Hells Revenge

Moab, Utah (Grand County)

Last Updated: 09/14/2020
5 / 5 ( 20 reviews )
Information
Nearby Trails
Status: Open
Typically Open: Year Round
Permit Information: Permit Required - Click Here
Difficulty: 6-8
(DIFFICULT - SEVERE)
Length: 6.5 miles
Highest Elevation: 4775 feet
Duration: About 4 hours
Shape of Trail: Straight Through
Best Direction to Travel: North
Nearest Town: Moab
Nearest Town w/ Services: Moab
Official Road Name: Hells Revenge
Management Agency: Sand Flats Recreation Area
District: Sand Flats Recreation Area
Distance:
Showing 0 trails within 2 miles

Highlights

Highlight: Hells Revenge
Hells Revenge is an extremely popular slick rock trail in Moab and is considered a must do for many and is a Jeep Badge of Honor Trail. Hell's Revenge is a wild rollercoaster ride over natural, petrified sand dunes, or "fins" as most people call them. If you take all the bypasses, it's not a very technical trail, however, it's not for the faint of heart. There are a lot of steep climbs and descents over the fins and some areas that you must drive are very close to the edge of high cliffs which can be truly terrifying. For those looking for some added fun, Hells Revenge offers a few optional obstacles; Hells Gate, The Hot Tubs, including the Car Wash and Micky's Hot Tube, then The Escalator, and Tip Over Challenge. The Overlook also offers a great view of the Colorado River from high up on the cliffs. If you only have to pick one trail in Moab, Utah, this is the one 4x4 trail you should pick. It is a bucket list kind of Jeep Trail.

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Weather

7 day forecast for Hells Revenge

Route Information

Advanced Rating System

Recommended Vehicle:
Lightly Modified 4X4 (Small Lift and Larger Tires)
Concerns:
Summary:
The trail has many steep climbs and several off-camber areas throughout the trail giving it is rating. Now you can bypass most of the obstacles making the true required rating closer to a 2 or 3. But by doing this you will skip about half of the trail.

Technical Rating: 6-8
(DIFFICULT - SEVERE)

Rocky or undulated road surface. Potential rocks less than 36" tall and/or vertical ledges less than 36" tall and/or near vertical ledges or waterfalls less than 84" inches. Tire placement becomes more difficult. Can be steep and off-camber.
Read more about our rating system

Description

Travel on this trail is a designated one way by the BLM. The route is clearly marked so be sure to follow the yellow flame symbols on the ground. It does criss-cross the Slickrock Trail so try not to get confused and be sure to stay on the correct trail. It's a wild rollercoaster ride over natural, petrified sand dunes, or "fins" as most people call them. If you take all the bypasses, it's not a very technical trail, however, it's not for the faint of heart. There are a lot of steep climbs and descents over the fins and some areas that you must drive very close to the edge of high cliffs which can be truly terrifying. For those looking for some added fun and thrills, Hells Revenge offers a few optional obstacles; Hells Gate, The Hot Tubs, The Escalator, and Tip Over Challenge. These obstacles are for experienced drivers or people with great spotters. For those looking for more of the mild and relaxing fun, The Overlook also offers a great view of the Colorado River. This trail definitely gives you a taste of what Moab has to offer and can easily be said this is the poster child of Moab. With that said, some of the steep ups and downs are to a point that dragging bumpers might be required with vehicles with lower approach and departure angles. A stock Rubicon JLU can do the trail without touch bumpers but might require a spotter in a few spots to ensure the right line. There is a $5.00 access fee per vehicle to enter Sand Flats Recreation Area.

