Fins and Things

Moab, Utah (Grand County)

Last Updated: 07/19/2019
4.8 / 5 ( 23 reviews )
Information
Nearby Trails
Status: Open
Typically Open: Year Round
Permit Information: Permit Required - Click Here
Difficulty: 4-6
(MODERATE - DIFFICULT)
Length: 9.2 miles
Highest Elevation: 4750 feet
Duration: About 4 hours
Shape of Trail: Loop
Best Direction to Travel: N/A
Nearest Town: Moab
Nearest Town w/ Services: Moab
Official Road Name: Fins and Things
Management Agency: Bureau of Land Management
District: Moab Field Office
Distance:
Showing 0 trails within 2 miles

Highlights

Highlight: Fins and Things
Are you looking for a trail close to Moab that optimizes the Moab experience? This is definitely one of the first you must try to gain some experience and really get a feel of the difference in traction that the Sandstone gives to the 4x4 experience. The "Slickrock" isn't slick at all and by airing down your tires you will be amazed at being able to climb 50-60% inclines without any slippage. During the 1800's when this area was being settled by those coming west, they used wagons with steel rims pulled with oxen or mules. This same sandstone that gives us traction on rubber tires was horrible with steel-rimmed wagon wheels hence the name "Slickrock" was given and is still used today. I can imagine the carnage having wagons full of supplies rolling down these fins dragging the occupants and teams of oxen with them. Fins and Things is located in the Sand Flats Recreation Area, and a fee is required to access the route, once you pay the fee you will get a nice map of the trails it contains. This trail provides spectacular views of the LaSal Mountains across the sandstone domes of Sand Flats. Although it is only 9.2 miles long, You should allow three to four hours to complete the steep climbs and even steeper descents. "Fins" are the Navajo Sandstone slickrock formations northeast of Moab, and the "things" are what remains as the fins erode. The fins started as wind-blown sand dunes some 200 million years ago, they got cemented into sandstone, and they are now going full circle back to sand blowing in the wind. The trail is marked with painted dinosaur (stegosaur) symbols or stripes. Drivers and riders should follow the marked route, which traverses the slickrock domes south of the Sand Flats Road before crossing this road to follow fins and domes on the north side of the Sand Flats Road.

Video

Weather

7 day forecast for Fins and Things

Route Information

Advanced Rating System

Recommended Vehicle:
Stock SUV with High Clearance and 4 Low
Concerns:
Summary:
This trail has multiple sections that are steep and rocky. Several of the climbs are between 45 and 55 degrees.

Technical Rating: 4-6
(MODERATE - DIFFICULT)

Typically, more rock or undulated road surface. Potential rocks and/or tree stumps less than 18" tall and/or vertical ledges less than 18" tall and/or near vertical ledges or waterfalls less than 36" inches. Tire placement becomes more difficult. Can be steep and off-camber.
Read more about our rating system

Description

Fins and Things is almost entirely on slickrock or very sandy dirt. Some of the climbs are aggravated by a loose sand approach, and there is some deep, loose sand. Please remember to stay on the marked route and follow the one-way signs as vehicles are allowed only on designated routes within the Sand Flats Recreation Area. Remember, indiscriminate vehicle tracks represent the theft of beauty which you came here to see. This trail can be accomplished by most 4x4 vehicles and most harder obstacles have a bypass. Fins and Things is located within the Sand Flats Recreations Area and managed through a partnership between Grand County and the BLM. All 4X4s, ATVs, motorcycles, and bikes must remain on designated roads and trails at all times. There are no open play areas within Sand Flats. Penalties for violations of trail use can include, among other things, forfeiture of vehicle. Please Stay on the trail! There is a fee to use this recreation area. The fee is $5.00 a day or $10.00 a week per vehicle. You can also purchase an annual pass for $25.00. There is a pay station at the entrance to the Sand Flats Recreation Area.

