White Rim Permits: Day‑Use & Overnight Permits

Q: How many overnight campsites are there on the White Rim Road, and how far in advance should I reserve?

There are 20 individual campsites located across 10 camping areas along the White Rim Road. Permits for overnight trips open four months in advance of each seasonal block (spring, summer, fall, and winter), and popular dates—especially in spring and fall—fill up quickly. Early reservations are strongly recommended.

Q: What kind of vehicle do I need to drive the White Rim Road?

You must have a high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicle with low-range gearing . All-wheel-drive (AWD) vehicles, UTVs, and ATVs are not allowed under backcountry regulations. This requirement is strictly enforced due to the rugged and remote conditions of the road.

Q: Can I decide to camp overnight if I already have a day-use permit?

No. A day-use permit does not authorize you to stay overnight. If you want to camp, you need a separate overnight backcountry permit that includes a reserved campsite along the route. Overnight camping without a permit is prohibited.

Whether you’re planning to drive, bike or camp the famed White Rim Road (Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands National Park), understanding how to obtain and use White Rim permits is key.

This guide explains permit types, quotas, fees, seasons, vehicle and bike requirements, road conditions, and sample itineraries to help first‑time and returning visitors plan with confidence.

Day‑use Caps

What is a Day‑Use Permit?

If you plan a single‑day trip on the White Rim Road — by high‑clearance vehicle, motorcycle or bicycle — you must secure a day‑use permit. Overnight trips do not also require a separate day‑use permit.

Quota and Limits

50 vehicles (including motorcycles) and 50 mountain bikes for the White Rim Road.
Of the 50 vehicle permits, 25 are released online in advance and the remaining 25 are first‑come at the Visitor Center the day‑of.
Maximum 3 vehicles per group, and for bikes groups up to 15 bicycles. Larger groups must separate by 30 minutes.

Reservation Window & Fees

Online availability: Opens at 8:00 a.m. Mountain Time (MT) the day before your trip.
Walk‑up (in‑person) permits: Available the morning of the trip at the park’s Visitor Centres while quota remains. No fee for the walk‑up day‑use permit itself.
Fee for online day‑use permit: $6 reservation fee.
Plus: you still must pay the park entrance fee for the vehicle/person.

Vehicles, Bikes & Road Conditions

All vehicles including motorcycles must be registered and licensed for road use.
A high‑clearance, true 4×4 (low range) vehicle is required for the White Rim Road. AWD, UTVs, ATVs are not permitted.
Bicycles (including e‑bikes) may ride the loop but must stay on the designated road; separate permit per bike.
The full loop is ~100 miles; for day use expect 10‑12 hours of travel, even with no overnight stop.

Entry/Exit Points

Day‑use permit applies regardless of whether you loop the full White Rim or traverse part of it. If your plan doesn’t stop at a visitor centre and you’re starting early, you must obtain the online permit.

Cancellation/Changes & Enforcement

The day‑use permit is non‑transferrable. Each vehicle or bike must have its own permit tied to the date and road.
Rangers patrol the road and may check permits; being in the back‑country without a valid permit may result in fines or forced exit.
Road conditions matter. Sections can flood or become impassable — check ahead.

Overnight Booking

What is an Overnight Back‑Country Permit?

If you plan to camp overnight on the White Rim Road, you need an overnight back‑country permit for the vehicle or bike trip. A day‑use permit alone is not sufficient.

Booking Seasons & Windows

Permits open four months before each seasonal block:

Spring (Mar 10 – Jun 9) → open Nov 10 at 8 a.m. MT
Summer (Jun 10 – Sep 9) → open Feb 10
Fall (Sep 10 – Dec 9) → open May 10
Winter (Dec 10 – Mar 9) → open Aug 10

Because demand is high (especially spring/fall), reserve as early as possible.

Quotas & Campsites

There are 20 individual campsites spread across 10 camping areas along the White Rim Road.
Each campsite accommodates up to 15 people and 3 vehicles (motorcycles/trailers count as vehicles) for vehicle/bike trips.

Fees and Group Size

Permit cost: non‑refundable $36 reservation fee + $5 per person per night for 4WD/vehicle or mountain bike trips.
Allowed: up to 15 people / 3 vehicles for the Island in the Sky district.

Vehicle/Bike/Gear Rules

Same rules apply as day‑use – high‑clearance, low‑range 4WD required; AWD/UTV/ATV not allowed.
If biking, a support vehicle must also have a separate permit if used.
Know that along the route there is no potable water; come fully self‑sufficient.

Cancellation/Changes

The $36 reservation fee is non‑refundable. The per‑person nightly fee may be refunded if canceled at least three days before trip start.
You must adhere to your reserved campsites/zone; switching mid‑trip is not allowed except by submitting a change request.

Itinerary Ideas

Below are practical itinerary options for vehicle or bike trips on the White Rim Road (Island in the Sky district). All times/distance based on Mountain Time and the road conditions at time of writing; check current NPS alerts before departure.

Leave No Trace & Safety Highlights

Carry all water, fuel and supplies; none available along the road. (At least 1 gal/4 L per person per day recommended)
Stick to the designated road; don’t drive off‑road or create new tracks.
Pack out all trash; no campfires are allowed in back‑country campsites.
Check current park alerts for road conditions, weather, closures. Flooding or snow may restrict sections.
Travel in groups if possible; vehicle recovery is expensive (towing >$1,000) if you get stuck.

White Rim Permits FAQs

Do I need a permit to drive just part of the White Rim Road in one day?

Yes. Even if you’re only driving a portion of the White Rim Road and not completing the full loop, a day-use permit is still required for any single-day trip by vehicle, motorcycle, or bicycle.

How many overnight campsites are there on the White Rim Road, and how far in advance should I reserve?

There are 20 individual campsites located across 10 camping areas along the White Rim Road. Permits for overnight trips open four months in advance of each seasonal block (spring, summer, fall, and winter), and popular dates—especially in spring and fall—fill up quickly. Early reservations are strongly recommended.

What kind of vehicle do I need to drive the White Rim Road?

You must have a high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicle with low-range gearing. All-wheel-drive (AWD) vehicles, UTVs, and ATVs are not allowed under backcountry regulations. This requirement is strictly enforced due to the rugged and remote conditions of the road.

Can I decide to camp overnight if I already have a day-use permit?

No. A day-use permit does not authorize you to stay overnight. If you want to camp, you need a separate overnight backcountry permit that includes a reserved campsite along the route. Overnight camping without a permit is prohibited.

What happens if the road closes due to weather after I’ve gotten my permit?

Conditions on the White Rim Road can change quickly due to weather, especially flooding or snowfall. If the road becomes impassable, you may be forced to alter or cancel your trip. Always check current conditions before starting. Note that refunds for permits are not automatically issued due to weather; contact the park or Recreation.gov for guidance.

Are mountain bikes treated differently for permits?

Mountain bikes are subject to the same permit rules. Riders must have either a day-use permit or an overnight permit (if camping). The daily quota allows up to 50 bikes on the road per day, and group size is limited to 15 riders. Larger bike groups must stagger entry by at least 30 minutes.