Waypoints

1. Trailhead (0 mi)
The trailhead can be found just past the entrance to Sand Flats Recreation Area in a parking area on the left. Plenty of space to park and air down. There is also a restroom here. The excitement starts right away when you climb a small fin.
2. Lions Back Overlook and Dinosaur Tracks (0.5 mi)
A great view of the iconic Lions Back and Dinosaur Tracks
3. Steep Climb (0.8 mi)
This is one of the largest fins on the trail. The key is to keep your tires in the black marks while traveling up and maintain a steady speed. Wait for any vehicle in front of you to reach the top of the hill before you start up yourself.
4. Road Split (1 mi)
Here you can make a choice on which way you want to go. The left route takes you up some more steep slickrock. The right route is a bit quicker. It is a little bumpier as it drops you into a little gully area filled with some rocks. There is also a fun obstacle you can climb if you go this way. It's a steep slickrock ledge that is often sandy so it provides a fun challenge. You can also bypass it to the left if you choose not to do it. The two roads meet back up immediately after this obstacle.
5. Bypass (2 mi)
This is a bypass if you want to skip the Overlook and the Hot Tubs. It will meet back up with the trail just before you arrive at The Escalator.
6. Rocky Climb (2.1 mi)
This area has a few rocky ledges. There are multiple lines you can take that vary in difficulty. You also have the option of bypassing it completely. You'll find the bypass on the right just before you reach the hill.
7. Fork - Overlook Spur/Hells Gate (2.5 mi)
Taking the left route will continue you along the trail to the Hot Tubs. Going to the right will take you to The Overlook and the obstacle Hells Gate.
8. Overlook ( mi)
In the open area, if you continue straight, it will take you to The Overlook. Here you get a great view of the Colorado River.
9. Hells Gate ( mi)
Once you reach the open area about 0.4 miles down from the main route, you'll find the optional obstacle Hells Gate to the left. It's a kind of v-notch on the slick rock that can easily get you on three wheels and go end over end if you're not careful. You'll find the entrance to the West if you head straight towards the Overlook. You'll first have to drive down a bit of slick rock which will lead you to Hells Gate.
10. Black Hole (3.5 mi)
This is named for the shadow that constantly lurks under the large overhang of slick rock. This is also an area where you drive right along the edge of the large cliff. If you're nervous, focus on the black tracks in front of you, but if you are brave enough to look down, you will see the rusted remains of a vehicle down below.
11. Car Wash (3.5 mi)
A popular picture spot, the Car Wash is a less intense hot tub and usually has water in the bottom making for great photos.
12. Hot Tubs (3.6 mi)
"This area has two of the Hot Tubs, which are essentially deep holes that you can drive down into. Be careful when first driving into this area as one of the Hot Tubs is right next to the trail and one could easily drive into it on accident. You'll find an easier Hot Tub, The Car Wash, that most vehicles can do to the West. It's a steep drop into a flat area and then a steep drive back out. The other Hot Tub here, Devils Highway, is more difficult. The drive in is fairly smooth but it's a good idea to put a strap on the front of your vehicle if you attempt it. It's so steep that a vehicle can easily roll backwards onto its roof. As an added element of difficulty, there is usually water (more like sludge) in the bottom that makes your tires slick. The trail continues on to the left just after the Devils Highway Hot Tub. The most difficult one, Mickeys Hot Tub, is a short way up the trail further."
13. Mickeys Hot Tub (4 mi)
You'll find this hot tub a little further down the trail from the previous two. This one is the hardest of the three. It's a steep drop in and an almost immediate steep climb out.
14. Dragon's Tail (4.05 mi)
A very, very steep descent back onto a sandy area. The rocks are clearly marked with yellow lines in which you need to keep your tires between. A spotter is recommended to check your tire placement as it's very easy to mess up here, and there's no going back if you do.
15. Stay Right (4.1 mi)
This is where the first bypass from earlier meets the trail again. Stay right when you get here, otherwise, you'll do another loop back to the Hot Tubs!
16. The Escalator (4.5 mi)
After traversing the sands, you'll reach an area that's edged with log fences. You'll find The Escalator on the right. This is an optional obstacle. It's essentially a natural staircase, but each stair is a deep dip down. It's very technique sensitive and can cause vehicles to lay over onto their sides. It also has a tendency to take out rear corner lights and roofs. Once to the top, head to the right and it will take you back down to the main trail. Photo 1 is the most technical spot of this obstacle. It is highly recommended that you hike up to this spot and figure out your line. For a lot of vehicles, something similar to photo 1 which is being high on the right will be required to climb out of it.
17. Tip Over Challenge (4.7 mi)
You can only guess what happens here a lot, judging by its name. This is also an optional obstacle. Short wheelbase vehicles will sometimes struggle here. The route skirts around a rock face and is steep and off camber. You can easily lift a tire and sometimes may slide sideways and end up rolling. The bypass is right at the bottom of the obstacle and will take you to the right.
18. Spurs (4.9 mi)
Once you reach this area, there are a lot of previously used roads that may be confusing. Just stick to the dirt roads that look well-traveled. Past this point, the trail gets pretty rocky. You can say that the lower rating is because all the ledges you must dropdown. More stock vehicles will have to pick perfect lines to avoid body damage.
19. Rocky Section and Ledges (5.3 mi)
An area of rocks and few ledges that can get you a bit tippy. Try and come off the ledges as straight as possible. Take your time and choose your lines carefully.
20. Trail End (6.6 mi)
The trail ends in a large parking area that meets back up with Sand Flats Road. This is a good area to air back up in.

