BLM Utah
Last verified May 2026
Hell's Revenge is a 6.5-mile slickrock 4x4 loop in the Sand Flats Recreation Area east of Moab, Utah. The trail crosses Navajo Sandstone rock fins, domes, and steep slickrock pitches, with two named optional obstacles (the Escalator and Tip-Over Challenge) that route experienced drivers around bypasses for less-modified rigs. The Red-Rock Four-Wheelers rate the route a 6 on their internal 10-point scale, and BLM describes it as 'extremely difficult, recommended only for very experienced drivers with advanced equipment.'
The trail is BLM land managed jointly with Grand County under a long-standing partnership. Maximum speed is 15 mph; vehicles must stay on the marked route. Sand Flats charges a per-vehicle day-use fee at the entrance station for trail access.
Trailhead: 38.57532, -109.52258
- Technical Difficulty
- hard
- Length
- 6.5 miles
- Direction
- Loop
- Vehicle
- Modified 4WD with skid plates and rock-rated tires; not appropriate for stock vehicles or ATVs
- Nearest town
- Moab, Utah
- Terrain
- Slickrock with rock fins, domes, and ledges
- Cell coverage
- Spotty
- Best months
- Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct, Nov
- Management
- Bureau of Land Management, Grand County, Utah
- Trailhead
- 38.57532, -109.52258
Resources
Directions
The trailhead is reached from US-191 in the city of Moab.
- From US-191, turn east on 300 South.
- Continue to 400 East and turn right.
- Take 400 East to Mill Creek Drive.
- Head east on Mill Creek Drive to Sand Flats Road.
- Continue east on Sand Flats Road approximately 1 mile, past the Sand Flats Recreation Area entrance station, to the Hell's Revenge Trailhead.
The entrance station collects a per-vehicle day-use fee. Trailer parking is available at the trailhead.
Photos · 4
Videos · 2
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.
Hazards
Hell's Revenge is rated extremely difficult and demands experienced drivers and modified vehicles.
Technical terrain. Slickrock pitches up to 40 degrees, off-camber sections, and exposed-edge driving. Tip-overs are common; rollovers happen. Carry recovery gear and travel with another vehicle.
Cliff exposure. Sections of the trail run along sheer drops into canyons. The Abyss Overlook and Black Hole sections have unprotected edges. Mistakes are unforgiving.
Heat. Slickrock in summer can exceed 130°F (54°C) surface temperature. Drivers and passengers must carry water; pets should not be on the trail in summer (paws burn on hot rock).
Stay on-trail. Operation off the marked route is a class A misdemeanor in Utah and can result in fines, imprisonment, or vehicle forfeiture. The trail is marked with painted symbols on the rock surface.
No camping on trail. Camping is restricted to designated Sand Flats campgrounds. Dispersed camping on the slickrock is not permitted.
Speed limit. 15 mph maximum, posted and enforced.