Trail Overview
The white trail is the only BLM-approved off-road motor vehicle trail within the Gooseberry Mesa National Recreation Trail system. The White Trail is a 6-mile out-and-back trail rated 3 out of 10 that starts at the end of the Gooseberry Mesa Spur. A parking corral and toilet facility are located at the White Trail trailhead. The route consists of sand tracks and mostly level slick rock and winds through Pinyon Pine and Juniper woodlands. There are two off-camber slick rock climbs along this trail. Views along the way include the colorful Smithsonian Butte, Eagle Crags, and Vermilion Cliffs within the Canaan Mountain Wilderness on the east. On the west, are deep drainages and ridges falling away from Gooseberry Mesa including Wire Mesa, Grafton Mesa, and Pastry Ridge. An added bonus is the view into Zion National Park and its towering sandstone buttes. The end of the trail provides a great place for a picnic. Gooseberry Mesa National Recreation Trail (NRT) is located in southern Utah's red rock country.
Difficulty
Trail consisting of loose rocks, dirt, and sand with some slick rock surfaces, mud holes possible, no steps higher than 12". 4WD is required, and aggressive tires are a plus.
History
Gooseberry Mesa NRT was developed in the late 1990s through cooperative efforts. In 2006, the trail received National Recreation Trail status.