Directions to Trailhead

Trailhead Coordinates: 38.575613, -109.522498

Starting Point: Moab, UT

From City Market in the middle of town, head North on South Main Street (191) for 0.1 miles and turn right onto E 300 S. Continue for 0.4 miles and the road will come to a T, turn right onto Fourth E Street. Continue 0.1 miles and turn left onto E Mill Creek Drive. Continue straight and the road will eventually turn into Sand Flats Road as you pass by a graveyard. After 1.7 miles you will reach the entrance of Sand Flats Recreation Area. There is a gate that you must stop and pay a fee at. Just past the gate, you will see a large parking lot. The trailhead is at the other end of the parking lot below the rock faces.

Camping

Not allowed
There is no camping along the trail itself, however, there are many options available in and around Moab. In town, there are a lot of hotels and campgrounds for both RV and tent use. There are various places outside of Moab to primitive camp. The closest option to Hells Revenge is camping in Sand Flats Recreation Area. They offer 120 campsites open year round and are on a first come, first serve basis. You must camp in designated sites in one of the 9 campgrounds. Most offer picnic tables, metal fire rings, and vault toilets nearby. You must bring in all of your own water as none is available there. There is an entrance fee to the area.
Camping: Hells Revenge

Trail Reviews (26)

Author:
Peyton Lange
Status: Open
Offroaded on:
Rating:
The most fun we had on a trail in Moab. Such a blast. Your vehicle can do way more than what you think.
Author:
Scott Hinkle
Status: Open
Offroaded on:
Rating:
Ran this in my Xterra with 2" lift and stock size Toyo Open Country A/T2. Had a great time and was constantly amazed at the ability of my X. Several jeep guys commented on it. Didn't do the hard obstacles. Still this is the most fun I have ever had 4 wheeling. I agree with several of the reviews that the last mile was really rocky and tough. Made it out with no damage. Great day!
Author:
Nicole Denton
Status: Open
Offroaded on:
Rating:
Awesome trail and a must-do in Moab. By far one of the busiest trails we've run, but it was really fun to watch others do the obstacles we weren't able to try with overland gear on top of our JKU Rubicon. We even got to winch a SxS out of one of the "hot tubs." This trail is unlike any we've ever attempted, and we will definitely be back (without our tent) to try Hell's Gate! Overall, a very fun and slightly anxiety-inducing day ;)
Author:
Ryan Boudreau
Official Crew
Status: Open
Offroaded on:
Rating:
Great day on the trail. We ran Hells as the final day in Moab during the 2020 Unlimited LJ Adventure. Plenty of traffic still for it being a monday. It was a little warm, but still a great day. I woukd agree with some previous comments that the section coming out of the trail is getting a bit beat up. Also, note that the parking lot at the very end is currently very limited because it is being used for construction, so there is not as much open trailer parking as there once was.
Author:
Timothy Leto
Status: Open
Offroaded on:
I Love Moab in August during a Pandemic - Almost had the Trail to ourselves Just Two Gladiators...
Author:
Jiahua Li
Status: Open
Offroaded on:
Rating:
Dedicated trail. Be expecting of rear bumper scratches. The last section of the trail was rocky, be ware of tire placement. https://www.instagram.com/lc200er/
Author:
Mark
Status: Open
Offroaded on:
Rating:
Incredible trail, with incredible views. My buddy and I did it in our Xterra Pro-4Xs, his bone stock and mine lightly built. First time for both of us. It took us four hours with all the scouting and picture taking we did, but amazing fun. Scary if you don't like heights!
Author:
Matt
Status: Open
Offroaded on:
Rating:
Amazing trail and no wonder why it’s so popular. The tourists and amount of people on the trail even on a Tuesday evening takes away from the experience. However it’s just that good of a trail that I have to give it 5 stars. I took my Powerwagon and conquered some fears that day! We came out in the dark and the last couple miles of ledges in the dark were scary but fun. Definitely one to do!
Author:
Jacob Adkisson
Status: Open
Offroaded on:
Rating:
After passing by that morning heading to Fins and Things we decided to give Hell's Revenge a go that afternoon and what a great experience. No issues any where on the trail but we avoided the difficult obstacles. The first hill climb at the trail head look crazy but once on it, it was nothing. One of my favorite trails so far in Moab.
Author:
