Gooseberry Canyon Trail

Gooseberry Canyon is a strenuous out-and-back from the mesa rim to the White Rim bench: 4.6 miles round trip and 4–6 hours. It is one of Island in the Sky's steepest hikes, dropping about 1,500 feet before the same climb back. Choose it for a close look at the cliff face and big canyon views; the short map distance hides a serious climb. The rough, uneven rock and stone steps aren't wheelchair-accessible.

The route starts across pock-marked slickrock among juniper and desert brush, then reaches the open cliff face. Steep switchbacks and sandstone steps cross exposed slopes of loose scree, and the tread can blend into the rock. Cairns mark the way, so keep track of them and carry a map. After the descent, a broad sandy wash leads to the White Rim bench. The return retraces the same steep route, so leave time and energy for the climb.

At the bottom, Gooseberry meets White Rim Road on a sandy bench; turn around here. The nearby White Rim Overlook is a separate spur and isn't part of this hike. The white sandstone layer gives the White Rim its name, and the road below once carried uranium ore. It now sees jeeps and mountain bikes. From the bench, look back up the mesa face: the trail can disappear against the sandstone, while the cliffs and distant La Sal Mountains show the scale of the descent.

The trailhead is at the White Rim Overlook parking area off Grand View Point Road; parking is limited. There is no potable water along the hiking trails. For this long route, plan on about 1 liter per person per hour and carry a map and headlamp. Dogs aren't allowed on park hiking trails. Overnight camping on the White Rim requires a backcountry permit.