Fins and Things: Moab's Favorite Slickrock Roller Coaster
Nine miles of steep slickrock climbs, sandy washes, and La Sal Mountain views — challenging enough to feel like real Moab, friendly enough for your first time behind the wheel. Just follow the painted stegosaurus.
Drive Fins and Things Yourself Compare All ToursQuick Facts: Fins and Things Trail
| Location | Sand Flats Recreation Area, just east of Hell's Revenge — about fifteen minutes from downtown Moab |
|---|---|
| Length & time | Roughly 9 miles in two sections split by Sand Flats Road; plan 3–4 hours |
| Difficulty | Rated 4–5 of 10 — steep slickrock climbs and descents with ledges up to about a foot, and bypasses at the tougher spots |
| Direction | One way only, clearly marked. Follow the stenciled stegosaurus symbols painted on the rock |
| Fees | Sand Flats entry: $5 per vehicle per day, $10 for seven days, $25 annual. Out of state ATVs and UTVs also need a $30 Utah OHV permit |
| Best seasons | Spring (March–May) and fall (September–November); sunrise starts in summer |
| Vehicle | Stock high clearance 4x4s with a skilled driver do fine — short wheelbases have it easiest. No low clearance crossovers |
| Easiest way to ride it | Book a U Drive Fins and Things tour — pilot your own machine behind a local guide |
Why Everyone Starts on Fins and Things
Ask a Moab local where to take your first four wheel drive and the answer is almost always the same: Fins and Things. The trail rolls over the same petrified sand dunes that made Hell's Revenge famous — steep climbs where the hood fills your whole view, descents that feel like dropping off the edge of the world, and grippy sandstone that holds your tires the entire way. The difference is the margin for error. The ledges are smaller, the exposure is milder, and the tougher moves have bypasses.
That's what makes it the most reviewed off road trail in Moab, with thousands of riders rating it near perfect. It's a genuine roller coaster with training wheels you can take off whenever you're ready: run it clean in the morning, then graduate to Hell's Revenge in the afternoon. Guides run that exact double feature every day.
The route winds between the North Fork of Mill Creek Canyon and the domes of Sand Flats, with the La Sal Mountains stacked up on the horizon. It even threads through the Sand Flats campgrounds — if you're camping there, the trailhead is practically your front door. See our Moab campgrounds guide for how to snag a site.
Local tip: follow the dinosaurThe trail is marked with stegosaurus stencils painted on the slickrock — a nod to the dinosaur country you're driving through. If you haven't seen a stegosaurus in a few minutes, stop and backtrack. Wandering off route damages the living soil crust and carries serious fines.
Three Ways to Ride Fins and Things
U Drive Tour
Drive your own machine over the fins while a professional guide leads the line and coaches you through every climb. This trail is the single best place in Moab to learn slickrock driving — thrilling, forgiving, and unforgettable.
Book the U Drive TourGuided Jeep Tour
Climb into a rigged out jeep and let a local pro handle the driving while you handle the camera. Guides share the geology, the history, and the best photo stops — zero stress, full roller coaster.
Book the Jeep TourYour Own Rig
A stock 4x4 with low range and a careful driver can run the whole trail — short wheelbase vehicles have it easiest, and the trickier ledges offer alternate lines. Air down, watch your bumpers, and travel with a second vehicle when you can.
See Fees & RulesThe Named Spots on Fins and Things
Fins and Things doesn't collect trophy obstacles the way Hell's Revenge does — its personality is the constant up and down rhythm of the fins themselves. But a few named features are worth knowing before you meet them.
Kenny's Climb
One of the steepest pure slickrock climbs in Moab — no ledges, no tricks, just a wall of sandstone and a leap of faith in your traction. Fully optional.
Frenchie's Fin
A late trail highlight near mile 9.5 — a classic narrow fin ride with big views and a bigger grin at the bottom.
Stegosaurus Rock
The trail's mascot in stone form. A fitting photo stop on a route where a painted stegosaurus shows you the way.
Campground Hill
A fun, steep rocky climb just past the campgrounds that pops you back out on Sand Flats Road. Take it or skip it.
Want a spotter built in?On a U Drive Fins and Things tour, your guide reads every climb before you do and radios the line straight into your ear. It's the difference between white knuckles and pure fun on your first slickrock trail.
How the Trail Unfolds
StartCampground E Trailhead
The south section begins beside the Sand Flats campgrounds, about two miles past the entrance station. Follow the stegosaurus stencils from the staging area.
South SectionThe First Fins
A shorter but lively opening act: rolling slickrock climbs and descents that teach you exactly how much grip this sandstone gives. It pops back out on Sand Flats Road.
ConnectorSand Flats Road
Turn east and cruise a short stretch of the graded road to the north section entrance — the longer, wilder half of the trail.
North SectionThe Roller Coaster Proper
Steeper fins, sandy washes between them, and the constant rhythm of climb, crest, descend. The La Sals and the canyon country fill the views in every direction.
