Trip Reports   ·   December 2009

White Rim Trail Thanksgiving Adventure – Day 4

Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4

Sun, we finally have an early sunrise with Gooseberry camp being on the east side of Island in the sky. Today is our final day on White Rim with our destination being the Island in the Sky Ranger Station so we can close the loop.

FJ at sunrise

It turned out to be another beautiful sunny day on the trail. Once again the roof-top tent made it quick to break camp and we were underway at 8:30.

Our first destination was Lathrop Canyon. Lathrop provides the only access to the Colorado River along White Rim. The drive into the canyon was a fun narrow track that followed the canyon bottom down to the banks of the Colorado. We took a break and enjoyed watching the Colorado River role by.

Banks of the Colorado - click to zoom

Back on the road we headed next to Muscleman Arch. Muscleman is well worth the stop and provides an opportunity to take a walk on the wild side as you dare to venture across the narrow path.

LJ on Muscleman Arch

A few miles down the trail is a great overlook of the Colorado River and a cool goose-neck.

Colorado with the La Sals in the background - click to zoom

We finished the day driving up the Shafer Trail which I consider one of the classic Utah Dugways. In the distance of a few miles the trail climbs from the end of the White Rim trail to the top of Island in the Sky. Originally built as a cattle trail, Shafer can now handle most vehicles that are ready for the steep climb.

Looking down the Shafer Trail - click to zoom

Reaching the ranger station we closed our loop and finished a fun 4 day trip on the White Rim Trail.

Additional Photos


Day 4 Google KML file

Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4

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