In short
- The Island in the Sky Visitor Center is 32 miles from Moab.
- The drive takes about 40 minutes via UT-313.
- Guided tours typically meet at local outfitter offices in Moab.
In this article
The access points for the White Rim Road are located in the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands National Park. The drive from Moab is straightforward on paved highways until you reach the park boundaries.
How far is Canyonlands Island in the Sky from Moab?
The Island in the Sky Visitor Center is located 32 miles from Moab, Utah. The drive takes about 40 minutes in normal traffic.
To get there, drive north from Moab and turn onto UT-313. This paved highway leads directly to the park entrance. You must pay a $30 vehicle entry fee or show an America the Beautiful pass to enter the park.
Where do guided 4x4 tours depart?
If you book a guided tour, you do not need to drive yourself to the park. Most tours require meeting at the outfitter's office in Moab.
Operators like Navtec and Rim Tours handle all the driving. You will meet at their local office in town. From there, you board a custom 4x4 vehicle, and the guide drives the 32-mile route to the trailhead.
Where does the White Rim Road start?
The loop begins near the Island in the Sky mesa top. You can enter via the Shafer Trail or Mineral Bottom Road.
The Shafer Trail Switchbacks drop 1,500 feet from the mesa down to the White Rim. If you start on the western side, you will take Mineral Bottom Road. This connects back to UT-313 via rough, washboard terrain.
What type of vehicle do I need to drive to the trail?
The paved highway to the park is accessible for any car. However, accessing the backcountry trails requires a high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicle with low range gear.
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) vehicles are not permitted on the White Rim Road. If you plan to drive the route yourself, ensure your vehicle meets the strict National Park Service standards.
Do I need a permit to enter the park and trails?
Yes, you must pay the standard park entrance fee and hold a specific backcountry permit to drive the trails.
Park entry costs $30 per vehicle and is valid for 7 days. You also need a day-use or overnight permit from Recreation.gov to drive the White Rim Road. Fees & Permits
How do you exit the 4x4 trails to return to Moab?
You will exit the 100-mile loop by ascending back to the paved roads. This usually involves driving up Mineral Bottom or the Shafer Trail.
Once back on the paved UT-313, it is another 40-minute drive to Moab. Make sure your vehicle is prepared for the transition from steep dirt switchbacks back to highway speeds.
Questions travellers ask
Can I drive my AWD car from Moab to the trails?
You can drive an AWD car the 32 miles from Moab to the Island in the Sky Visitor Center. However, AWD vehicles are not permitted on the backcountry 4x4 trails.
Are there gas stations along the route?
There are no gas stations inside the Canyonlands backcountry. You must fuel up in Moab before starting the 32-mile drive to the park.
How long does the full drive take?
It takes about 40 minutes to drive from Moab to the park. Driving the full 100-mile White Rim Road loop takes 2 to 3 days in a self-driven 4WD vehicle.