Waypoints

1. Fins and Things Trailhead (0 mi)
Stay on the Sand Flats Road for 2 more miles, and turn right into Campsite Cluster E. The trail starts to the right of campsite #6. You will find the start of the trail easily and it is well marked.
2. View Point (0.6 mi)
Almost immediately you are forced to climb your first "Slick-rock" formation and it seems a little daunting. Just follow the black marks from past vehicles to the top. Note: If you don't air down your tires to between 8-15 lbs. you may experience some tire yelping as you climb the fins on this trail. Using your 4x4 low range and aired down tires will make this seem effortless and your vehicle will thank you.
3. Steep Climb (0.7 mi)
Another steep climb with a couple of different bypasses.
4. Steep Climb with Bypass (0.9 mi)
This smaller obstacle is made a little tougher with some uneven shelving thrown in. There is a bypass to the left.
5. The Wall (1.9 mi)
This uphill section is the steepest yet/about a 55-degree incline. It helps the driver to have a spotter as at this angle seeing where you are going is impossible. Slow and steady on the gas, let the tires find their traction points, you might encounter some tire yelping. There is a bypass to the right, but if you have a ground guide then give it a try.
6. Intersection - Sand Flats Road (2.7 mi)
Here you will intersect back further up "Sand Hill Flats Rd". Make a right turn and go about .6 miles to continue, the trail starts again on the left. Note: This is a "one-way" trail system you cannot go back the way you came.
7. Another Hill Climb (2.6 mi)
This one is fun, a little longer than the last but definitely navigable without a guide. You will then proceed down into a Campground called "Loop H" and then out to "Sand Hill Flats Rd" to head for stage 2 of this trail.
8. Trail Entrance - Stage II (3.1 mi)
This is the entrance to continue on Fins and Things, Stage II.
9. Very Mini Lion's Back (3.2 mi)
Here you will be on top of a "Mini Lions-back" with about a 50-degree downgrade and very steep 60-70 degree side drops. The key here is to just follow the tire tracks, be in Low-1 and allow the transmission and braking to bring you down. For those with "Descent Assist" this is a perfect place to use this feature and relieve some anxious feelings.
10. Porcupine Rim Trailhead (4.2 mi)
Here you will encounter a T - intersection. The trail coming in from the left is another entrance to Fins and Things from Porcupine Rim 4x4 trail. Turn left here to stay on the trail.
11. Vista View (4.7 mi)
This spot was given a waypoint for its spectacular views in all directions. Jump out and take some photos.
12. Tricky Descent (5 mi)
This obstacle is made a little scary with about a 1- 2-foot ledge at the end. Careful braking at the drop makes it pretty easy. Don't forget about your rear tires, slow and careful will keep your tail-pipe from becoming a "Duck-call". There is a bypass if you stay to the left, but come on give her a try!
13. Intersection - Overlook Spur (5.5 mi)
This intersection is with an interior trail that leads out to an overlook for pictures. Stay to the right and up the hill.
14. Early Exit to Sand Flats Road (5.6 mi)
This trail intersection takes you back out onto Sand Flats Road if you want an early bail-out point. For the brave…..stay right.
15. Hill Climb/Elbow Right (5.7 mi)
This hill climb is long and steep with an elbow turn to the right. It looks tougher than it really is. Stay on the tracks that have been made on the rock and hang on. Again slow and steady on the gas.
16. Scenic Overlook (5.7 mi)
This waypoint was put in for its beauty in all directions. Another great place for pictures of the area
17. Hill Climb with Shelves on Top (5.8 mi)
This hill climb seems tough but no worse than what you've already accomplished. Just keep a gentle even pressure on the gas and let the tires and gearing work for you.
18. Brontosaurus Rock (6.6 mi)
Brontosaurus Rock is a rock formation that sort of looks like a dinosaur, it is very interesting to say the least. There are other very pretty gully pics and the possibility to explore on foot is always there.
19. Hill Climb (6.9 mi)
Now this hill climb I was not able to navigate in that I stopped after getting my front tires up on the shelf at the top. I started to spin and the front tires drifted to the left. If I stayed on the gas I would have rolled it. If you find yourself in a similar situation on this obstacle just back down and try again. The trick to this is to keep momentum so your back wheels bump up. The bypass is to the left if you just don't want to chance it.
20. Steep Descent (7.3 mi)
This hill descent has about a 2-foot drop at the end. Just carefully let yourself down and don't forget to be gentle to the back wheels as well.
21. Scenic Overlook (7.4 mi)
Another place for the spectacular views.
22. Scenic Descent (7.7 mi)
This is a long slow descent over several fins and makes a perfect picture if you are following other jeeps.
23. Skinny Bridge (7.8 mi)
This is kind of looks scary until you realize that the rock is not loose on either side of the bridge looking formation. Just stay centered and go slow. If you are driving a vehicle with a wider stance than a standard Jeep JK this might be a little tougher because you will have your tires going low on both sides of this narrow bridge. Please use a ground guide and be careful.
24. Kenny's Climb (8.2 mi)
This the last steep climb on the trail and is known as Kenny's Climb. The bypass is straight ahead and loops around to the top of this climb. It really looks a lot steeper than it is. The photo here is of me climbing and you can see it's about a 45-degree climb.
25. Fins and Things End (9.2 mi)
This is the end of the trail. Turn right back onto Sand Flats Road, It's just a few miles back to where you started.

