Trail Overview
Western Rim is a scenic 5.5-mile moderate trail within the Westwater Trail System that treats four-wheel-drive vehicles, SxSs, and dirt bikes to spectacular cliffside views of red sandstone canyons and the Colorado River. Winding along a sandstone canyon rim for the majority of its length, sometimes within 5 to 20 feet of the edge, the route demands careful driving but rewards adventurers with breathtaking ledge views. The trail sits at an elevation between 4,418 and 4,831 feet, featuring mostly smooth red dirt surfaces interrupted by a few moderate obstacles, rock pinches, and tight squeezes between large boulders. With a technical rating of 4, drivers will encounter a couple of loose hill climbs and minor rock ledges that require decent ground clearance and some driving experience, but it remains highly accessible compared to other nearby trails in the area.
Starting near the Colorado-Utah border, the trail can be reached by staging in Westwater, Utah, or Rabbit Valley, Colorado. Because of its scenic cliffs and fun, winding path beneath towering red canyon walls, it is a regional favorite where you can expect to see other trail users even during the off-season. The route gains approximately 771 feet of elevation and serves as an excellent segment of the larger Kokopelli Trail or can be combined with the nearby Zion Curtain trail for an extended day of riding. Standard high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicles, UTVs, and SxSs will navigate the trail with ease, though the constant exposure along the canyon rim means drivers must remain focused and cautious around every blind corner.