Lathrop Canyon
Lathrop Canyon is an optional side trail off of White Rim. We planned on hitting as many of the trails as possible in the Canyonlands National Park, and Lathrop Canyon was a good one to take to view the Colorado River. We planned to have lunch at the trail end.
The trail is well marked off of White Rim. It is an in and out trail, with no side spurs, so it is easy to follow.
There were a couple of steeper sections and the trail was mostly loose sand and dirt. The trail was dry and easy to drive. Bob led on this trail. Kris drove some of the sections -- it was her very first time to drive in four wheel low, so she had to get the feel of driving and shifting in low gear.
The trail dead ends at the Colorado River. There is a very nice picnic spot at the end with a nice pit toilet. We noticed that all of the pit toilets in the park were well-maintained and not stinky at all.
There are some strange looking fuzzy trees at the picnic spot along with several picnic tables. We had lunch here and walked down to the river. One other group of three Jeeps came down the trail behind us as we were finishing lunch.
The trip back up the trail was fun with just a few steep sections to go through. The trail was a very nice side trip off of White Rim and an excellent lunch spot.
Report from a Different Day
