Fins and Things
Slickrock playground for 4WD skills
Fins and Things earned its reputation as Moab’s proving ground where drivers learn the difference between confidence and cockiness on Navajo sandstone. The trail weaves through a maze of narrow rock fins, steep slickrock climbs, and off-camber sections that’ll have you questioning your line choice while passengers grip whatever they can find. The route follows old mining tracks and cattle trails through the Behind the Rocks wilderness study area, with several optional advanced lines that separate the experienced from the optimistic, including the infamous ‘Oh My God’ hill that lives up to its name.
Rated moderate but with expert optional lines, this trail demands proper 4WD with low-range and aggressive tires for maximum grip on smooth sandstone. Spotters are highly recommended on the steeper climbs and off-camber sections. Spring and fall provide ideal conditions before summer heat makes the slickrock untouchable. No permits needed, and cell service is decent throughout most of the route. Multiple dispersed camping spots available nearby. This trail teaches you to read rock like a book and rewards smooth technique over horsepower.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Rock |
| Features | Camping, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 8 mi / 12.9 km |
| Duration | Half day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 5200 ft |
| Best season | March-May, September-November |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 4WD high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Moab, Utah |
| Land manager | Bureau of Land Management |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Decent |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock 4Runner or Wrangler handle Fins and Things without modifications?
Yes — stock 4WD with high clearance is the minimum and handles the trail fine for most drivers. Lockers help on the steeper slickrock climbs but aren't required. If your rig is 2WD or a crossover, turn around before you start.
When is Fins and Things closed or impassable?
The trail is open year-round but summer heat (June–August) makes the rocks dangerously hot and the drive miserable. Wet sandstone after rain becomes slick as ice — if it's rained recently, wait for it to fully dry before you go. Best windows are March–May and September–November.
Do I need a permit or is there a fee to drive Fins and Things?
No permit required and no fee to drive the trail itself. It's BLM land, so access is free. If you're camping overnight on the trail, standard BLM dispersed camping rules apply — 14-day stay limit, pack out everything.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually expect?
The steep slickrock climbs are the crux — think near-vertical sandstone ramps where tire placement is everything and momentum matters. The narrow fin sections require precise line choice with drop-offs on either side. At a moderate rating, it's not a trail that will destroy your rig, but it will expose weak driving skills fast.
How close is the nearest gas and water, and is there any cell service on trail?
Moab is your last stop for gas, food, and water — top off before you leave town, it's only a few miles away. There's no water on the trail itself, so carry what you need. Cell service is decent at the trailhead and in patches throughout, but don't count on it for navigation — download offline maps before you go.
Trail track
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