Hardscrabble Bottom Backcountry Campsites — Canyonlands National Park

You must have an overnight permit for all overnight trips along the White Rim. Obtain permits here: https://www.recreation.gov/permits/4675315

Hardscrabble Bottom has two designated campsites: Hardscrabble A This medium site is composed mostly of sand and packed dirt. There is one large tree that provides some shade and some smaller scrub brush provides slight shelter from the wind. During the summer months, sites along the river are very buggy.

Limits: 15 people and 3 vehicles

Toilets: The site has a private toilet.

River Access: Thick vegetation prevents river access from Hardscrabble A, but it is accessible from Hardscrabble B.

Hardscrabble B This is a medium site composed of mostly sand with some patches of packed dirt with plenty of scrub brush. There is no shade and slight shelter from the wind. The two Hardscrabble sites are approximately half a mile apart and out of sight of each other. During the summer months, sites along the river are very buggy.

Limits: 15 people and 3 vehicles

Toilets: The site has a private toilet.

River Access: The Green River can be accessed from this site. Drive Carefully! A high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicle (low range) is required for the White Rim Road. Towing charges are very expensive. People caught in the backcountry with disabled vehicles can expect towing fees in excess of $1,000.

Come Prepared. The White Rim Road has long rocky stretches, deep sand, and little shade. Bring at least 1 gallon (4 L) of water per person, per day — more if you'll be active. Plan for a minimum of 10-12 hours of driving or cycling.

Keep off the Arches. To promote visitor safety and the opportunity to view natural features undisturbed, climbing, scrambling, walking or standing upon, or rappelling off any arch is prohibited in the park.

Water There is no potable water along the White Rim Road. For mountain bike trips, we highly recommend a four-wheel-drive support vehicle to carry water and equipment.

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.

Under favorable weather conditions, the White Rim Road is moderately difficult for high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicles. 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 mountain bike 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.

No potable water is available along the White Rim Road. For mountain bike trips, a four-wheel-drive support vehicle to carry water and equipment is highly recommended.