11 Best Moab Off Road Trails in 2024
LOOKING FOR THE BEST MOAB OFF-ROAD TRAILS?
You’ve come to the right place! We have spent months traveling around Southern Utah, enjoying as many 4×4 trails as we can and Moab has a plethora of awesome trails! We’ve put together a guide with helpful tips and details to assist you in exploring some of the off-road trails in Moab that our family has most enjoyed.
They have a range of easy off-road trails in Moab all the way to super challenging trails.
Many of the Moab Jeep trails are family-friendly and extremely fun. If you are looking for a list of some of the best Moab trails, below are some of the top Moab off-road trails. Our family always enjoys taking our RZR to Moab and exploring these trails.
Easy Moab Off-Road Trails Near Moab
1. Gemini Bridges
- Difficulty Rating: 2 out of 10
- Miles: 13
- Route Type: Loop
- Time to Complete: 2 to 5 hours
Gemini Bridges is a popular easy trail that is frequented by many. It is not only popular for stock SUVs and 4-wheel drives, but it is also a trail that mountain bikers enjoy. Along the trail, there are two bridges.
The bridges are called the Gemini Bridges and are how the trail gets its name. This trail takes you to the top of the bridges.
You won’t realize you are next to the bridges until you are right on the bridges. The walk to the bridges is short. This is a great family hike and trail to explore.
We drove our RZR out to the bridges and had a great time exploring the area. There are very high dropoffs from the top vantage points, so if you’re visiting with kids, keep them close. This made me a little nervous so our kids just sat on the nearby rocks and walked out with close guidance.
If you want to see the bridges from the bottom, you will want to take the Bull Canyon trail. The Gemini Bridges area is fun to explore.
2. Hurrah Pass
- Difficulty Rating: 2 out of 10
- Miles: 12.5 (one direction)
- Route Type:
- Time to Complete: 2 to 5 hours
Hurrah Pass is an easy scenic drive that most SUVs could make. It is important to note that during rain storms, many of the trails can become unusable until they dry. This is one of those trails.
The trail has some sweet petroglyphs not far from where you start the trail.
The actual Hurrah Pass is itself is just under 10 miles into the trail, and the total trail is around 12.5 miles, but that is one direction. At the end of this trail, you can continue onto the Chicken Corners Trail, Jackson Hole Trail, or turn around and return to the start.
Stock SUVs can do this trail.
3. Shafer trail
- Difficulty Rating: 2 out of 10
- Miles: 18
- Route Type: loop or out and back
- Time to Complete: 2 to 5 hours
- Trail Lenght: 19 miles one way
The Shafer Trail is a beautiful trail that goes from Moab through Canyonlands National Park. You can get there by driving the Potash Road, which passes great petroglyphs, dinosaur tracks, and the Poison Spider Mesa 4×4 trail, or you can start from the Canyonlands National Park.
If you start in the park, the trail is to the left shortly after the entrance station. We started our drive on the Shafer Trail going through Canyonlands National Park and had a blast.
The Shafer Trail is not overly challenging, and a stock SUV could drive it however, a four-wheel drive vehicle is recommended.
If you are going to drive on Shafer Trail in Canyonlands, you cannot take a RZR or any OHV, even if it is street-legal. We rented a jeep from Moab Adventure Center because we could not take our RZR through the park where we wanted to explore. We had a great time in our rental and would highly recommend a jeep rental if you don’t have your own 4×4 vehicle.
You do not need a permit for this trail, but there is a trail close to this trail called the White Rim Trail, and you do need a permit to use that trail.
The Shafer Trail is best known for the steep switchbacks at the beginning if you start in Canyonlands. The switchbacks are fun to drive up and down. They are not very wide, but there are pull-offs where you can pull off to let people pass from either direction.
4. Chicken Corners
- Difficulty Rating: 3 out of 10
- Miles: 9 (one direction)
- Route Type: Out and Back or Loop if you go onto the other connected trails
- Time to Complete: 2 to 5 hours
Chicken Corners is a fun trail frequented by ATVs, Motorcycles, jeeps, and SXSs’. The trail is not very hard, but it does have some steep rock ledges and a few notable sections. You are never too close to these ledges, but if you are afraid of heights, you might disagree.
