Murphy Hogback Backcountry Campsite — Canyonlands National Park

Murphy Hogback has 3 available campsites, labeled as A, B and C. Permits are REQUIRED. You must have an overnight permit for all overnight trips along the White Rim. Obtain a permit here: https://www.recreation.gov/permits/4675315

Murphy A This is a large site with panoramic views of Murphy Canyon. It is composed mostly of packed dirt and slickrock and has a few trees in the site that provide shade. A small rock outcrop provides some shelter from the wind. Murphy A and B are within walking distance, but out of sight of each other.

Limits: 15 people and 3 vehicles

Toilets: Murphy A and B share a toilet; site A is closer than B.

River Access: The site has no river access.

Murphy B This is a medium site with views of Candlestick Tower. It is composed mostly of packed dirt and sand with some patches of slickrock. A couple of trees and a rock overhang provide some shade and fairly good shelter from the wind. Murphy A and B are within walking distance, but out of sight of each other.

Limits: 15 people and 3 vehicles

Toilets: Murphy A and B share a toilet; site A is closer than B.

River Access: The site has no river access.

Murphy C is a large site consisting mostly of packed dirt. Several trees in the site provide good shade. Small rock outcrops provide slight shelter from the wind. This site is seperate from the other two Murphy sites, but within walking distance. A short walk leads to good views of Murphy Canyon and the Green River.

Limits: 15 people and 3 vehicles

Toilets: The site has a private toilet.

River Access: The site has no river access.

In spring and fall, demand for overnight permits frequently exceeds the number available. If you plan to visit Canyonlands during these seasons, you should make reservations well in advance.

Gooseberry A: This is a small site. It is located close to the road and is comprised mostly of slickrock with patches of packed dirt. It is very close to the canyon rim offering a very nice view. There is no shade or shelter from the wind.

Gooseberry B: This large site is set slightly back from the road and is comprised mostly of packed dirt with a few scattered rocks. There is no shade or shelter from the wind.

Limits: 15 people and 3 vehicles

Toilets: Gooseberry A and B share a toilet; site A is closer than B.

River Access: The site has no river access.

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.

Four-wheel-drive vehicles, motorbikes, and bicycles (including e-bikes) are allowed on the White Rim Road. ATVs, UTVs, and OHVs are not permitted. Generators are not allowed. All vehicles and bikes must remain on designated roads. Your vehicle must have high-clearance, four-wheel drive (low range) on the White Rim Road. All vehicles and motorbikes must be registered and operated by a licensed driver. Motorbikes must be equipped and licensed for interstate travel. Pets are not permitted, even in vehicles. Fires are not permitted. Please ensure all riders possess adequate levels of physical fitness prior to all trips, and are experienced enough to mitigate potential challenges and safety issues should they arise.