Josh McDermott
Status: Open
Offroaded on:
Rating:
Ah yes the infamous hell's revenge, This was a great trail to push the capabilities of my Xterra, however when we got to car wash (Point 11) we attempted a optional line going directly up the side of the hill. With my tire off the ground it gained too much momentum and when it came back down it snapped the u joint and the drive shaft, the driveshaft slung around and hit the transmission cracking the case. But through this I realized something great, everyone was out for the same reason and we had large amounts of people offering to help in any way they could. I couldn't have chosen a better place to break my first part. I can confirm for you that from point 11 on wards it is a little challenging but a 2wd vehicle can do it, other than the last little bit of the trail which turns rocky and a little sketchy in some areas, this trail was a blast, with great views and constant challenges it is so far one of my favorites.
Author:
Grant L
Status: Open
Offroaded on:
One last run out to the desert before the snow. Went through snow on the way over and back but nice out there! Hell's Revenge was great as always. Saw a group of Range Rovers each with their own hired spotters dressed in matching polo shirts. Well, that's one way to do it. Anyway, all went well and a great day out on the rocks chirping a few tires here and there. A great day and I love my new swaybar link extenders. I didn't know how much travel I was missing out on!
Author:
Arick Auyang
Status: Open
Offroaded on:
Rating:
This was a dream trail and it didn't disappoint. We got turned around a few times and there's definitely plenty of spots where we had to get out and see what was over the hill before we went. So much fun though!
Author:
Josh Noesser
Official Crew
Status: Open
Offroaded on:
Rating:
Took the jeep out to play on Hells Revenge. The brand new JLU we picked up from JStar did great. Could have been the Falken Tires or the driver. But one fun trail. #FalkenTires #JStar #SpiderShade #Trailhead_Deflators
Author:
Marcus Trusty
Official Crew
Status: Open
Offroaded on:
Always a great day when driving Hells Revenge. Not much traffic on the trail during the week and we made good time.
Author:
TJ Bosworth
Official Crew
Status: Open
Offroaded on:
Rating:
Hell's Revenge is the definition of off-roading in Moab! It is a must do trail if you are in the area. I was in a group of 4 rigs, (TJ, XJ, S10 and a Ramcharger all 35's+) and we walked the trail. The difficulty makes it attractive to such a wide audience and it is very close to town which is an added bonus. We encountered a crazy snow storm as we started hell's gate but luckily it didn't last long, Made for some great photos. Overall it was a fantastic day!
Author:
Jon
Status: Open
Offroaded on:
Rating:
I did it on my Stock 2005 Land Cruiser, fun but wife was driving me crazy, she was scared. Overall is not difficult just need to go slow and steady, I have 32" tire no lift I did it with no damage at all thanks to the back hitch. Subscribe to my channel. Check my videos.
Author:
Larry Webster
Status: Open
Offroaded on:
Rating:
Fantastic trail, it's busy, but worth it. You can bypass things if you need to and we ran it while it was raining so it was a bit slicker then usual. ran this in my 08 JK with a 2.5" lift and 35's with no issue. Hells Gate and Escalator are optional as well.
Author:
Andrew
Status: Open
Offroaded on:
Hell's Revenge is AMAZING. Tackled this in my 17 Taco with a 2" lift and 33s. Myself and my friend ran the entire trail with the exception of Hell's Gate, The Escalator and the Tip Over Challenge. I got in and out of the Car Wash Hot Tub on my second attempt after not gassing it enough the first try getting out. Awesome trail, I will definitely run it again!
Author:
hector velasco
Status: Open
Offroaded on:
Rating:
This trail was really fun. Terrifying at some points.
Author:
Lauren Martin
Official Crew
Status: Open
Offroaded on:
Rating:
Hells Revenge is one of my favorite trails. For being the biggest day of Easter Jeep Safari it was surprisingly quiet on the trail. We took our time and took in the sights as well as the dinosaur tracks at the overlook. One thing I wanted to see is the newly created exit by the main entrance. They paved the first section from the parking lot to the fin, and closed off the steeper optional section to the left as you approach the fin. Which is unfortunate as it was a fun little warmup. The original path of the fin is now one way. They do have clear marked signage on both ends to show this. They did some blasting on the rock to create the new route beside the original. This is to help with the follow of traffic. A few buggies attempted the Hot Tubs without success. Same ones all went through Hells Gate and the Escalator. We did come across a pretty large jam on one of the bigger obstacles near the end of the old exit due to a Jeep rolling onto its roof. But it was quickly recovered. Overall it was a great day.