At the end of the 9-mile trail, there is a hiking trail called the Narrows. It is dangerous because it is a small trail, and you are high above the Colorado River. It is important to be careful around any ledges and not get too close. No picture is worth the chance of falling off a steep ledge.
Stock SUVs can do this trail, but off-road capable 4x4s are recommended.
Moderate Moab Off-Road Trails
5. White Rim Road
- Difficulty Rating: 3 out of 10
- Miles: 100
- Route Type: Loop
- Time to Complete: 30 to 40 hours
The entirety of the White Rim Road is 100 miles, and it winds all over through the Canyonlands National Park. The trail is rugged and very scenic. You don’t need to do the entire trail, but even if you are only doing a small section of the White Rim Road, you need to get a permit first.
A permit can be obtained at 8 am the day before from recreation.gov, or you can go into the ranger station the morning of your trip. If you are going to be doing the entire trip and staying overnight, an overnight permit is required and must be obtained before you go.
Online is the best option because permits do sell out. Only a limited amount of permits are given out each day. We drove to the iconic Muscleman Arch and then continued to a few more canyons before turning back. We think Canyonlands is best seen from the off-road trails, so if you have the chance, give them a try or rent a Jeep for the day at Adventure Moab.
One thing to note is that RZRs or any OHV are not allowed in Canyonlands National Park, even if it is street-legal.
6. Seven mile Rim
- Difficulty Rating: 4 out of 10
- Miles: 21
- Route Type: Loop
- Time to Complete: 3 to 5 hours
The 7 Mile Rim Trail is an excellent trail for those who are wanting to see a fun arch in Uranium Arch and some great scenery. The trail is also good for those looking to get a little more exciting trail experience.
This trail starts to get a little more technical but it is not overbearing. This can be a great trail if you are looking to up the difficulty from easier trails without jumping too far into the deep end.
There is one section called I Lean about halfway through where you will get to feel a little tipsy, but it is not as bad as it seems. This is also a great trail because you will often run into sections where you can try harder obstacles if you would like.
You should have an SUV that is off-road capable for this trail. This was one of the first trails we did in Moab and had a great time enjoying the views and exploring Uranium Arch.
7. Fins and Things
- Difficulty Rating: 4 out of 10
- Miles: 13
- Route Type: Loop
- Time to Complete: 1.5 to 4 Hours
Fins and Things is a family favorite. It is close to Moab, and it is not too challenging, but it gives you some great experience. Many people will use this as they start to get a feel for the terrain but don’t want to jump into anything too difficult where they might end up tipped over or get stuck in a situation that is too much.
This is a trail you could do multiple times and still enjoy the experience. If you don’t have a lot of experience driving an off-road vehicle but don’t want to spend more time on a bumpy road, this is the trail for you.
Your family will love it, and it starts to give you a sense of what the Moab Slickrock is all about. This is one of my wife’s favorite off-road trails near Moab.
Read More: A Complete Trail Guide to Fins and Things in Moab
Difficult Moab Off-Road Trails
8. Porcupine rim Trail
- Difficulty Rating: 5 out of 10
- Miles: 6
- Route Type: Loop
- Time to Complete: 1.5 to 4 hours
Porcupine Rim Trail is a very interesting trail. It is not made from slickrock like many of the other trails but it has a lot of loose rock. The trail itself resembles a Y shape.
If you start the trail and go to the left, you can go to an overlook or connect up to the Fins and Things Trail. The overlook trail is not the most enjoyable because it is the bumpiest trail we have been on in Moab.
If you go right at the split, this is the real Porcupine Rim Trail. The trail is pretty fun, but there is a section towards the end where you are very close to a steep ledge, and you lean heavily toward the edge.
This is a stressful obstacle, and the terrain can change more frequently than the other trails because the loose rock can move after each vehicle crosses.
While this trail has a less difficult rating than other more challenging trails, this trail gave us a little more anxiety than the more difficult trails like Hell’s Revenge and Poison Spider Mesa because of one obstacle that was not overly challenging; the lean toward the ledge is noticeable. An off-road style vehicle like a jeep is recommended for this trail.
11. Hell’s Revenge
- Difficulty Rating: 6 out of 10
- Miles: 12
- Route Type: Loop
- Time to Complete: 2 to 5 hours
Hell’s Revenge is your iconic must-do trail in Moab. If you do not have an off-road vehicle that you feel is capable for this trail or you don’t feel you are experienced enough to try this route, you should take a guided tour.