Directions to Trailhead

Trailhead Coordinates: 38.581707, -109.500109

Starting Point: Moab, Utah

From the middle of downtown Moab, go four blocks east to 400 East Street. Go south to Millcreek Drive and turn left. Go straight at the stop sign near the cemetery and follow Sand Flats Road 1.7 miles to the entrance booth of the Sand Flats Recreation Area. You have to pay a nominal fee to enter this area, but in return, you'll get a nice map showing all the trails it contains. Stay on the Sand Flats Road for 2 more miles, and turn right into Campsite Cluster E. The trail starts to the right of campsite #6.

Camping

Designated
Camping is in designated sites only, and visitors are required to abide by all posted rules. Over 120 campsites, in 9 camp-grounds marked ‘A’ through ‘H’ and Juniper, are offered on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please see the map on pages 8-9 for campsite locations. Campsites have picnic tables, metal fire rings, and nearby vault toilets. Unless noted, campsites are limited to 10 people and two vehicles per site and all vehicles must park in parking areas provided. Campers will need to bring drinking water. Checkout time is 11 a.m. GROUP CAMPSITES SFRA has two group campsites that can be reserved. The maximum number of occupants in a group campsite is 20. To make a reservation, call 435.259.2444. Groups of more than 20 people cannot be accommodated in Sand Flats and should contact the BLM to reserve a group campsite along the Colorado River. Call the BLM at 435.259.2100 for reservations or visit their website. www.blm.gov/ut/en/fo/moab/recreation/campgrounds/group_campgrounds.html
Camping: Fins and Things

Trail Reviews (34)

