Hell's Revenge Trail, Moab, Utah

Hell’s Revenge is a beautiful and challenging 9-mile trail beginning just northeast of the town of Moab, Utah. At 4+ it’s probably not a good trail for beginners or stock rigs although many of the major obstacles can be bypassed one way or another.

The trail opens with a difficult obstacle called “Dump Bump”. Don’t be surprised if you’re looking at sky as you climb the bump. I’ve actually seen people get stuck vertically on this obstacle thanks to a large rear mounted spare tire.

“Potato Salad” is another obstacle near Hell’s Revenge, but is not an official part of the trail. Many people take a small detour to this obstacle before returning to the main trail. I can honestly say I’ve seen more drivelines, axles, and rear ends explode on this obstacle than any other in Moab.

Back on Hell's Revenge, the majority of the trail features steep rock climbs that are sure to make you slip a tire or two. Equally as fun are the sharp descents that mark many of the slickrock fins.

Following the next bit of slickrock will lead you to “Tipover Challenge”. I almost learned the hard way why it’s called this. I was riding shotgun in a buddies semi-stock ’72 Landcruiser. I say semi-stock because the only mod was a Chevy 350 conversion, an upgrade that gave the Toy plenty of power to make it dangerous.

My friend got into a tight spot in the middle of the hill and, like a true rook, gunned it. The passenger tire shot up in the air and I swear the truck stood on one tire for three seconds before slamming to the ground and bouncing us backward ten feet.

Needless to say, be careful on this one. Pick a good line and take it slow.

The next portion of the trail takes you to “Rubble Trouble”. This obstacle aptly named for it’s loose rocks and difficult ledges. If you’ve had enough for the day, there’s a bypass to the left of the descent.

The end of the trail takes you right back to Sand Flats Road where you can wend your way back to town and grab a cold one.

It’s easy to see why Hell’s Revenge is one of the more popular trails in the Moab landscape. Scenic vistas of the La Salle Mountains and Colorado River highlight this spectacular trail. While portions of the ride take you across the legendary Slick Rock Bike trail.

Just remember to take it easy on the major obstacles and if you’re finding them too difficult, take a bypass and live to wheel another day.