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Description
Get ready for an exciting ride on Fins and Things, a well-known 4x4 trail in Moab's Sand Flats Recreation Area! This trail is famous for its unique "slickrock" sandstone, which surprisingly offers great grip for your tires. You'll navigate a one-way route, clearly marked, that takes you over impressive sandstone 'fins' – ancient dunes turned to rock – and through what locals call the 'things,' which are the cool, eroded remnants of these fins. Expect a thrilling mix of steep climbs, even steeper descents, and sections with loose rock, dirt, and sand. The trail is approximately 9.4 to 10 miles long and typically takes 3-4 hours to complete. Along the way, you'll be treated to spectacular views of the La Sal Mountains. While challenging and best for experienced drivers with capable 4x4s, some of the tougher spots may have easier bypasses. Remember that parts of the trail are for daytime use only, from an hour after sunrise to half an hour before sunset. Fees are required to enter Sand Flats Recreation Area.
Directions
To get to Fins and Things, start from Moab. Head east on Mill Creek Drive from S 400 E for about half a mile. When you reach the cemetery, continue straight uphill onto Sand Flats Road. After about 1.7 miles on Sand Flats Road, you'll reach the entrance to the Sand Flats Recreation Area. Stop here to pay the required entry fee. From the entrance station, continue on Sand Flats Road for another 1.9 miles. The main trailhead for Fins and Things is often cited near Campground E, or specifically at GPS coordinates: Latitude 38.581638, Longitude -109.500229. The trail is marked as one-way, so follow the signs.
Difficulty
Fins and Things is considered a challenging trail that will put your driving skills and vehicle to the test. You'll encounter many steep uphill climbs and even more abrupt downhill sections on the slickrock. The surface varies between the grippy sandstone, loose rocks, dirt patches, and sandy areas. Be prepared for rock steps that can be up to 18 inches high. A 4WD vehicle with high ground clearance is essential. Larger tires (33 inches or bigger) and features like limited-slip differentials will definitely help. While some of the most difficult obstacles offer bypass routes, good driving technique, like the 'Moab bump' for getting over ledges, is often needed. Drive carefully, as there's a risk of vehicle damage or even rollovers if you're not cautious with your power and line choices on the steep and uneven terrain.
Trail Uses
- Off-Road Vehicles
- 4x4 Vehicle
- All-Terrain Vehicle
- Motorcycle
- Hiking
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