White Rim and Shafer Switchbacks

The 100-mile White Rim Road loops around and below the Island in the Sky mesa top and provides expansive views of the surrounding area. Four-wheel-drive trips usually take two to three days, and mountain bike trips usually take three to four days.  Adventure bikes can do it in a long day but its best to break it into two or three days so you can camp.  The views are worth it. 

 

You'll need a free back country permit to ride it so check the NPS website ahead of time.  Under favorable weather conditions, the White Rim Road is moderately difficult for high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicles.  It is big bike friendly in my opinion, I had no issues on a 1250 GSA or a Tenere 700.  The steep, exposed sections of the Shafer Trail, Lathrop Canyon Road, Murphy Hogback, Hardscrabble Hill, and the Mineral Bottom switchbacks make the White Rim loop a challenging ride, and require extreme caution for both vehicles and bikes during periods of inclement weather. During high water conditions on the Green River, sections of road on the west side can flood, making a complete loop impossible. Check current road conditions.