Author:
Will Thaler
Status: Open
Offroaded on:
Rating:
Awesome trail. Great introduction to the slick rock. Can't wait to try out the others in the area!
Author:
Peyton Lange
Status: Open
Offroaded on:
Rating:
A very underwhelming trail after doing hell’s revenge. Worth doing though. An easy BOH trail.
Author:
Tyler
Status: Open
Offroaded on:
Rating:
Great fun! We were here for just a short time, but were able to run this with our JLU Sport with Rubicon springs and shocks. Hit the skid plates under the belly a couple times due to the length of the Jeep but had a great time. Looking forward to going back someday soon.
Author:
Brandon Haggard
Status: Open
Offroaded on:
Rating:
Great trail for anybody looking to get rid of the jitters. Steep inclines/declines, fun option even for stock high clearance 4wds.
Author:
Patrick
Status: Open
Offroaded on:
4 hours all the way through with a 30minute stop. Build = Tacoma 33”, 3in lift, no locker, bumpers, skids, sliders. Rear hitch dragged a few times and my skids bit a few rocks. Sliders never hit. No need for locker. Super fun!
Author:
Paul Sharpe
Status: Open
Offroaded on:
Rating:
This was our first trail in Moab. Had a blast in our 2020 Jeep Wrangler Sport with 35's and 3" lift. In addition to the gorgeous there are some great climbs and descents. Hadn't had the pleasure of 40 degree climbs and descents so this was "thrilling." Going back for Thanksgiving and considering running this again.
Author:
Nicole Denton
Status: Open
Offroaded on:
Rating:
The perfect intro trail in Moab! We camped at Sand Flats, so we actually split this trail up over two days. It works well to do it that way if you need to since the trail crosses the main road. Overall, this is a really fun trail with some interesting obstacles and amazing Moab scenery. Camping at Sand Flats was awesome too -- go all the way down to Juniper for great views and a little more privacy.
Author:
Chris Lucero
Status: Open
Offroaded on:
Rating:
Awesome looong trail! Took us about 5-6 hours to complete with all the stops and spotting. You have so much traction on the slick rock it makes you feel you can go up any incline. It was nice to have restrooms throughout the trail. I do feel it was harder then the review video looks. I watched it a 100 times and it’s different when you actually see the obstacle in person. The tricky decent was the most sketchy for me. We did encounter some traffic on a Monday. A big convoy of Jeeps and a lot of side by sides. There was a $5 fee to get in for the day. If you wanted to camp, just needed to get a spot and pay an extra $10 for the night ($15 a night fee). Thought that was a nice option. We planned to run hells revenge but we’re pretty tired once we completed FnT. I wish I planned for 1 day for each trail.
Author:
Tyler Walker
Status: Open
Offroaded on:
Rating:
Ran the south side of Fins & Things in my 4Runner and absolutely loved it. This is the perfect trail to get used to a lot of different terrain types and challenges before heading out into less trafficked trails around Moab. We hit some challenging sections on Dome Plateau, but after Fins & Things I knew exactly what the 4Runner could handle.
Author:
Doug Routh
Status: Open
Offroaded on:
Rating:
First time ever going off road in a Jeep. Rented a very capable Jeep from Twisted Jeeps in Moab, and Fins N Things was the trail they told me to try first to see how I do. This trail is perfect for beginners with some tougher areas once you get comfortable, or they have alternate routes that are a little easier. This was a perfect confidence warm up for Hell's Revenge.
Author:
Timothy Leto
Status: Open
Offroaded on:
We ran this Almost a Year ago in a Cherokee, Much Eadier in a Gladiator on 37". There was not alot of People Offseason, Heat, Covid What ever the Reason it made it more fun
Author:
Brandon Talley
Status: Open
Offroaded on:
Rating:
Great trail! A lot of fun up and down the Fins. Definitely a must do trail if you are in the area.
Author:
Jacob Adkisson
Status: Open
Offroaded on:
Rating:
Fins and Things is the first trail we ran when arriving into Moab. We have never been to Moab so wasn't sure what to expect and glad we started with Fins and Things as it gives you a great opportunity to experience driving on the slick rock. I would say it is a must do when out in Moab!
Author:
Josh McDermott
Status: Open
Offroaded on:
Rating:
This was my first trail I ran in Moab, it was a great experience, not to difficult and didn't ever feel as if I was in danger of breaking anything. I would recommend that at point 6 you make a left instead of a right and take the access road that goes directly to point 14, everything between those points is rocky and enjoyable, felt like it was a flat road with rocks just big enough to force you to take it slow. Overall super fun, looking forward to running it again.
Author:
Dewie Jones
Status: Open
Offroaded on:
Rating:
Fins and Things is just one of those gotta do Moab Trails. Gives you a great taste of Moab Off-Roading, yet is fairly easy for many trail rated stock trail rated vehicles. Good approach and departure angles are key, but breakover angles aren’t as important here. Definitely study trails offroad’s guide here, but if you want to see all the obstacles before doing, my video review may help (however, don’t count on it instead of using the information posted here or in the Funtreks books... my videos are meant to supplement great resources like this website). Anyway, I hope you try it, because it’s a fun trail! I’d recommend having skid plates, rock sliders, and decent tires. Lockers are not needed but help on some of the optional climbs/obstacles.
Author:
Jacob
Status: Open
Offroaded on:
Rating:
This was my first experience on slick rock of Moab. There were definitely moments where I couldn't believe I was climbing or descending the inclines. Completed the southern portion of the trail and I'm excited to finish the whole trail. Aired down my tires to 19psi and had no issue with grip. 2-door JK 2.5" lift 33's.
Author:
Timothy Leto
Status: Open
Offroaded on:
