Getting Oriented
Fins and Things is one of Moab's mid-range 4x4 trails, often recommended as a first foray onto Moab slickrock for drivers who aren't ready for Hell's Revenge's exposure or Pritchett Canyon's extreme sections. The 10-mile loop sits in the Sand Flats Recreation Area east of town, occupying the rolling slickrock country between Hell's Revenge, Negro Bill Canyon, and North Fork of Mill Creek Canyon.
The "fins" are Navajo Sandstone formations that started as wind-blown dunes roughly 200 million years ago, got cemented into sandstone, and are now eroding back to sand. The "things" are what remains between the fins as they wear away.
Trail Overview
The trail is rated 5 on the Red-Rock Four-Wheelers' 10-point scale, putting it in the moderate-to-hard range. Stock 4WDs with experienced drivers can complete the route, though modifications (lockers, oversized tires, skid plates) make the harder sections more comfortable. Painted white symbols on the rock and metal signs mark the route.
The trailhead is 1.8 miles east of the Sand Flats entrance station; trailer parking is available 1.4 miles from the entrance. The trail crosses Sand Flats Road approximately 3.7 miles in at Diving Board Rock; the section south of Sand Flats Road is day-use only, closed from one-half hour before sunset to one-half hour after sunrise.
Notable named obstacles include Frenchie's Fin and Kenny's Climb, the steepest pitches on the route. ATVs are not recommended on the initial segment between E and F campgrounds; ATV traffic should enter at Diving Board Rock.
Where to Camp
Camping along the trail itself is not permitted. The Sand Flats Recreation Area has nine BLM-managed campgrounds (A through I) along Sand Flats Road, with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. Sites are first-come, first-served.
Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Trip
- Air down your tires. 15 to 20 PSI is typical for Moab slickrock; the trail's traction depends on tire-to-rock contact area.
- Travel with another vehicle. The harder pitches benefit from a spotter, and recovery options are limited solo.
- Take the full day. Three to four hours of driving plus stops adds up; start early in summer to avoid the worst heat.
- 15 mph speed limit. Posted and enforced. Off-route violations are a class A misdemeanor in Utah.
- Pay the day-use fee. Sand Flats charges per-vehicle at the entrance station.