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 Amazing trail with some awesome obstacles!
Author:
JD Marshall
Official Crew
Status: Open
Offroaded on:
Rating:
Took this one after getting talked into it by a friend at camp. Trail is definitely not for the faint-hearted but it wasn't that hard to get through there with my rig. This was my first time in Moab and one of the first trails I did there and I'm glad I did. It's a great intro into the area. While at the overlook, we rolled up to see a chopper there. Someone who was walking up there had fallen and broken their leg. SAR was contacted and flew him to a nearby hospital. These guys were true professionals and everyone on the ground was highly respectful of the situation. It was good to see the community come together to help someone. There is one small change to the trail as written. The parking lot entrance now has two points of access for the trail, one entrance and one exit. This is not a major change to the trail, but it simply means that the climb up the beginning of the trail is now one way (up). Shortly after the top, about .25 miles in, there is a trail on the left and that is the new exit lane if coming out of Hell's Revenge here for some reason. We will have teams there for EJS and should have the waypoints updated with that information soon.
Author:
Josh Noesser
Official Crew
Status: Open
Offroaded on:
Rating:
Full Trail Video
Author:
Lauren Martin
Official Crew
Status: Open
Offroaded on:
Rating:
To finish up our trip to Moab during Rock Therapy 2016, we decided to take it easy on our last day there. We got a casual start to the day getting there around 10am. The parking lot was already full of fellow Toyota's, some Jeeps and a handful of UTV trailers. The trail was pretty populated with bikers on the Slickrock Trail as well. They were entertained by everybody climbing up all the obstacles. This was the first time I've run the trail with all the new signage too. It's a great addition. Very clear directions and maps posted in various parts along the trail so it's nearly impossible to get lost now. We stopped and watched a few in our group make it up Hells Gate successfully. Continued on and a few tried the hot tubs. We didn't stick around up there too long because boy it was a hot one that day. We dropped down a bit lower off the rocks and ate lunch at the Escalator. A couple trucks nailed the line going up and did so without damage. Even eating in the shade of our trucks it was still super hot so we didn't stay long there either. Tip Over Challenge didn't claim any vehicles while we were there. The trail looked good and provided a fun time as always! We stopped for some well deserved milkshakes and walked downtown afterwards.
Author:
Ben Stone
Status: Open
Offroaded on:
Rating:
This was my second time visiting Moab - what a magical place it is! The first time was 2 years ago and I rented a 2 door Jeep Rubicon on 33" tires and ran most of Poison Spider without any issues. For this past trip, I was able to run Fins & Things, Steel Bender and Hells Revenge with my buddy who has a 2006 Land Rover LR3 all done up. Saturday we ran Steel Bender but I was surprised not to see that many other vehicles on the trail, however on Sunday we ran Hells Revenge and encounter many more enthusiast on the trail all having a great time. I skipped some of the major obstacles like Hells Gate & Escalator but did most of the other obstacles without any damage. Knowing that I had to drive my Jeep home 650 miles back to CA made me play it safe rather than be sorry.
Author:
Honey and Daniel Nache
Status: Open
Offroaded on:
The ledge to be climbed for WP3 is probably the most dangerous part of the trail as it has no bypass and you will likely slide on your skid plates even with a lift and large tires. Pick a decent line and stick with it. For the fourth of July, the trail's end is closed and the parking area at the end unavailable (depending on timing vs fireworks display) for a few days leading up to the 4th. The trailers launching the fireworks are placed in the parking area and the trigger wires running from the control panel to the trailers snake across the parking lot.

