White Rim Road, Canyonlands, Utah

This was my experience riding the WRT—maybe it’ll be of use to you if you’re thinking of doing the same.

I rode the WRT alone in 2 days—June 22-23 2025. Normally too hot but I’d been riding in the desert almost daily for 3 months prior— including Death Valley and Arizona/Mexican border. Acclimation is a big factor. I also timed the ride with a strong cold front—the 5 day NOAA forecast was spot-on. Temps June 22 were low 90’s instead of high 90’s with a stiff breeze. Humidity an incredible 3%. Evaporative cooling was intense. So intense I could not seem to drink enough water to keep up with insensible water loss. Riding the WRT is working all day in the Hot Sun with No Shade.

“ A Great Thirst is a Great Joy when Quenched in Time”. Edward Abbey.

Ranger Rick says take One gallon of drinking water per day in the desert. But I say this is not enough. I brought one gallon plus 2 pints and ran out of water after 15 hours. I was dangerously dehydrated upon arriving back at my camp up on Island in the Sky. I had a large ice chest fully loaded with a variety of icy beverages back at camp. I swear I had visions of that ice chest floating before me long before my ride was done. But the pleasure of rehydrating was worth the discomfort. Edward Abbey was more succinct in this matter as he hit the nail squarely. A big reason I love these adventures is to reacquaint myself with basic animal needs. Being severely thirsty checks that box. My mouth was so dry I could not talk to the ranger back at entrance kiosk who was trying to squeeze another 30 bucks out of me. I think she felt sorry for me and let me back in the park. So Remember your receipt as the trail ends outside the park. The last few miles of WRT is along the Green River so I was not in mortal danger. However—reserve energy and thinking power takes a hit when dehydrated, something to keep in mind. I would be slower to respond to an emergency situation for myself or otherwise. The KTM got me back to my campsite and the ice chest. Anyway—bring 2 gallons of drinking water if you can.

Dress appropriately! Ride a smaller bike! Pack lighter! I talked to riders who were totally spent less than half way through their ride. People have a tendency to wear every “safety” apparatus available when confronted with 100 miles of desert. A roost protector won’t help unless you ride with spiteful friends. Manufactures love it but the desert doesn’t care. Safety gear is usually black. Layers of black armor is a bad idea under Utah sun. You aren’t racing and you won’t be roosted! You’ll look cool but you won’t be. I wore synthetic pants and a t-shirt. But long sleeves are better for retaining moisture. I was cool and happy. Obviously boots, helmet, eye protection and gloves are mandatory.

I rode a mostly stock 2024 KTM 500 with Motoz desert HT tires. That bike is super lightweight, durable, powerful and agile. I resisted the urge to outfit the bike with god-knows-what. A tower with GPS is neat but you don’t need it. Study your map. It is really fun to outfit our bikes—I get it. But when you are stuck in light, fluffy, talc-like sand you’ll hate every extra pound. Dumping and picking up a bike is demoralizing and drains energy very quickly. Back injuries picking up a 100 HP machine are all too possible. A heavy bike is easier to dump and harder to pick up. Do this repeatedly and your adventure is compromised. Internet is replete with examples. It is a sinking feeling to realize your bike is too fat and so are you.

Fuel: against all advice I’ve held onto the stock 2.2 gallon tank. I know how much fuel I would need and carried an xtra 2 quarts in reserve. That’s what I had left in the end. For peace of mind bring an xtra gallon more than you think you’ll need. I always coasted or killed the engine on downhills, rode in higher gears—your wrist can save you a lot of fuel. I really tried to flow with the trail if you know what I mean.

I didn’t bring any cooking gear nor a tent. Sleeping under the stars in Canyonlands is amazing. However during the night a strong wind blew down from the Mesa sandblasting me. I had to find a sheltered spot to sleep in the dark. You are not supposed to camp outside your designated site so use your judgement. I found a sandy draw with a serviceberry bush (I think) and that protected me from the wind entirely. And I slept good!

“I don’t hate people, I just feel better when they aren’t around”. Charles Bukowski. I’ve always adventured alone. This is a safety issue no doubt. It is safer in pairs for sure. I have no other excuse other than I wouldn’t do what I do if I had to do it with company. I get almost a religious high going alone without distractions. I realize I’d rely on help from strangers if I was truly hurt—not ideal. I had a cell signal on the eastern half of the ride. If you can see the La Sal Mountains you might have cell service, but don’t count on it.