Getting Oriented
Hell's Revenge is one of the iconic 4x4 trails near Moab, Utah. The route runs entirely on Navajo Sandstone slickrock east of town in the Sand Flats Recreation Area, a co-managed BLM and Grand County off-highway recreation zone. The trail is approximately 6.5 miles long and takes most parties two to three hours to complete. Despite the name, the route is signed and marked with painted symbols on the rock, with named bypass routes around the most technical obstacles.
The trail is rated 6 on the Red-Rock Four-Wheelers' 10-point scale, and BLM describes it as "extremely difficult." This is a hard 4x4 route by any measure: expect steep slickrock pitches, tight maneuvering on exposed fins, and a handful of named obstacles that demand precise line choice. Stock high-clearance vehicles are not appropriate. Experienced drivers in modified 4WDs (lockers, oversized tires, skid plates, recovery gear) are the typical user.
Trail Overview
The route begins at the Hell's Revenge Trailhead, just past the Sand Flats Recreation Area entrance station. The first half-mile climbs onto the slickrock proper, then the trail traces a route through rolling sandstone with frequent steep climbs, drops, and exposed-edge driving. Painted signs and symbols mark the route on the rock surface; staying on-trail is required and enforced under Utah state law.
Notable named features along the route:
- Abyss Overlook. Scenic viewpoint with a sheer drop into a side canyon.
- The Escalator. Steep optional climb; a bypass goes around for those who'd rather not.
- Tip-Over Challenge. Off-camber technical obstacle; bypass is marked.
- Mickey's Hot Tub. Open pothole at mile 4.0; one of the few off-route potholes that's accessible.
- Black Hole. Large semi-circular cliff feature visible from the trail.
The trail crosses the Slickrock Bike Trail at one point. The Slickrock trail is open only to motorcycles and mountain bikes, not 4x4 vehicles; the crossing is signed.
Where to Camp
Camping along Hell's Revenge itself is not permitted. The Sand Flats Recreation Area has nine BLM-managed campgrounds (A through I) with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables; sites are first-come, first-served. Campgrounds line Sand Flats Road before the Hell's Revenge trailhead.
Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Trip
- Travel with another vehicle. Solo runs are not recommended; the technical sections are easier to negotiate with a spotter, and recovery options are limited solo.
- Air down your tires. 15 to 20 PSI is typical for slickrock. The trail's traction depends on tire-to-rock contact area.
- Carry recovery gear. Strap, shackles, hi-lift, and a spare are basic; cell signal is unreliable.
- Take the bypasses when needed. Each major obstacle has a marked bypass. There's no penalty for using them.
- 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.
