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Utah Travel Headlines

Monday, March 28, 2011

Canyonlands Mineral Bottom Road Expected To Reopen Tomorrow

A section of the Mineral Bottom Road, adjacent to Canyonlands National Park, was destroyed last August when a massive flood cut through switchbacks. Repairs are now being completed and the road is expected to reopen Tuesday, March 29.

The Mineral Bottom Road has traditionally been used as a leg of the White Rim Trail loop. Since the Mineral Bottom Road washed out in August, it has not been possible to do the complete loop. Now, with the road reopening, Canyonlands National Park is again accepting reservations for the loop.

If you look closely at the photo you will see 2 people standing to the right of the washout. They give perspective to the photo.

The Park Service provided the news release below:

White Rim Road Expected to Open Soon

According to the Bureau of Land Management, the Mineral Bottom road will be open and passable on Tuesday, March 29, 2011. In anticipation of this, the Canyonlands reservation office is now accepting permit applications for White Rim trips that begin April 1, 2011 through the end of the year.

According to the Bureau of Land Management, the Mineral Bottom road will be open and passable on Tuesday, March 29, 2011. In anticipation of this, the Canyonlands reservation office is now accepting permit applications for White Rim trips that begin April 1, 2011 through the end of the year.

CURRENT CONDITIONS
Until the road is opened, trips around the entire White Rim Trail are still not possible. Road construction along the Mineral Bottom switchbacks continues, and the blasting area remains closed to all travel (both motorized and non-motorized). Visitors can still travel along most of the White Rim Road, though the last 14 miles (beyond Potato Bottom) remains closed to motor vehicles.

HISTORY
On August 19th, 2010, severe storms caused flash flooding and rock falls that blocked or washed away roads throughout the Canyonlands area. One of the more dramatic washouts occurred on the Mineral Bottom Road switchbacks (see photos at the bottom of the page), where significant portions of the road were obliterated. This damage caused the closure of the road, affecting anyone attempting to travel the White Rim Road in a loop or planning river trips that launch or take-out at Mineral Bottom.
Planning a visit to the backcountrountry

If you are planning a trip to the park that involves backcountry travel by vehicle, please contact district visitor centers for the most up-to-date conditions:
- Island in the Sky District Visitor Center: (435) 259-4712
- Needles District Visitor Center: (435) 259-4711
- Maze District Ranger Station: (435) 259-2652

Other Questions?
Reservation Office staff are available to answer questions and assist with trip planning weekdays:
- Phone: (435) 259-4351
- Fax: (435) 259-4285

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