Utah Trails

Are you looking for a trail close to Moab that provides an iconic Moab experience and is a Jeep Badge of Honor Trail? Then start the motor and head to Sand Flats Recreation Area for Fins and Things! This particular trail packs a tremendous amount of fun and grand views of the La Sal Mountains in the background while driving on the mysterious-looking "Fins and Things." "Fins" are the Navajo Sandstone slickrock formations northeast of Moab, and the "things" are what remain as the fins erode. The fins started as wind-blown dunes over 200 million years ago that got cemented into sandstone, and they are now going full circle back to sand blowing in the wind. The term "slickrock" emerged when early western settlers crossed this sandstone in wagons with wood wheels on steel rims. Those steel rims definitely didn't have the traction we have today with rubber tires. As a matter of fact, they found it rather "slick." Imagine facing down a 40-degree slope on wood and steel wheels! Fins and Things is the penultimate trail for proving just how grippy slickrock really is. You'll probably have a pretty tight grip on your seat cushion as well.

Welcome to Hell's Revenge, the world's most famous slickrock trail. Slickrock is petrified sand. The slickrock moniker dates back to when horse-drawn wagons would try to cross the seemingly easily traversed undulating sandstone. Metal horseshoes and steel-rimmed wagon wheels found no grip on the sandstone. Thus, it was called slickrock. Modern tires love the course sandstone. Moab's Hell's Revenge is considered a must-do for many wheelers. It's also in most folks' top 5 Jeep Badge of Honor Trails. When picturing Moab, the slickrock rollercoaster, fins, steep climbs, insane traction, and the two rubber tracks cresting over the hills off into the distance of Hell's Revenge is what comes to mind. If eavesdropping on conversations at any Moab watering hole, you'll hear names like Hell's Gate, The Hot Tubs, Car Wash, Micky's Hot Tub, The Escalator, and Tip Over Challenge mentioned reverently and constantly at the heart of any good Moab story. They are all on Hell's Revenge.

Whenever you see the photo of an offroad-ready rig on a sandstone slab jutting out over a glorious-looking red valley, that's this trail. That is right, Top of the World is a famous trail! It is most famous for its challenge and iconic views, let alone being a Jeep Badge of Honor Trail. The inspirational view from the top is going to automatically increase your bucket list to include Onion Creek, which you will have a birdseye view of as you nest on the perch above. The challenging drive to the top, its 360° view, and the unique photo opportunity make Top of the World a story you will tell for years to come.

Elephant Hill, a remote Jeep Badge of Honor Trail, takes you deep into the interior of the otherworldly scenery within the Needles District in Canyonlands National Park. Many call it one of Utah's most technical 4WD routes, which may or may not be true depending on your driving skills. Without question, this trail has the most pristine scenery and solitude in the area that a remote four-wheel drive can offer. The route immerses you in thousands of colorful sandstone spires reaching up from the desert floor. Adding to this topographical wonderland, arches, washes, plateaus, and narrow slot canyons are scattered along the ever-changing trail. The park only gives out 24 day-use permits per day for Elephant Hill, so plan ahead.

Moab is one of the premier off-road and four-wheel drive destinations. Comprised of many of the most well-known trails in all United States, it has trail types that suit all drivers wheeling desires and is often called an off-roader's paradise. Amongst these trails, Poison Spider is one of the most popular and challenging trails in the area. You get amazing wheeling, and you can also take in the inspiring Little Arch with a view of the Colorado River behind it. The bold will continue to Golden Spike, Where Eagles Dare, and finish on Gold Bar Rim. Very few complete what is known as "The Trifecta."

Located outside Hurricane, Utah, Toquerville Falls, a cascading waterfall within a colorful desert landscape, makes you grateful to have an offroad vehicle. Toquerville Falls is accessible enough to bring the whole family for a weekend camping or just a quick day trip to escape the daily grind. The trail offers spectacular views of the mountains and La Verkin Creek, winding through the canyon below as you work your way to the waterfalls. Because of the snowmelt, the water flows pretty well in early spring, but it's also freezing. During the summer, it offers the chance to wade in the lower pool and enjoy the fresh mountain runoff. The route has numerous side trails where you can choose a campsite along the canyon's edge and relax under a blanket of stars.

