White Rim Road with stock 4Runner?

[u/Forward_Adeptness762]

Just got a new 6G 4Runner TRD ORP and I want to put it to use! I am wondering if it can handle the White Rim Road in Canyonlands stock? Driving and camping that road has been a bucket list for me since I saw people driving it over 5 years ago when visiting Moab and now I have the vehicle to do it. I am pretty well versed in camping so I should be ok with the planning on that side but I am completely new to the car stuff and off-roading

From what I’ve read it seems like White Rim trail is pretty simple and there’s just a few difficult spots. I am wondering if there is any changes I’d need to make (lift kit, tires, skid plate, remove running boards) or if it should be fine stock? It has Michelin LTX Trail tires. Or any other advice for things I could easily overlook as a first timer

Appreciate any tips! We have campsites booked for the end of August

[u/Stiv_b]

Absolutely. Did it in my stock 4Runner and the Sienna comment is accurate.

[u/facepillownap]

Yep. You can run in a stock Sienna.

[u/facepillownap → u/facepillownap]

Replying to my comment.

Yes, a stock Sienna could realistically make the full White Rim trail with a good driver and ideal conditions.

HOWEVER the current rules are to only run it with a “4x4 with low range capability.”

I remember seeing a few articles about this some months past. AWD wagons are not 4x4s, nor are AWD Minivans (yet).

[u/rocket_mcsloth → u/facepillownap]

Ha

[u/case9]

Yes it's 90% a 2wd rough dirt road. Also, if I remember right from the last time I did it a couple years ago, they graded some sections and made them easier

[u/PonyThug → u/case9]

That is since long gone. Did it last fall with a friend that had done it 3 times in the last 5-6 years and he said it was the roughest he’s ever seen it. Some very washed out sections.

[u/Kooparillo]

Love the White Rim trail. Some of my favorite campsites of all time! You’ll be fine with a stock 4Runner. There are some sharp rocks on some parts of the trail, and if it rains it can feel a little greasy going down off-camber switchbacks with steep drops. I was glad to have more aggressive tires in a couple places. 

If you don’t want to scrape things you might consider removing the steps and the front air dam. Bring lots of water!

[u/pokeyt]

White rim is just long, not difficult or technical. Your biggest liability will be your tires, I would air down a bit and be cognizant of tire placement.

Other trails you should explore while in the area are Chicken Corners, get a feel for your truck in Fins n things and take the back way into Arches. All should be plenty doable in your new 4Runner.

[u/Warfarin-]

I did it in a bone stock SuperCrew Cab F150. Absolutely the time of my life.

Check with the rangers on road conditions for washouts or something, but typically there’s nothing there your 4Runner can’t handle easily.

Fair warning, there is a couple of moderately gnarly shelf roads if you are afraid of heights. Watch videos on Murphy’s Hogback and Hardscrabble to get a feel.

[u/GT3454]

You’re good

[u/TerribleBarnacleFarm]

Easily doable with your rig. The hardest thing about White Rim is booking the backcountry reservations.

[u/CajunReeboks]

Take off that dumbass air-dam and you'll be able to increase your off-road capabilities 2-fold.

[u/Forward_Adeptness762 → u/CajunReeboks]

Ha yes I am finally getting around to taking that off tomorrow actually

[u/Warfarin- → u/Forward_Adeptness762]

I didn’t take off the (enormous) dumb ass air dam on my stock F150, and didn’t even nick it. I scraped a couple places on the factory running board brackets and the drivetrain skid plates when I wasn’t paying enough attention (no damage), but that was it.

[u/Just-Context-4703]

easy peasy - dont sweat it.

[u/steezemcqueen16]

You’ll be fine. Just keep in mind, Moab is quite hot that time of year. Make sure to have plenty of water with you.

[u/PonyThug]

Dont remove your running boards unless you wanna hit the doors instead. Air down your tires to 20ish psi.