We did the South Side of Fins and Things in a Cherokee KL The Rodney Dangerfield of Jeeps, Fun Trail no Major Issue only used bypass Twice Begining & End.. Be back Next Saturdsy for N Side Fins & Things and Hells Revenge
Author:
Grant L
Status: Open
Offroaded on:
Rating:
Fun as always, no rub 4" lift with 35's and custom bumpers help.
Author:
Arick Auyang
Status: Open
Offroaded on:
Rating:
A nice warm up for the area. Lots of alternative much more challenging routes along the way. Lots of fun w/ 2in lift and 35's.
Author:
Bobby Nelson
Official Crew
Status: Open
Offroaded on:
Rating:
A great trail that's close to town and not too difficult. It really gives you the entire Moab experience in one long loop. We then had to cool down at Mill Creek which is real close by. We then headed over to Long Canyon, Shafer Trail and out Potash Road.
Author:
Josh Noesser
Official Crew
Status: Open
Offroaded on:
Rating:
Took the brand new jeep and CJ out to play for morning. What a fun trail. The stock JLU did awesome, easily completing all the optional obstacles. #FalkenTires #SpiderShade #JStar #Trailhead
Author:
David Bennett
Status: Open
Offroaded on:
Rating:
Oh I love this trail. Endless traction and possibilities it is a great trail. Its popular enough if you got stuck in a bind you can get help but not over bearing where people will be running all over you. The RZR's will definitely make you feel slow. There are some absolutely tricky spots but I find my self wanting to run it over and over again. Lexus Gx460 with frame sliders and 265 70/17 tires otherwise stock.
Author:
Brian Hoag
Official Crew
Status: Open
Offroaded on:
Rating:
The pictures and video of previous reviewers depict the trail perfectly. Fins and Things is a fun trail that was heavily used by UTV, ATV, and motorcycle traffic. The previous photos and video depict the trail perfectly. The weather was cool, cloudy, and a bit damp with temperature below 60 all day on the trail. Even a Mercedes 2WD van found a way through the first half of the trail. Photos courtesy EJ Schott
Author:
Larry Webster
Status: Open
Offroaded on:
Rating:
We ran Fins and Things on our last day in Moab. there are some really nice technical sections and some steep inclines along the trail. overall it's a fun trail and we look forward to heading back to moab in the JL to run it again.
Author:
hector velasco
Status: Open
Offroaded on:
Great trail, just stay confident, choose good tire placement, and commit all the way through.
Author:
John
Official Crew
Status: Open
Offroaded on:
Rating:
This is a classic trail in Moab. Just a good mix of everything. I felt slightly challenged with my tacoma on 33's, but nothing out of my comfort zone. Just enough to keep it interesting.
Author:
Mark
Status: Open
Offroaded on:
We tried out a new 2018 Jeep JL Rubicon on Fins and Things that we rented in Moab. We wanted to see how it compared to our Jeep JK. Very impressive Jeep! It is a really fun trail. The trail was in good condition. We only saw one other 4x4 on the trail. There is a state park fee to get in. There were a couple of large groups of side by sides from a rally in Moab this week. Once they went by we had the trail pretty much to ourselves. We only used the rear locker twice. Tire choice and tire pressure are a big deal here. There are lots of really fun obstacles. It's really a big obstacle course more than a trail a lot of the way. There are by passes if you decide to skip an obstacle. Go slow so you don't tear anything up. Spotters are a plus here. Thanks to Outlaw Jeep Adventures for giving us some great climbing tips!
Author:
Jeremy Davies
Status: Open
Offroaded on:
Did an impromptu trip to Moab and figured I'd do my first trail there in my Jeep. Was told Fins and Things would be a good first timer or the Sand Flats area. It was definitely a good trail. Was able to complete the lower portion without any real difficulty in my stock Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk. Scraped a couple times... but that probably could have been avoided with a spotter, or taking it slower. :) All in all, great trail.
Author:
Jordan
Status: Open
Offroaded on:
Jeep Renegade crew killed this trail even with all the extremely modified vehicles telling us its not possible. We completed the trail %100 no bypasses used! Amazing trail with some awesome obstacles!
Author:
JD Marshall
Official Crew
Status: Open
Offroaded on:
Rating:
Trail was open all the way through with no changes from the writeup. The last half of the trail was surprisingly not busy and we didn't see many people at all.
Author:
Tim Palmer
Official Crew
Status: Open
Offroaded on:
To bring in the New Year, we decided to leave the snow covered mountains of Colorado and travel to Moab, UT to enjoy some Jeep time in the desert. When we arrived we were surprised to find that Moab had more snow on the ground then Denver, CO. We opted for a jaunt on Fins N Things. The sun did a great job eliminating most of the snow cover; However, the North facing slopes of the fins remained snowy and icy limiting our ability to complete the trail. We were able to enjoy much of the roller coaster ride, but decided not to tempt fate on the icy slopes. Still, a very enjoyable day on this Badge of Honor trail.
Author:
Todd
Official Crew
Status: Open
Offroaded on:
We went to play on Fins n Things a little less than a week after a heavy snowfall. Sand Flats road still had snow on it and lots of mud. We did the entire south side. Just before waypoint 5 we hit a patch of hard packed snow that had me sideways going down. Waypoint 5, we opted for the bypass as it was impassable at the time.
Author:
Nick Clark
Official Crew
Status: Open
Offroaded on:
Went to Moab for the first time this weekend and chose Fins and Things as my first trail. Man, what an awesome intro to the incredible slickrock and scenery that this area has to offer. Fins and Things was great for my stock truck, with just enough challenge on some of the more difficult obstacles to keep it interesting. If you have don't have good departure angles though, expect a few new scratches on the underside of you bumper and and hitch!
Author:
Josh Noesser
Official Crew
Status: Open
Offroaded on:
Video of the Entire Trail

