Wilhite Trail

The Wilhite Trail leads westward five miles from Upheaval Dome Road to White Rim Road. The route leads along the mesa top for a mile before beginning a steep descent into Holeman Spring Basin. It descends 1,500 feet to White Rim Road with no outlet to the Colorado River from this roadway. There is no water available along this route. Hikers may find heavy bike and vehicle traffic on White Rim Road. A permit is necessary for at-large camping along this route.

Begin this hike at the Wilhite Trailhead on Upheaval Dome Road, two miles from the Grand View/Upheaval Dome junction. The trailhead lies at an approximate elevation of 5,840 feet. The track leads westward crossing the headwaters of Holeman Spring a short distance from the trailhead. It leads across the mesa top for one mile before turning slightly northward and beginning the steepest portion of the descent into the basin below.

During the second mile the trail descends 800 feet through the rock layers that form the head of Holeman Spring Basin. At the bottom of these switchbacks the route contours the canyon turning southward. Leading southward for one half mile the trail descends another 320 feet before turning to the west and leveling slightly.

The track crosses a small stream three miles from the trailhead. After this crossing it parallels the southern bank of the Holeman Spring drainage. The trail follows the canyon bottom for two miles before reaching White Rim Road. Along this two miles Steer Mesa lies to the right and Candlestick Tower lies to the left. The trail reaches White Rim Road at an elevation of 4,270 feet.

Canyonlands National Park, 2282 S. West Resource Blvd. , Moab, UT, 84532-8000, Phone: 435-259-7164, cany_reservation_office@nps.gov