Summer’s Calling: A 5-Day Overland Adventure from Denver to the White Rim Trail

by | Apr 15, 2025

Summer’s Calling: A 5-Day Overland Adventure from Denver to the White Rim Trail
by Peak Overland | Summer 2025 Kickoff

The snow is melting, the trails are calling, and summer adventure season is finally here. If you’ve been itching to break away from the city grind and trade fluorescent lights for fiery desert sunsets, we’ve got the ultimate 5-day itinerary for you.

Starting right at Denver International Airport, this loop takes you through Colorado’s rugged beauty and into the heart of Utah’s red rock wonderland — the legendary White Rim Trail in Canyonlands National Park. This is the stuff overland dreams are made of.

Trip Snapshot:

  • Duration: 5 days

  • Start/End: Denver International Airport (DIA)

  • Main Feature: White Rim Trail, Utah

  • Vehicle: Jeep Wrangler Rubicon or Ford Bronco w/ iKamper rooftop tent

  • Camping Style: Designated and dispersed overland sites

  • Best for: Intermediate adventurers ready for remote terrain and serious views

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: DIA → Colorado National Monument (near Fruita, CO)

  • Drive ~5 hours

  • Camp at Saddlehorn Campground

  • Scenic mountain drive, canyon sunsets, epic start to the trip

Day 2: Fruita → Island in the Sky District (Canyonlands NP)

  • Drive ~2.5 hours

  • Camp at Willow Flat (or BLM outside park)

  • Sunrise at Mesa Arch, grab supplies in Moab

Day 3: White Rim Trail (Start at Shafer Trailhead)

  • On-trail drive 4–6 hours

  • Camp at Murphy Hogback (NPS permit required)

  • Iconic switchbacks, remote views, bucket list trail

Day 4: Finish White Rim → Glenwood Springs

  • Trail + highway driving ~6 hours

  • Camp near Glenwood Canyon

  • End the dirt with hot springs and pine trees

Day 5: Glenwood → DIA

  • Drive ~3 hours

  • Scenic drive back through the Rockies with coffee in Breck

  • Return the Jeep, head home with a full camera roll and an even fuller heart

Camping + Permit Tips

  • White Rim Trail: Overnight permits required and limited — we can help arrange it when you book

  • Other Sites: Great mix of established campgrounds and dispersed BLM land

  • We provide: Route planning, camping gear, GPS tips, and overland-ready rigs

Why This Route Rocks

  • A full circle adventure with no backtracking

  • Diverse terrain: alpine mountains to desert plateaus

  • Adventure-tested gear for max comfort and confidence

  • Perfect 5-day balance of thrill and downtime

Ready to Roll?

Book your summer adventure now at PeakOverland.com and we’ll set you up with:

  • A Jeep Rubicon or Ford Bronco with rooftop tent & full camp kitchen

  • Full camping setup and trail guidance

  • Permit support and packing advice

  • A route that’s ready to go, from DIA to the desert and back again

Let’s make 2025 your boldest summer yet.
Peak Overland – Adventure Ready®