Moab - White Rim Trail in Winter

[OTH Overland]

Has anyone run the White Rim Trail in winter? We had been thinking of going over our Thanksgiving Vacation this year, but the campsites are long since reserved, so now the thought of doing it over Christmas break has popped in to our brains. Judging by the amount of open campsites on the reservation site, I am assuming its not a popular or smart ideal...lol Just wondering if it's the cold, snow, or Potentially unsafe road conditions that keep people away?

 

[Neal A. Tew]

My main concern would be ice in the shady areas of shelf road sections.

 

[zgfiredude]

I'd be game into early December, but only weather dependent. If it has been mild down there it would work, but if not, it would be damn cold at night and as Neal says, ice could be a consideration.

 

[OTH Overland]

I'd be game into early December, but only weather dependent. If it has been mild down there it would work, but if not, it would be damn cold at night and as Neal says, ice could be a consideration.

Not worried about the cold nights, spent a week in the Swell last year in single digit temps in a ground tent. The ice on shelf roads would be the main concern, especially since we will most likely be travelling solo at that time of the year especially at the climb back out at the far end. Guessing we will have to see how the weather trends pan out.

 

[MOAK]

Not worried about the cold nights, spent a week in the Swell last year in single digit temps in a ground tent. The ice on shelf roads would be the main concern, especially since we will most likely be travelling solo at that time of the year especially at the climb back out at the far end. Guessing we will have to see how the weather trends pan out.

We as well in the Swell, 2 years ago early March, near single digit. Listening to rock slides through the night. Doesn’t get much better !!

 

[OTH Overland]

We as well in the Swell, 2 years ago early March, near single digit. Listening to rock slides through the night. Doesn’t get much better !!

I know all about the rock slides, Michelle made me pitch the tent behind the great big rock..lol Except for Goblin Valley we were luck to see one other vehicle a day

 

[Tundracamper]

I’ve been wandering about the same, though for Elk Ridge (Manti La Sal), Canyonlands, and possibly the swell area north of I-70. It seems that the area, at least south of I-70, doesn’t get much snow. The USFS leaves most roads in Manti La Sal open all winter. Still wondering of the area north of 70.

Canyonlands In Winter: A COMPLETE Guide - Live A Wilder Life

Canyonlands in winter is a MUST DO for any traveler who loves an empty hiking trail. Here's everything you need to know about visiting Canyonlands National Park in winter.

www.liveawilderlife.com

 

[OTH Overland]

I’ve been wandering about the same, though for Elk Ridge (Manti La Sal), Canyonlands, and possibly the swell area north of I-70. It seems that the area, at least south of I-70, doesn’t get much snow. The USFS leaves most roads in Manti La Sal open all winter. Still wondering of the area north of 70.

Canyonlands In Winter: A COMPLETE Guide - Live A Wilder Life

Canyonlands in winter is a MUST DO for any traveler who loves an empty hiking trail. Here's everything you need to know about visiting Canyonlands National Park in winter.

www.liveawilderlife.com

That whole area is awesome, we had a blast there last Thanksgiving, looking like we will pass thru there again this Thanksgiving and hopefully have a few days to explore, will have the JK this time instead of the Dually so will open more places to explore, and a RTT instead of a ground tent

 

[Tundracamper]

That whole area is awesome, we had a blast there last Thanksgiving, looking like we will pass thru there again this Thanksgiving and hopefully have a few days to explore, will have the JK this time instead of the Dually so will open more places to explore, and a RTT instead of a ground tent

Yes, I was in that area this past May. Except for being a little warm at the lower elevations, it was great. It seems my travel window this year is better in March, so I’m curious about the winters in that same vicinity. From what I can find, it seems winters are not really a big issue in this area, unlike nearby Colorado.

 

[daklakfoto]

Just back from White Rim trail couple weeks ago. I can see it may be impassable if rain hard causing mud at Hardscrable or snow/ice for many of the steep hills. Otherwise, once you down at lower elevation, it won't be as difficult.

Definitely plan to be stuck or have way of contact outside world for helps, etc..

 

[EarthlingJim]

Apparently these are my peeps in here...

We also spend a fair amount of time in that area in the winter. Single digits, no digits... Seasoned winter travelers over that way. We'll be there looking for trails the holiday week this year.

We've also done the last couple of thanksgivings in the swell.

If anyone wants to team up for day trips on the holiday break week, my wife and I will be traveling in the area.

 

[Charles_a72870]

Just back from White Rim trail couple weeks ago. I can see it may be impassable if rain hard causing mud at Hardscrable or snow/ice for many of the steep hills. Otherwise, once you down at lower elevation, it won't be as difficult.

Definitely plan to be stuck or have way of contact outside world for helps, etc..

My brother was up there said the same thing for the first time he needed his backup winch main overheated

 

[daklakfoto]

Yeah we did not stuck in sliding mud but just crawl in 1st and rear lock on many hills. It was definitely fun and adventure.

Love the scenery and will come back for more.

 

[Charles_a72870]

Yeah he said they woke up to a blocked trail and had to roll out in 4 low but his 3 friends where in rangers all had to be winches though lol invested in lockers today when he told me about this. Don't think I'll be about to take on moab always been a dream to ride though hells gate but the f150 can't handle that