Fins & Things Trail

by The Flatlander for

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Summary: The 3 1/2 rated Fins and Things trail runs along both sides of Sand Flats Road between the much more difficult Hell's Revenge trail and the much higher Porcupine Rim trail. Steep climbs up and descents down Navajo Sandstone slickrock fins provide the excitement and the "things" leftover as the sandstone erodes provide interesting views.

MUCH reduced trail map from Guide to Moab Backroads & 4-Wheel Drive Trails by Charles A. Wells.

Location: The trail starts several miles east of Moab on Sand Flats Road. You will pass the Moab Dump, Lion's Back, Hell's Revenge and the Slick Rock Bike Trail along the way. The trail starts on the right, but there are many turn offs and the trail route is intersected by other trails at many points along the way. So it is hard to follow without a trail leader that is familiar with it. (Guide to Moab Backroads & 4-Wheel Drive Trails by Charles A. Wells has excellent directions including GPS coordinates). The trail works the slick rock fins on the south side of the road in an easterly direction until it nears the turn off for Porcupine Rim. Then it crosses Sand Flats Road and works the fins on the north side in a westerly direction back toward the Slick Rock Bike Trail.

Scenery: The scenery, as usual in this area, is exquisite. Views of the snow capped La Sal Mountains and the Porcupine Rim Ridge dominate to the east. There are some glimpses down into Negro Bill Canyon to the north. But most interesting are the sandstone "Fins & Things".

The Trail: Most of the trail is slick rock but there is some loose deep sand. One steep sand hill near the beginning of the trail will give some vehicles problems if it is very dry. There are several steep ups and downs on slick rock that give definition to the "daring" mentioned in the description of the 3 1/2 trail rating this trail caries. Frenchie's Fin and Ken's Climb are about as steep as can be done. Drivers with near stock vehicles and little experience are well advised to take the bypass at Ken's Climb.

4X4NOW Same Day
Jeep Safari Trail Report
Sunday, April 16, 2000

It was a beautiful day for Fins & Things.   Sunshine and warmer weather had everyone in good spirits.  Trail leader Jim Cole did a great job of setting a good pace while avoided the usual constant "accordion" that often occurs in the rear of larger groups.  

We were soon enjoying splendid scenery and the adrenaline rush that comes with the frequent steep slickrock ascents and descents.  Jim was personally guiding the group on the steeper ones.  They never look as steep in photographs as they do out the windshield, especially when you can't even see any of the trail you're descending over the hood.  A 45 degree descent seems and feels like a 90 degree descent from inside a 4X4.  More than once it almost felt as though we might end up on our top if I braked at the wrong time.

Fins & Things has some respectable rock step obstacle s too.  The first one has significantly deteriorated since I was on the trail a few years ago.  Then few had problems with it.  This year even some vehicles with lockers had to make more than one try to surmount it.

While waiting for everyone to complete the obstacle we had another opportunity to take in the areas scenic beauty including views of the La Sal Mountains in the distance.

"Shooter", Jim's CB Handle, had the trail going so smoothly that he decided to stop for lunch beyond the traditional "Lunch Rock" obstacle.  But we didn't bypass it.  Note the vigor with which the 4X4NOW TJ attacks the obstacle when it knows lunch is just beyond!

We had plenty of time for a relaxing lunch.  Some even enjoyed a little knap in the sun.

After lunch there was unchallenging and bumpy stretch leading to more Navajo sandstone.  Soon we again enjoying the thrills of the climbs and descents and enjoying the scenery in between.  

As we approached the longest and steepest ascent, Ken's Climb, "Shooter" explained how to take the bypass.  Few took the bypass without giving the hill a try.  A temperamental carburetor can be as much of a problem as bad traction.  I watched on 4x4 demonstrate it had the traction to reach the crest 4 times but the engine died each time before he could get over the crest.

A Willy's nearing the crest of Ken's Climb. The lower part of the climb is even steeper

An Austrian Pinzgauer on Ken's Climb You see all kinds of 4x4s at Jeep Safari

If you study the photograph at the right very closely you may be able to just make out "Shooter" spotting a Jeep up Frenchie's Fin about two thirds of the way down and in the center of the slickrock expanse.

We completed the trail about 2:30 p.m. and headed back to Moab with some time to relax.

 Fins & Things Trail Report from 30th Annual Easter Jeep Safari

34th Annual Easter Jeep Safari (2000)
33rd Annual Easter Jeep Safari (1999)
32nd Annual Easter Jeep Safari (1998)
31st Annual Easter Jeep Safari (1997)
30th Annual Easter Jeep Safari (1996)
Moab, Utah, 4WD Trails Map with Links to all 30 Trails
Trail Difficulty Ratings

Utah Trail Guidebooks, Trail Maps, and Trail Videos

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