code: GJT

From Grand Junction there are 2 options:

1) Rent a car and drive to Moab, it will take approximately 2 hours.

2) Contact Moab Express at 435-260-9289 for shuttles.

Flying into Moab

Airport Code: CNY

The airline that offers service into Canyonlands Field Airport:

Contour Airlines provides daily jet service, in a partner relationship with American Airlines, between Moab and Phoenix, AZ and between Moab and Denver, CO

Book here: contourairlines.com

1 (888) 332-6686

email: customercare@contourairlines.com

Dates and times vary with the seasons, please check the website for flight times.

Contact Moab Express at 435-260-9289 for shuttles to and from Canyonlands Field Airport.

LODGING BEFORE YOUR TRIP

It is a good idea to book your rooms in advance; here are a few recommendations:

Aarchway Inn -Where the trip meets (10% off for WS guests)
435-259-2599 - Use Hyperlink above or mention your a Western Spirit guest over the phone for discount.

Red Stone Inn
800-772-1972, 435-259-3500
moabredstone.com

Gravity Haus Moab
435-355-1088
gravityhaus.com

TAXI SERVICE

Moab Taxi: 435-210-4297
435-259-Taxi: 435-259-8294

Be sure to bring everything on this list. We have carefully developed this list to ensure your comfort on the tour regardless of the weather. If you are prepared for extreme weather, it is an adventure. If you are not prepared it can be a serious problem.We recommend the layering system, including a wicking or long underwear layer, an insulating layer and a weather barrier for wind and rain. This list reflects that philosophy. Weather in the mountains can be unpredictable so be sure to bring all the warm clothing and rain gear listed!

HOW TO PACK: When you arrive for your tour, you will be given a dry bag in which to pack your gear for the trip. Smaller bags may fit, but very large duffels will not.

To pack efficiently in a dry bag, we highly recommend you compartmentalize your clothing and gear into separate bags. Stuff sacks, reusable grocery bags,
etc. in different colors work great for this (example: cycling gear in blue stuff sack, camp clothes in red stuff sack, etc.).

Your dry bag will ride on the Western Spirit support vehicle and will not be accessible during the day.

For this trip, you will need a riding pack and optional day bag:

  •  Your riding pack may be a hydration pack, but needs to carry 2-3 liters of water, rain gear, other warm clothing, and food for the day. You may be away from camp and the support vehicle all day and need to be self-sufficient.
  • A small day bag is optional and may be used to store things you’d rather not ride with, but would like to have access to during the day. This day-pack will remain with the support vehicle and may not be accessible, depending on the day.

WHAT WE PROVIDE:
✓ meals, snacks, water, electrolyte drinks, non-alcoholic drinks
✓ camp mugs, all kitchen and dining ware
✓ 1 cycling water bottle
✓ camp chairs
✓ dry bags to pack your gear
✓ solar showers
✓ sunscreen & bug spray
✓ bike stand and lube
✓ guides bring their own tools
✓ first aid kit with basic medications

BRINGING OR RENTING

o bike (Our rentals come with flat pedals. You are welcome to bring your own if you prefer.)
o helmet (gratis w/rental bike)
o tent
o sleeping bag
o sleeping pad

CYCLING CLOTHING

o cycling shoes
o 3 - 5 pair cycling shorts
o 3 - 5 cycling shirts
o long sleeve cycling shirt
o long sleeve cotton shirt or solar sleeves
o cycling socks
o windbreaker
o tights or leg warmers
o 2 pair cycling gloves (1 pair full length for warmth)
o rain jacket (Gore-Tex or similar)
o rain pants (Gore-Tex or similar)
o warm layer (lightweight synthetic puffy jacket or long sleeve fleece shirt)
o sunglasses or other eye protection

CAMP CLOTHING

o camp shorts
o shirts
o warm socks
o long underwear, top and bottom (wicking layer, not cotton)
o 2 pair warm long pants
o long sleeve fleece or sweater
o pile or down jacket (insulating layer)
o warm gloves and hat
o brimmed hat or visor
o bathing suit (for solar showers on the trip and at the hotel before/after your trip)
o hiking shoes
o sandals
o rain gear to wear in camp

PERSONAL

o toiletries
o medication (daily and emergency)
o towel
o biodegradable soap
o wet-wipes
o flashlight or headlamp (with extra batteries)
o sunglasses
o optional day bag
o stuff sacks or reusable grocery bags (or separate compartments for your dry bag)
o cash for tipping guides: your guides work as a team and share all of their gratuities. A tip of 10-20% of the price of your trip given to either one of your guides when you return to civilization is a great way to say thanks for a job well done.

OPTIONAL

o camera, extra batteries
o binoculars
o alcoholic or any of your favorite beverages (your guides will pack these)
o books or maps
o we encourage you to turn your devices off, but if you cannot, please bring a way to charge them. We recommend a portable USB charger with 1-2 charges. Also, putting your phone on airplane mode to save power is recommended.

Q: The introduction mentions that technical sections are short and easily walked. What is the overall percentage of the trail that is considered technical or requires walking?

A: 3% walking sections that are to steep to ride and keep traction

Q: What type of camp facilities are available at the National Park campsites (e.g., composting toilets, fire rings, etc.)?

