Hell’s Revenge — Moab Sand Flats Slickrock Gauntlet via Hell’s Gate and the Tip-Over Challenge
Slickrock that sticks. Your nerve is the variable.
Hell’s Revenge doesn’t ask you to be brave, it asks you to trust your tires. The trail runs across the Sand Flats east of Moab on bare Navajo sandstone, and the grip on that rock is almost unnatural. You drop in off Sand Flats Road, crawl down Hell’s Gate, and from there it’s a roller coaster of fins, ledges and ramps. The Escalator is a long, steep climb on a slab you’d swear is too steep to hold a rig. The Tip-Over Challenge puts you on a sidehill that makes your stomach drop. Mickey’s Hot Tub is a bowl you climb out of at an angle that feels wrong. Every line is painted with tire rubber from the rigs before you.
Plan on 3 to 5 hours for the 6.5 miles. A stock high-clearance 4WD can pick through with a spotter and some nerve, but 33s, lockers, and skid plates are what make it relaxing. Bring recovery gear, because rollovers happen here. Best season is March to May and September to October. Summer slickrock gets hot and winter ice makes it dangerous. Expect a day-use fee at the Sand Flats entrance, and Moab has fuel, food, and parts. Camping is in the designated Sand Flats campgrounds only. What you get is the best rock crawling in America, with La Sal Mountains views the whole way. Have a dirty day.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Rock |
| Features | Camping, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 6.5 mi / 10.5 km |
| Duration | 3-5 hours |
| Max elevation (ft) | 5100 ft |
| Best season | March-May, September-October |
| Minimum vehicle | Modified 4x4 with lockers and 33-inch tires recommended; stock high-clearance with a spotter possible |
| Nearest town | Moab, Utah |
| Land manager | Sand Flats Recreation Area (Grand County / BLM Moab Field Office) |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Good |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | No |
| Verified | |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock 4Runner or Tacoma run Hell's Revenge?
It's possible with a spotter and a lot of patience, but it's not a good fit. Lockers and 33-inch tires are recommended for the steep ledges and off-camber sections, and stock bodywork and rocker panels tend to take hits. Without a locker, expect to rely on traction control and a good line.
Is Hell's Revenge open in winter?
It's generally accessible year-round, but March-May and September-October are best. Snow and ice on slickrock make steep sections dangerous, and summer heat is brutal on you and your vehicle. Dry rock gives the best grip, so skip the trail after rain or snowmelt.
Do I need a permit or pay a fee to drive Hell's Revenge?
You don't need a separate trail permit, but you pay the day-use fee at the Sand Flats Recreation Area entrance station. The area is managed by Grand County with the BLM Moab Field Office. Check current fees and rules before you go, since they change.
What's the hardest part of Hell's Revenge?
Hell's Gate, the steep entry descent, and the Tip-Over Challenge, a severely off-camber ledge where vehicles can roll. Both reward a spotter and a committed, slow line. Stay on the painted tire marks and walk the obstacle first if you're unsure.
Can I camp along Hell's Revenge?
Sand Flats has established campgrounds with designated sites, and camping is generally limited to those sites. Plan on staying in one of them rather than finding a spot on the slickrock. The trail is only 6.5 miles and cell service is good, so most people run it as a day trip from Moab.
Trail track
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