Steel Bender is one of the more popular hard trails in the entire Moab area. Extremely close to town and easy to access, this trail offers an entire Moab experience in just over 9.5 miles. With towering Canyon walls, water crossings, sand dunes, slickrock fins, epic views, and ledges requiring the famous "Moab Bump", Steel Bender is non-stop fun and perfect for any adventure seeker or Jeep Badge of Honor trail hunter.

Located about an hour southeast of Salt Lake City in the majestic Wasatch Mountain range, Mary Ellen Gulch offers a lot of adventure for any outdoor enthusiast. From the bottom, you immediately experience the amazing scenery in the Wasatch National Forest and work your way up the old mining road past abandoned gold and silver mines of the late 1800s. Look hard enough, and you might find iron pyrite or fool's gold lying around. If you are more extreme, there have been rumors that you can get lucky panning the mountain streams. There is a story of a Jeeper who panned in one of these canyons and found just enough gold to pay for the expenses of his journey up. Who knows what you may find! As you finish the trail, enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and overlook the Mineral Basin ski lift.

A short distance north of downtown Moab, Metal Masher features steep ascents and descents, off-camber sections, and numerous ledges up to 48 inches tall. The trail is peppered with large boulders, narrow ledges, and tight squeezes. All demand precision driving. A popular trail not only for its technical rock crawling challenges but also for its breathtaking scenic views from atop Arth's Rim, it's no surprise Metal Masher is recognized as a Jeep Badge of Honor trail.

With a name like Devil's Racetrack, you expect a thrill ride or sense of danger. That's partially true for this iconic Utah trail. There are a couple of rock-crawling obstacles near the edge of a shear cliff but nothing like the trails in Moab. The endless panoramas of distant arches and rock spires along the entire route keep you occupied between the rocky challenges. The trail's most iconic section is along The Razorback, a rocky stretch that tilts the driver off-camber while traversing a narrow spine high above the canyons below. The northern portion of the route crosses grassy meadows with the Twin Priest's rock spire as a backdrop.

Located 10 minutes from downtown Moab, Cliff Hanger is an intense trail with a world-renowned namesake obstacle that literally takes drivers to the edge of their abilities, as well as their vehicles. Nonstop slickrock ledges and epic canyon views await those that can calm their nerves as they traverse the side of Kane Springs Canyon en route across the only motorized trail on the Amasa Back. This trail rightfully earns its status as a Jeep Badge of Honor trail and is easily one of the most memorable trails in the Moab area, making you excited to tell your friends all about it.

Imagine yourself in the slickrock of Moab. Now, on that one trail that tested your rig's abilities time and time again. Lastly, picture yourself on that epic multi-day adventure away from the stress of everyday life. Now, combine each of those aspects into one breathtaking bucket list-worthy opportunity. That is just the surface of this grandiloquent adventure. Pack up your vehicle and prepare your mind to follow along a path rich in history dating back to the winter of 1879. The Mormon Pioneers decided to try a shortcut from the town of Escalante to what is now the town of Bluff. 6 weeks planned was the journey that quickly became a 6-month mission to reach their final destination. Once they transported their wagons and equipment across the Colorado River (now Lake Powell), they found that their journey was about to become arduous. Today, we have the ability to experience this strenuous trek in the comfort of motorized transport; however, it is a far cry from relaxing and easy. This journey will push you and your rig over the course of 16+ hours. Although it may be technical and demanding, be sure to bring your family and friends on this lifetime experience, taking in some of the most incredible sights that this part of Utah has to offer.

Located a short distance from downtown Moab, Pritchett Canyon is an iconic trail producing a continuous adrenaline rush. This trail's insane climbs, off-camber turns, and daunting ledges test the skills and endurance of the most experienced drivers and well-built machines. With a reputation of being the gnarliest Jeep Badge of Honor trail in the Moab area, this heart-pounding trail demands careful navigation and technical prowess, rewarding those who conquer its challenging obstacles with breathtaking views of towering cliffs and expansive vistas. If you want to put your off-roading skills to the ultimate test, gear up, grab some buddies, and embark on the journey of a lifetime through one of the most renowned offroad destinations in the world.

Winding its way through the rocks of Sand Mountain is a trail known as Triple 7. Like others nearby, this trail is lined with thrilling rocky shelves, vertical faces, and chunky terrain. Although not overly tricky, many optional obstacles here can result in body damage or tipping if the correct line is not chosen. Views of Sand Hollow Reservoir can be had at almost any point, but attention should be paid to the consistent obstacles that lie ahead. This is a great trail to improve your driving skills if you are ready to bump up your off-roading game.