White Rim Road - Sunset at Monument Basin

 Date: 01-Sep-2015Category:

Monument Basin at White Rim Road in Caynyonlands National Park

Sunset at Monument Basin, WHITE RIM ROAD

This month's image was taken 3 years ago, during our overnight trip along White Rim Road, a popular 4WD-loop-trail at the Island in the Sky District in Canyonlands National Park (Utah, United States). I loved the way the setting sun illuminated the canyon wall just behind some of the most scenic spires and towers at Monument Basin, our favorite section along this rough and bumpy road.

The 100-mile-adventure starts at the bottom of Shafer Trail. The road passes Musselman Arch, skirts around Monument Basin offering many great views, and soon after that it gives access to the most popular campsite at White Crack. Behind challenging Murphy's Hogback the White Rim Road runs along Green River and climbs back to the rim joining Mineral Bottom Road. You can see Monument Basin and the first part of the trail also from the rim 1.200 ft above at Grandview Point Overlook.

A high-clearance, 4WD-vehicle is required to do this trip and if you want to stay overnight (we would recommend doing that!) you will also need an Overnight Backcountry Permit. Plan ahead early, since campsites are limited (only 20!) and tend to fill up quickly. Permits are highly sought-after especially during the cooler spring and fall season months.

Starting today, September 1st 2015, even day-trips along White Rim Road require a permit -> see new day-use permit regulations. Only 50 day-use vehicles (including motorcycles) and 50 day-use bicycles will be allowed on White Rim Road from now on.

This month's image is also featured on page 330 in the newest edition of the book "Photographing the Southwest - Southern Utah" written and published by our friend Laurent Martrès. We can highly recommend this excellent photography guide book to everyone planning to visit Southern Utah.

Image data: 1/4 s at f/16, ISO 100; Canon EF 100-400mm 1:4.5-5.6 L IS USM at 190 mm, Canon EOS 5D Mark II

Related Links: Our favorite images from the Western US