Murphy Campground is a remote backcountry camping area along the White Rim Trail in Canyonlands National Park’s Island in the Sky district. It consists of three designated sites (Murphy A, B, and C), each accommodating up to three vehicles and 15 people, designed to offer privacy with sites spaced to reduce visibility and noise from one another. Located at approximately 4,800 feet elevation, the campground sits atop Murphy Hogback, a prominent ridge offering spectacular 360-degree views of the surrounding desert landscape, including red rock canyons, buttes, and the distant La Sal and Henry Mountains. The sites are primitive, with no potable water, shade, or wind protection, requiring campers to bring all supplies, including at least 1 gallon (4 liters) of water per person per day. A vault toilet is shared among the sites, though some campers note it can be odor-prone in warmer months. The terrain is rocky and hard-packed, suitable for tents but challenging for securing stakes due to the exposed, windswept conditions. Stargazing is exceptional due to the high elevation and minimal light pollution, with visitors describing the night sky as “awe-inspiring.” Access requires a high-clearance 4×4 vehicle, as the trail to Murphy, particularly the steep climb up Murphy Hogback, is rugged and unsuitable for standard vehicles or large trucks with oversized campers (e.g., Ford F-350 with large campers). Overnight permits are required, costing $36 for the reservation plus $5 per person per night, and are highly competitive, especially in spring and fall. Murphy’s dramatic location makes it a highlight for White Rim Trail adventurers seeking iconic views.
White Rim Trail
The White Rim Trail is a legendary 100-mile loop in Canyonlands National Park’s Island in the Sky district, renowned for its challenging terrain and stunning desert scenery. This high-clearance 4×4 route, also popular among mountain bikers, follows the “white rim” ledge between the mesa top and the Green and Colorado Rivers below, offering sweeping views of red rock canyons, towering buttes, and river valleys. Key highlights include Gooseneck Overlook, Musselman Arch, White Crack (with vistas of the Maze and Needles districts), and Murphy Hogback, where the campground is located, known for its breathtaking 360-degree panoramas. The trail features a mix of wide dirt roads, sandy stretches, and technical jeep trails with cliff exposure, particularly at Shafer Trail, Lathrop Canyon Road, Murphy Hogback, Hardscrabble Hill, and Mineral Bottom switchbacks. With an elevation gain of approximately 9,160 feet, the route is moderately difficult for vehicles and strenuous for cyclists, typically taking 2-3 days to complete, though experienced bikers may attempt it in one day. Permits are required for both day-use and overnight trips, with 20 designated campsites across 10 areas, including Murphy Campground. No potable water is available, and high water on the Green River (May-June) can flood western sections, potentially preventing a full loop. The best seasons are spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) for milder temperatures and stable weather, as summer brings extreme heat and winter may bring closures.