About White Trail
Recommended Users: Mountain Bikers, Hikers, OHVers. Two-track/Singletrack. 3.09 miles in length. Difficulty: Easiest. This trail is an old 4x4 road that bisects the Gooseberry Mesa. It’s has a few sandy patches, but nothing particularly deep.Like the entire mesa, the White Trail gradually slopes up 2% to the west, making it easier and faster to ride back to the trailhead after riding the other trails. Many mountain bikers ride out to the west rim on singletrack and loop back to the trailhead using the White Trail. At 2.4 miles (just about at the intersection with the Yellow Trail), the White Trail becomes sandy, and narrow; OVHs are not allowed to continue beyond this point.* Since this is a mixed user trail, all users should exercise caution and keep a sharp eye out for others.*NOTE: This trail is open to motorized users for only a portion of its length. Motorized users cannot reach the west rim and should not attempt to do so. Motorized users cannot use any other trails unless the trails are specifically designated “open” for motorized use.
How to Get There
Gooseberry Trailhead—From I-15 Exit 16, head southwest to Hurricane City on State Route 9. Follow SR 9 into Hurricane and turn right on Main Street. Take the first left onto State Route 59. Turn left on Smithsonian Butte National Backcountry Byway. At 2.8 miles from the SR 59, turn left and travel northwest 3.3 miles until reaching the trailhead. (During or shortly after inclement weather, Smithsonian Butte and the trailhead access road may be impassable.)
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to White Trail
Heading to White Trail? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for White Trail?
No central reservation system listed for White Trail. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/257234) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to White Trail?
Gooseberry Trailhead—From I-15 Exit 16, head southwest to Hurricane City on State Route 9. Follow SR 9 into Hurricane and turn right on Main Street. Take the first left onto State Route 59. Turn left on Smithsonian Butte National Backcountry Byway. At 2.8 miles from the SR 59, turn left and travel northwest 3.3 miles until reaching the trailhead. (During or shortly after inclement weather, Smithso…
How do I contact White Trail?
You can reach the park at phone: 435-688-3200 or email: utsgmail@blm.gov.
References & Official Resources
