Is There a Fee to Off Road in Moab?
Sometimes, and it depends entirely on which agency manages the ground under your tires. Here's exactly what costs money around Moab, what's free, and how to get the right pass before you reach the trailhead.
What Things Actually Cost
A side-by-side look at every fee you might run into, from completely free BLM trail access to a full-day guided tour.
Why the Answer Is "It Depends"
Moab is one of the most famous off-roading destinations in the country, drawing Jeep owners, ATV riders, and UTV groups from everywhere. Before anyone loads up a rig, the same question comes up: is there a fee to off road in Moab?
The honest answer is sometimes. The land around town is split between federal, state, and county management, and each agency sets its own rules. Bureau of Land Management trails like Sevenmile Rim or Gemini Bridges are largely free to drive. Sand Flats Recreation Area, home to Hell's Revenge and Fins and Things, charges a county recreation fee. National parks charge their own entrance fee. And if your machine isn't street-legal, Utah requires a separate state permit no matter where you go.
Below, we'll break down exactly who manages what, what each costs, and how to get squared away before you reach the trailhead.
Buy your permit before you arrive, not after a ranger asks for it. Every one of these passes can be handled online in under five minutes.
Save the confirmation to your phone — cell service thins out fast once you're past the pavement.
Who Manages What Around Moab
National Parks
Arches and Canyonlands both charge a $30 per vehicle entrance fee, valid for 7 days. OHVs, ATVs, and UTVs aren't permitted in either park at all — only street-legal vehicles on paved roads.
BLM Lands
Most Bureau of Land Management trails, including Sevenmile Rim, Gemini Bridges, and the Dalton Wells area, are free to drive. Non-street-legal machines still need a valid OHV permit.
Sand Flats Recreation Area
Jointly managed by Grand County and the BLM, this is where Hell's Revenge and Fins and Things live. A day pass runs $10 for 7 days, or $35 for the year.
City of Moab
Street-legal off-highway vehicles can use designated city streets, following posted speed limits and local noise ordinances like everyone else in town.
Do You Need a Utah OHV Permit?
If you're bringing a non-street-legal ATV, UTV, or dirt bike from outside Utah, the state requires a non-resident OHV permit before you touch public land. Here's how to get one.
Confirm you need one
Required for any out-of-state ATV, UTV, or off-highway motorcycle that isn't registered as street-legal in Utah.
Purchase online
Order through Utah's Division of Outdoor Recreation. The permit runs $35 and is valid for 12 months from purchase.
Display your decal
Each vehicle needs its own visible permit. Renting instead? Confirm with your rental provider whether it's already covered.
Free and Paid Areas at a Glance
| Area | Managing Agency | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sevenmile Rim | BLM | Free | Moderate technical terrain, classic views |
| Gemini Bridges | BLM | Free | Family friendly, connects toward Metal Masher |
| Sand Flats Recreation Area | County / BLM | $10 / 7-day | Includes Hell's Revenge & Fins and Things |
| White Rim Road | NPS (Canyonlands) | Entry + permit | Day-use and overnight permits both required; overnight adds a $36 reservation fee plus $5 per person, per night |
| Arches National Park Roads | NPS | $30 / vehicle | Paved roads only — no OHVs of any kind |
| Dalton Wells Area | BLM | Free | Dispersed riding north of town |
What to Expect on the Fee Trails
- Hell's Revenge & Fins and Things — both inside Sand Flats, open year round with a pass purchased on site or online.
- Shafer Trail & White Rim Road — the switchbacks descend from Canyonlands, so the park entrance fee applies in addition to any backcountry permit.
- Gemini Bridges — a free BLM route, but a non-resident OHV permit is still required if your machine isn't street-legal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to pay a fee if I bring my own UTV?
Yes, if it isn't street-licensed in Utah. You'll need a $35 non-resident OHV permit, valid for 12 months from purchase.
Is there a separate charge to drive into Sand Flats?
Yes. It's $10 per vehicle for a 7 day pass, or $35 for an annual pass, on top of anything else you may already carry.
Can I drive my UTV into Arches National Park?
No. OHVs aren't permitted in Arches at all — only street-legal vehicles on the paved scenic drive. There's also no timed-entry reservation required as of 2026, just the standard $30 vehicle entrance fee.
Are there discounts for locals or multi-day visits?
Utah residents register their OHVs through the state instead of buying the non-resident permit. For repeat trips within a year, the Sand Flats annual pass is usually the better value over multiple day passes.
Where can I buy permits?
Non-resident OHV permits are purchased online through Utah's Division of Outdoor Recreation. Sand Flats passes are available at the entrance station or in advance — see our Sand Flats guide for details.
What happens if I off road without a permit?
You risk a citation from the BLM, Grand County, or local law enforcement, along with a possible fine. It's a five-minute problem to avoid ahead of time.
Get Squared Away Before You Go
Grab your pass, check your trail, and hit the sandstone with nothing left to figure out on the fly.
Keep Planning Your Off Roading Trip
Fees and permit costs are current as of publication and are set by the managing agencies, not Moabing — always confirm on the official Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation, BLM, Grand County, or National Park Service sites before you go. Moabing may earn a commission when you book through links on this page, at no extra cost to you.