Late TrailKenny's Climb & Frenchie's Fin
Around mile 9 the optional Kenny's Climb dares the confident, and Frenchie's Fin sends everyone home smiling. From there it's a short run back toward the campgrounds.
Fees and Rules at Sand Flats
Fins and Things shares Sand Flats Recreation Area — and its fee structure — with Hell's Revenge. One pass covers both trails, which is exactly why so many groups run them back to back. Booked a tour? Ask whether the Sand Flats fee is included; policies vary by operator.
| Pass or Permit | Cost | Who Needs It |
|---|---|---|
| Sand Flats day pass | $5 per vehicle | Every private vehicle entering the recreation area |
| Sand Flats seven day pass | $10 | Multi day visitors — pays for itself on day two |
| Sand Flats annual pass | $25 | Frequent visitors and locals |
| Utah OHV permit | $30 per year | Out of state ATVs and UTVs; all OHV operators must also complete Utah's free online OHV education course |
Two rules the rangers enforce hardThe trail is one way — follow the marked direction of travel. And stay on the designated route: driving off trail in Sand Flats is a Class A misdemeanor with fines that can include vehicle forfeiture. The painted stegosaurus symbols are the trail. Full details in our guide to Moab off road fees and permits.
Best Time to Drive Fins and Things
| Season | Conditions | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar–May) | Perfect temperatures and firm traction. Easter Jeep Safari packs the recreation area in late March or April | Prime time — book tours and campsites early |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Afternoons reach 95–105°F with no shade on the rock | Sunrise starts only; morning tours beat the heat |
| Fall (Sep–Nov) | Golden light, cool air, quieter trail — many locals call October the best month of the year | The sweet spot |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Peaceful trails and snow dusted red rock; ice can hide on shaded faces | Beautiful, but check conditions first |
Timing the rest of your trip too? Our guide to the best time to off road in Moab breaks down every season, and the Moab vacation planner turns your dates into a full itinerary in minutes.
Fins and Things Tours and Sand Flats Adventures
These are the guided rides we recommend for this side of Sand Flats — whether you want the wheel in your own hands or a pro handling the scary parts. Free cancellation is available on most departures.
U Drive Fins and Things Tour
Pilot your own machine over Moab's favorite roller coaster with a local guide picking every line. The best first slickrock drive there is.
Check Dates & PricesFins and Things Jeep Tour
Ride shotgun in a built jeep while a professional driver runs the fins — all the thrills, none of the decisions. Great for families and first visits.
Check Dates & PricesHell's Revenge Hummer Tour
Graduated from Fins and Things? Take on Hell's Revenge from the seat of an open air Hummer with a pro at the wheel — the classic Moab double feature.
Check Dates & PricesFins and Things FAQ
How hard is Fins and Things?
Fins and Things is rated 4 to 5 out of 10 — moderate by Moab standards. Expect steep slickrock climbs and descents, sandy stretches, and rock ledges up to about a foot, with alternate lines at the toughest spots. It's widely considered the ideal first slickrock trail before attempting Hell's Revenge.
Is Fins and Things good for beginners?
Yes — it's the classic Moab starter trail. Beginners do best on a U Drive tour, where a guide leads the route and coaches each climb, or as passengers on a guided jeep tour. Confident drivers in a stock high clearance 4x4 with low range can self drive it.
How long does Fins and Things take?
Plan 3 to 4 hours for the full trail — roughly 9 miles split into a shorter south section and a longer north section, connected by a stretch of Sand Flats Road. Guided tours typically run 2.5 to 3 hours.
Is Fins and Things easier than Hell's Revenge?
Yes. Fins and Things rates 4 to 5 of 10 versus Hell's Revenge at 6, with smaller ledges, milder exposure, and no expert only obstacles on the main route. Many visitors run Fins and Things in the morning and Hell's Revenge the same afternoon — one Sand Flats pass covers both.
Is there a fee to drive Fins and Things?
Yes. The trail sits inside Sand Flats Recreation Area: $5 per vehicle per day, $10 for seven days, or $25 for an annual pass. Out of state ATVs and UTVs also need a $30 Utah OHV permit, and all OHV operators must complete Utah's online OHV education course.
Can you do Fins and Things in a stock vehicle?
A stock high clearance 4x4 with low range and decent approach and departure angles can complete the trail — short wheelbase vehicles like Wranglers have it easiest. Low clearance crossovers and all wheel drive cars should not attempt it; bumpers are the most common casualty.
Which direction does Fins and Things run?
The trail is one way only, and the direction is clearly signed — follow the stenciled stegosaurus symbols painted on the rock. Running the trail backward is both against the rules and significantly harder, since several descents become steep climbs.
When is the best time to drive Fins and Things?
Spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) offer the best temperatures and traction. In summer, start at sunrise and be off the rock before the afternoon heat; in winter, watch for ice on shaded faces.
Ready to Ride the Fins?
Spring and fall departures fill weeks ahead — grab your seat (or your steering wheel) while the good dates are still open.
Book the U Drive Fins and Things Tour Or Let a Pro Drive the Jeep