White Crack Campground is a remote backcountry camping area in Canyonlands National Park’s Island in the Sky district, located along the White Rim Trail. This single campsite, accommodating up to three vehicles and 15 people, is one of the most isolated and scenic along the trail, offering unparalleled views of the Maze, Needles, and Island in the Sky districts. Perched at approximately 4,500 feet elevation, the site features expansive vistas of dramatic red rock formations, deep canyons, and distant mesas, with Candlestick Tower and the Colorado River’s gooseneck bends visible on clear days. The campground is 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 available, but reviews note it can be odor-prone in warmer months. The terrain is rocky and uneven, suitable for tents but challenging for securing stakes due to the hard ground. Stargazing is exceptional due to the remote location and minimal light pollution, with campers describing the night sky as “otherworldly.” Access requires a high-clearance 4×4 vehicle, as the road to White Crack is rugged and unsuitable for standard vehicles or large trucks with campers (e.g., Ford F-350 with oversized 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. The site’s isolation and proximity to trail’s end make it a coveted spot for those seeking solitude.
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 jaw-dropping 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, buttes, and river valleys. Notable highlights include Gooseneck Overlook, Musselman Arch, White Crack (with its panoramic views of three park districts), and Murphy Hogback, which provides 360-degree vistas. The trail’s terrain varies from wide dirt roads to 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 about 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 a single day. Permits are required for both day-use and overnight trips, with 20 designated campsites across 10 areas, including White Crack 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 times to visit are spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) for milder temperatures and stable weather, as summer brings extreme heat and winter may bring closures.