Questions & Answers (2)

Q: I've seen conflicting opinions but is Fins doable in a stock suspension 2020 Tacoma? Bed rack, RTT and gear in bed (aprox weight 250-300 ls total). Protection = Front skid plat and rock sliders. Going to Moab in Nov.
–BRITT ALLEN (10/29/2020)
A: If you look through the various trip reports above, you will see a ton of different vehicles that run Fins. It's pretty much the easiest slick rock trail out there. It gives you a great taste of what to expect for Hells Revenge. You might drag the rear on a few of the steep obstacles but I think you'd be totally fine.
–Ryan Boudreau (10/30/2020)
Q: FYI....The permit information link above isn't working..
–Neal A. Tew (10/03/2018)
A: Thanks! Its a fee to enter the area. You can find information here: https://www.grandcountyutah.net/296/Fees
–Todd (10/16/2018)

Writer Information

Tim Palmer

Mapping Crew - Colorado
Read More
Tim lives and works in Northern Colorado. He has owned and driven 4X4 vehicles his entire adult life including Jeeps, pick ups, ATVs and UTVs. After high school, Tim's first 4X4 was a 47 Willy's CJ-2A with a flat 4 and a 6-volt electrical system. Typically wheeling in Northern Colorado or Southern Wyoming, Tim loves being in the mountains and the back country. Because of a desire to enjoy and promote responsible off-roading and to keep it available for the future, he belongs to a local 4X4 off-road club. Being part of the Trailsoffroad.com community furthers that goal as well. A love for off-road adventures, camping, fishing, and hunting keeps Tim away from pavement and always exploring. While his wife likes the comfort of a Jeep Grand Cherokee, Tim prefers the ruggedness of the Jeep Wrangler. Although most off-road time is spent in Colorado and Wyoming, an occasional trip to the Moab area is common. Tim will spend the summer going topless and enjoying the value of the great outdoors. Amateur Radio Technician license call sign: ke0npg
For individual use only, not to be shared.

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