Overview

This intense trail treats drivers to thrilling, steep ascents and white knuckle descents; all with the jaw dropping La Sal Mountains acting as your backdrop. The drives highlight: a heart-pounding roller coaster ride over the trails namesake fins on the second half of the trail.

Trailhead

This drive is located in the Sand Flats recreation area. From town, head to Sand Flats road and continue 1.7 miles to the entrance booth for the recreation area. After you pay your entrance fee at the booth, continue for 2 miles, where you’ll turn right into Campsite Cluster E. The trail starts to the right of campsite #5.

Details

• Distance: Approximately 9 miles.
• Average Time of Drive: 3-4 hours.
• Difficulty: Difficult. Deeply rutted, steep, and sometimes treacherous conditions. Experienced drivers only.
• Trail Type: Loop.
• Trailhead: To the right of campsite #5, in Campsite Cluster E, in Sand Flats Recreation Area.

Plan & Prepare

Make sure to follow the trail markings (a stenciled stegosaur).

This drive is best in spring and fall.

4 wheeling is an inherently dangerous activity and shouldn’t be attempted without the appropriate training and equipment. Following a few basic tips can help keep you safe:

• Understand your vehicles 4 wheel drive system and know how to use it.
• Make sure you know your cars dimensions and lowest point of clearance – you don’t want to get stuck in the middle of nowhere.
• At all times, make sure you travel with at least one passenger and one other vehicle.
• Take emergency supplies and extra parts.
• Make sure you know your route. Know where you are and know where you are going. In and around Moab, radio towers can serve as useful landmarks.
• Careful preparation for your trip will ensure that if, and when, things do go wrong, you are prepared for the situation.