A: Vault or pit toilet, no running water. Fires are not permitted on the White Rim

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Need more information about our bike trips? Check out what a bike trip is all about by visiting our camping page, FAQ page,  what to bring page or be the first to know about new trips, last minute trip openings and future discounts by .

Need even more details? Send us a message or call and talk to one of our trip specialists at (435) 259-8732 

Canyonlands White Rim Trail 4-Day Bike Tour

PRICE | $1,495 pp

Private Departures Available
Call  435-259-8732

*2027 dates are subject to permit approval.

Gallery

Riders traveling through Canyonlands

See what guests are saying - click here:

Outstanding trip. We were blessed with great weather, outstanding guides, amazing food and an excellent mix of folks from all over the place that connected well on the White Rim. The biking was excellent and super fun, with just enough challenge thrown in. I was blown away by the Canyonlands area. Staggeringly beautiful and 10,000x more grand and expansive than I realized or expected. All in all a world class adventure. Thank you! - Mark 

Guides were fantastic. They always took great care to make sure we were set up for the day: food, hydration, ride plan, bike details, clothes etc. They worked tirelessly setting up camp, preparing meals, adjusting bikes and making sure everyone was comfortable. They were knowledgeable about the park , geology and flora/fauna which added to our experience. - Kevin 

Despite challenging weather conditions, this was a wonderful trip. The guides provided exceptionally tasty and healthy meals (including paying special attention to my food sensitivities), were incredibly supportive, skilled, prepared and were lovely individuals. I would recommend this company and the White Rim adventure! - Kelly 

A Day With Western Spirit

Rise & Shine
How do you like to start your day? If you like waking up to hot coffee and unforgettable sunrises you’re in luck. Delicious cowboy coffee, fresh fruit salad, pancakes, bacon, granola, yogurt and more.

>>> Read More

Hit The Trail
Whether your trip includes: riding
the Rainbow Rim Trail; enjoying breathtaking views of the
Grand Canyon; leading your
friends on the White Rim Road in Canyonlands; or ripping down.

>>> Read More

Apres
We base our itineraries around the trails that we love to ride, but also around great camp locations. We love to find the perfect place next to rivers or lakes , or by vistas
and sunset spots.

>>> Read More

BIKE TRIP TESTIMONIALS

“I had been to Canyonlands two years prior so knew scenery was outstanding but it takes on even more magnificence when seen from seat of bike. The guides were awesome and supportive. Food was better than in most restaurants and more than you could eat.”

~ Michael

The food was fantastic! I didn’t expect such meals. The guides were so friendly, helpful, and entertaining. They really worked well together. Also, they made sure that everyone in their various skill levels enjoyed the rides and that there was enough for everyone.

~ Nichole

“Food was WAY better than I expected. I like to eat healthy and was worried about “camping food.” The guides prepared amazing food. The trip was a blast in general with gorgeous scenery and good campsites. Guides were very friendly, patient and helpful”

~ Erika

“This was our 3rd trip with Western Spirit, so we knew what to expect from the guides and the support they’d provide. The trip itself was spectacular – the scenery was unbeatable and the weather was perfect.”

~ Jennifer

“Very accommodating of me being vegan, very cheerful and nice.”

~ Jason

Great salads at lunch, a lot of variety, they guides had food specially prepared for those of us with food issues. Plus, they set up our chairs in the best spots!

~ Teri

“Warmth, humor, seriously good people skills,professionalism, competence. They execute their very serious responsibilities with confidence-inspiring grace.”

~ David

“Great salads at lunch, a lot of variety, they guides had food specially prepared for those of us with food issues. Plus, they set up our chairs in the best spots!”

~ Teri

“Normally I do self supported but having someone else make excellent food makes me want to do it again”

~ Christl

“To begin with the landscape and scenery was majestic and awesome. The guides were all instrumental in enhancing the experience with their knowledge, skills, and out of the goodness of their character.”

~ Edward

“I was tired at the end of each day and to have everything taken care of as far as dinner and cleanup, it was so nice to have that not be my issue. The guides were amazing, simply amazing….the food was always excellent, their personalities are different but blended with everyone perfectly!”

~ Pam

Your guides are your ambassadors, they are fun, energetic and very knowledgeable. I would not do anything different.

~ Paul

The guides made the trip totally beyond awesome. They were fun, the food was WAY better than I expected, the rides could be were tailored, guiding was superb, trails were a blast, our campsite was sweet. I have zero complaints.

~ Wendy

“The trip was one of the most incredible experiences of my life… the scenery, the views, the guides, and the food! I loved how great the meals were!!! The guides were unbelievable cooks! After biking all day, to be able to sit down and eat a great meal & drink a beer …man, it was great!”

~ Gary

“It’s been a long time since I’ve been on any organized event and this one was simply amazing. My skill and fitness level were not up to those as others in the group but never once did I feel intimidated…”

~ Nick
“I was worried riding and camping with a group… could I keep up?… would I “fit in”? I was able to keep up and push myself and was challenged by the terrain, I loved it! The group was great I had nothing to worry about, everyone was friendly and supportive.”
~ Robin

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