Canyonlands NP - hiking

[AlexMack]

Can't go wrong at the Needles. I need to finally get the White Rim Road off my bucket list, recently got a stock Jeep Wrangler which I'm sure would have no issues - only concern is that I might need some additional gas to do the loop? Anyone have any input regarding this?

[Jon Frohlich]

Can't go wrong at the Needles. I need to finally get the White Rim Road off my bucket list, recently got a stock Jeep Wrangler which I'm sure would have no issues - only concern is that I might need some additional gas to do the loop? Anyone have any input regarding this?

I think the road itself is ~100 miles plus about 20 miles to even drive into the park. Just do the math and see if you're comfortable without extra gas. Personally a 5 gallon can of gas would be worth it for peace of mind.

[AlexMack]

Can't go wrong at the Needles. I need to finally get the White Rim Road off my bucket list, recently got a stock Jeep Wrangler which I'm sure would have no issues - only concern is that I might need some additional gas to do the loop? Anyone have any input regarding this?

I think the road itself is ~100 miles plus about 20 miles to even drive into the park. Just do the math and see if you're comfortable without extra gas. Personally a 5 gallon can of gas would be worth it for peace of mind.

Exactly my thinking as well. Plus I'm not sure exactly what percentage of the road I'd be actually using 4wd vs parts where you probably can easily get around in 2wd.

[Scott P]

Have two days in the canyonlands:

Thanks Conor. We will be in my girlfriends Acura RDX which I don’t think has enough clearance for the white rim, correct?

Just a note, but if you are trying to see Canyonlands in just two days, you really won't have enough time for the White Rim. If you really push it and don't do many hikes along the way, the White Rim itself takes two days. 3-4 days is a lot better though unless you really want to spend most of the time sitting in the vehicle.

The hike to and from isn't super eventful but you can spend a decent amount of time exploring once you're there.

I don't remember the exact distance, but the hike to and from the Holeman Slot is less than 100 yards from the road, if I remember correctly.

[IntrepidXJ]

I don't remember the exact distance, but the hike to and from the Holeman Slot is less than 100 yards from the road, if I remember correctly.

That is correct if you access it from the White Rim Road. If you don't have the vehicle for that you would have to hike down from the rim on the Wilhite Trail, I believe.

[IntrepidXJ]

Can't go wrong at the Needles. I need to finally get the White Rim Road off my bucket list, recently got a stock Jeep Wrangler which I'm sure would have no issues - only concern is that I might need some additional gas to do the loop? Anyone have any input regarding this?

I've done the White Rim in my Jeep a coupe of times....usually in 2 or 3 days and have never brought extra gas with me, but it really depends on your mileage. The JKU has a bigger gas tank than the 2-door and older Jeeps.

[bketron2]

Have two days in the canyonlands:

Thanks Conor. We will be in my girlfriends Acura RDX which I don’t think has enough clearance for the white rim, correct?

Just a note, but if you are trying to see Canyonlands in just two days, you really won't have enough time for the White Rim. If you really push it and don't do many hikes along the way, the White Rim itself takes two days. 3-4 days is a lot better though unless you really want to spend most of the time sitting in the vehicle.

The hike to and from isn't super eventful but you can spend a decent amount of time exploring once you're there.

I don't remember the exact distance, but the hike to and from the Holeman Slot is less than 100 yards from the road, if I remember correctly.

You're correct if you drive in on the road. When I did it I hiked down from the main NP roads. I think it was 7 miles RT?

[Scott P]

You're correct if you drive in on the road. When I did it I hiked down from the main NP roads. I think it was 7 miles RT?

The original poster mentioned driving the White Rim, so presumably he would start from there (?). If you start from the Whilhite Trail, it's about 12 miles round trip.

[SnowAlien]

Thank you all ! Very helpful. I am going to connect Druid with Chesler Park for a long loop.

Hiked to Druid arch from Elephant Hill the other day - really fun and great scenery. Loved the "backcountry feel" of that area and not that many people (sort of unusual for the NP). Bring a GPS/Gaia as there are many trail splits along the way.