Location: Sand Flats Recreation Area, 2 miles east of downtown Moab, Utah
Length: 6.5 miles
Difficulty: 6-7/10 (Extreme)
Time: 2-4 hours
Entry Fee: $5 per vehicle
Quick Facts
- GPS Coordinates: 38.5825° N, 109.5158° W
- Elevation: 4,500-5,000 feet
- Best Months: March-May, September-November
- Required: High-clearance 4x4 with low range
- Popular Obstacles: Hell's Gate, Mickey's Hot Tub, Tip-Over Challenge
The Trail
Hell's Revenge is Moab's most popular extreme slickrock trail. You'll drive on steep sandstone fins with drops on both sides, navigate technical obstacles, and see views of the Colorado River and La Sal Mountains.
Main Obstacles
Hell's Gate
- V-shaped notch requiring precise wheel placement
- Optional bypass available
- Most photographed spot on trail
Mickey's Hot Tub
- Natural bowl in slickrock
- Steep descent and climb
- Sometimes holds water after rain
Tip-Over Challenge
- Extreme side angle
- Spotter recommended
- Bypass available
The Escalator
- Series of rock ledges
- Requires momentum and line choice
- No bypass
Vehicle Requirements
Minimum Specs
- 4WD with low range
- 33" tires recommended
- 1" lift minimum
- Skid plates advised
- Rock sliders helpful
Won't Work
- Stock SUVs
- 2WD vehicles
- Low-clearance crossovers
- Street tires
Guided vs Self-Drive
Guided Tours
- Cost: $125-280 per person
- Duration: 3.5-4 hours including transportation
- Includes: Vehicle, guide, safety equipment, insurance
- Age Requirements: Usually 6+ for passengers, 16+ to drive with adult
Self-Drive Rentals
- Cost: $400-800 per day for capable UTV
- Requirements: Usually 25+ years old, valid license
- You need: Experience, recovery gear, navigation
- Insurance: Check what's included
Safety Statistics
- Incidents peak during Easter Jeep Safari week
- Most accidents involve inexperienced drivers
- Rollovers occur on Hell's Gate and Tip-Over Challenge
- Heat exhaustion common in summer
- One documented fatality in 2021
What's Included with Guided Tours
Safety Equipment
- DOT-approved helmets (all sizes)
- Safety goggles
- 6-point racing harnesses (not standard seatbelts)
- Professional roll cages exceeding manufacturer specs
- Enhanced bumpers and rock rails
Guide Services
- 8-stage certified guide training
- Pre-trip vehicle and safety orientation
- Obstacle spotting and coaching
- Trail photography assistance
- Local geology and history information
Logistics
- Free parking at departure location
- No shuttle required (drive straight to trail)
- Bottled water and trail snacks
- Return vehicle cleaning included
Insurance Coverage (Included)
- Vehicle damage: $3,000 cap standard
- Third-party liability: Up to $15,000
- Medical coverage: Up to $25,000 per rider
- Helicopter evacuation if needed
- Optional upgrade: Reduce damage liability to $1,500
Self-Guided Rental Specifications
Polaris RZR Pro R (2-seat)
- Engine: 225 HP naturally aspirated (better for elevation)
- Suspension: 29" DYNAMIX 2.0
- Tires: 33" all-terrain
- Navigation: Pre-loaded GPS with curated routes
- Safety: 6-point harnesses, custom safety equipment
Trail Support for Rentals
- Pre-programmed GPS routes specific to skill level
- Marked waypoints for photo spots and obstacles
- Trail tips and bypass locations included
- Areas to avoid clearly marked
- Emergency contact information
Rental Requirements
- Minimum age: 25 years
- Valid driver's license
- Damage deposit: $3,000 (credit card hold)
- Rental periods: 3-hour, 6-hour, full-day, overnight
How to Get There
From Main Street Moab:
- East on Mill Creek Drive (300 South)
- Continue as it becomes Sand Flats Road
- Pay at entrance station
- Trailhead is marked on right
Alternative Trails
If Hell's Revenge seems too extreme:
Easier Options:
- Fins and Things (Rating 4/10)
- Gemini Bridges (Rating 3/10)
- Onion Creek (Rating 2/10)
Similar Difficulty:
- Poison Spider Mesa (Rating 6/10)
- Golden Spike (Rating 7/10)
- Pritchett Canyon (Rating 8/10)
Hell's Revenge Tour Options
Morning Tours (8:00 AM departure)
- Duration: 3.5 hours
- Best for: Beating the heat, photography (morning light on red rocks)
- Group size: Maximum 15 guests
- Price: $125-159 per person
Sunset Tours (3:00 PM departure varies by season)
- Duration: 3.5 hours
- Best for: Cooler temperatures, golden hour photos
- Group size: Maximum 15 guests
- Price: $125-159 per person
Private Tours
- Duration: 3.5 hours
- Best for: Families, corporate groups, custom pace
- Group size: Your party only
- Price: $159-280 per person (minimum 4 guests)
Vehicle Options for Hell's Revenge
Standard UTV Tours
- Vehicle: Polaris RZR or similar
- Seating: 2 or 4 passengers
- Features: Roll cage, 6-point harnesses (not just lap belts)
- Comfort: Open-air design
Climate-Controlled Tours (Unique to Moab)
- Vehicle: Polaris Xpedition XP5 Northstar
- Seating: Up to 5 passengers
- Features:
- Fully enclosed cabin with AC and heat
- No dust or weather exposure
- Heated/cooled seats
- Premium suspension for comfort
- Quiet cabin for conversation
- Price: Premium option available
Hell's Revenge Pro R Ultimate Experience (Adults Only 21+)
- Vehicle: Polaris RZR Pro R Ultimate
- Features:
- Factory long-travel suspension
- DYNAMIX active suspension
- Electronic power steering
- Bluetooth Ride Command display
- 2-seat performance configuration
- Trail: Includes Fins N' Things + Hell's Revenge
- Guide level: Most experienced guides only
Booking Information
Cancellation Policies
- Standard: 48-hour notice for full refund
- With Travel Protection: 4-hour notice for full refund
- Weather cancellations: Full refund or reschedule
- No-shows: No refund
Peak Season Booking
- Easter Jeep Safari (March/April): Book 4-6 weeks ahead
- Spring Break: Book 3-4 weeks ahead
- Fall (Sept-Nov): Book 2-3 weeks ahead
- Summer: Usually same-week availability
- Last-minute: Call for same-day availability
Group Sizes and Pricing
- Regular tours: 1-15 guests, individual pricing
- Private tours: 4+ guests minimum
- Corporate groups: Custom packages available
- Multi-generational families: Climate-controlled vehicles recommended
Why Vehicle Choice Matters on Hell's Revenge
Summer (95-105°F)
- Open vehicles: Extreme heat exposure, dehydration risk
- Climate-controlled: AC maintains comfort, reduces fatigue
- Dust storms: Enclosed cabin prevents inhalation
Winter (30-50°F)
- Open vehicles: Wind chill on exposed sections
- Climate-controlled: Heated cabin and seats
- Weather changes: Protected from sudden storms
For Different Groups
- Seniors/mobility concerns: Climate control, easier entry/exit
- Young children: Protected environment, quieter for communication
- Photography enthusiasts: Clean windows, no dust on equipment
- First-timers: Less overwhelming, more focus on scenery
Bottom Line
Hell's Revenge delivers exactly what its name promises: a challenging ride through spectacular scenery. If you're new to rock crawling, take a guided tour. If you're experienced and properly equipped, it's an unforgettable self-drive adventure.
Either way, respect the trail's difficulty and Moab's desert environment.