Questions & Answers (4)

Q: I've seen conflicting opinions but is Hells revenge doable bypassing the escalator 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: The escalator is an optional route. There are bypasses around all the hard obstacles. The hardest part of the required trail might be the backside dropped down to the end. All in all, we have seen a lot of people do this trail in stock vehicles. (Spotting might be required depending on your skill level and I would recommend looking at any spot you can't easily see the path)
–Josh Noesser (10/29/2020)
Q: Thank you for the prompt and clear answer. I have a bit of a planning fetish so input is appreciated. I love this app. Thank you again, Jim Britch.
–James Britch (08/27/2019)
A: Hope to see you out on the trail sometime. Enjoy!!!
–Josh Noesser (08/27/2019)
A: That's what we are here for! You are very welcome Jim!
–John (08/27/2019)
Q: Hi - It does not appear that my reply to your response made it through the system. I have a 2018 Tacoma TRD Pro with a 3 inch lift and 33 inch KO2s. I have the electronic traction control of MTS and CC. The PRO has a factory rear locker and I installed a front locker as well. I also have a 10,000 lbf winch on the front of the truck. I look forward to your thoughts.
–James Britch (08/27/2019)
A: Hey James, I agree with John. If you know your vehicle and how to pick a line, you should be fine. A spotter might help in a few spots. Just be aware you are a bit long and you will likely drag tail in a couple of spots. Have fun, and don't forget to air down.
–Josh Noesser (08/27/2019)
A: Hi James, we do not like to directly correlate a certain vehicle build with the ability to do a trail, but a combination of factors including driver ability and experience as well. I have personally seen a bone-stock 3rd gen Tacoma TRD do this trail with no issues. Personally, I have done it in a second-gen Tacoma on 33's with a 3" lift and no lockers without issue. If you are an experienced driver, I would say your vehicle can handle this trail.
–John (08/27/2019)
Q: What is meant by the various lift descriptions such as slight or large? What is meant by larger tires?
–James Britch (08/25/2019)
A: Main reason for the not specific terms is we can cover everyone from toyotas to jeeps to fords. What kind of vehicle do you have and I can let you know what I would recommend.
–Josh Noesser (08/25/2019)

Writer Information

Josh Noesser

Mapping Crew - California
Read More
Joshua Noesser grew up in Southern California but has lived in different parts of the country during his young adult life. Josh was first turned to four wheeling when he road with one of his friends dad up Surprise Canyon in the Panamint Valley at age14. After nearly 3 different roll overs later and a half dozen intense waterfalls, Josh was hooked. At 16 he purchased his first Jeep a CJ 7 and by 17 was putting his first locker in it. Currently, Josh is the owner and CEO of Nybble, an IT Solutions Company based in Orange County, California. Nybble isn't your normal IT company where everyone stays in and plays video games. Nybble's average company trip is out on the trails since a good amount of his staff enjoy wheeling too. As Josh likes to say, he offers the only IT Company with the ability to provide services in extreme locations. "If you want a server at the top of The Hammers, we will take care of that for you." Today you can find Josh out on the trail behind the wheel in one of his three different off-road vehicles. See the vehicles below for more information. If you ever run into Josh, please say high, he is a very friendly person and is always happy to have a new person join the group.
For individual use only, not to be shared.

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