The trail is full of different obstacles with each being different. There are also many harder obstacles you can bypass, making it a great trail for many different skill levels. Families from all over the world enjoy this well know, exciting, and adventurous trail.
Because of its popularity, it is also the best trail to watch others do challenging obstacles. Some of the famous trails are Hell’s Gate, Mickey’s Hot Tubs, and the Escalator.
Read More: A Complete Trail Guide to Hell’s Revenge in Moab
12. Poison Spider Mesa
- Difficulty Rating: 6 out of 10
- Miles: 16
- Route Type: Out and Back
- Time to Complete: 2 to 5 Hours
Poison Spider Mesa is a fantastic route with great views with some fun and challenging obstacles. For this trail, you will want some extra ground clearance with larger tires, and lockers are recommended. Some of the ledges are a little larger and can be challenging to get over.
If you are feeling a little more experienced and want to get a little challenge that does not make you feel that you will fall from a cliff to your death, this is a really good one to try.
The nice thing about this trail is that it is an out-and-back trail, so if you get to a spot you do not like, you can turn around and head back. I would recommend doing the Hell’s Revenge trail first before this trail. You don’t need to do the challenging obstacles at Hell’s Revenge first, but you should be able to get through Hell’s Revenge, and you will be able to do Poison Spider.
Read More: A Complete Trail Guide to Poison Spider in Moab
9. Steel Bender
- Difficulty Rating: 7 out of 10
- Miles: 9 to 15
- Route Type: Two-Way Loop
- Time to Complete: 2 to 6 Hours
Steel Bender is an exciting trail that is pretty intense. There are some steep climbs and ledges that cannot be bypassed. Stock vehicles should not go on this trail, and you should have high clearance and lockers.
You should be confident in your skills and your vehicle if you are going on this trail. There are some great videos describing the ledges and how to accomplish them. This trail is probably best for some longer-wheelbase vehicles but not exclusive to long-wheelbase machines.
This trail rating tends to move around a bit because people have been working on fixing some of the more challenging sections to make them a little bit less difficult. Some people rate this as a 6, while others rate it higher.
The trail has a couple of loop options, so the trail can be longer or shorter depending on the route you decide to take. If you are looking to challenge your skills, this is a good trail to take.
10. Top of the World
- Difficulty Rating: 7 out of 10
- Miles: 19
- Route Type: Out and Back
- Time to Complete: 3 to 5 Hours
The Top of The World Trail is another iconic trail for off-road enthusiasts who frequent Moab. If you talk to those who frequent the area, many will tell you this is one of their favorite trails. There is a lookout at the end of the trail where you can place your jeep on a ledge that has very close to a significant ledge.
The trail itself is challenging, and you should have lockers and 35-inch tires when you attempt the trail.
There is a small loop towards the end of the trail, and the second part of the loop after the Top of the World overlook is very challenging. The trail is fairly easy until you get about 8 or 9 miles in, and it will gradually get more challenging. The most difficult obstacles are towards the end.
One downside to this trail is that it is not very close to Moab. It is a bit of a drive to get to the start of the trail, but the views are worth it if you want to try a great trail enjoyed by many.
A few other notable trails you may want to look into are:
Onion Creek, Fisher Towers (Easy)
Deadman Springs (Easy)
Muddy Creek (Moderate)
Hideout Mesa (Moderate)
Copper Ridge (Hard)
Golden Spike (Hard)
Gold Bar Rim (Hard)
Rusty Nail (Hard)
Kane Creek Canyon (Hard)
Moab Rim Trail (Hard)
Metal Masher (Hard)
Some of these are not for the faint of heart and have steep inclines, so make sure you have good ground clearance, lockers, and an understanding of what the trails entail. The Moab Guide Book will be your best friend if off-roading or just learning about the trails.
Guide Book to the Off-Road Trails in Moab
The Moab off-road trails book is one resource that is highly recommended by many. The Guide to Moab, UT Backroads & 4-Wheel Drive Trails by Charles A. Wells & Matt Peterson is a great resource.
This is a great book to learn about the trails and to locate where the trails are. They also have a fantastic detailed Mileage Log. It is highly recommended by many.
▶ SHOP Off-Road Trails Guide Book
Important Things to Know About Off Roading in Moab
✔ Moab is a great place for off roading but it is very structured. It is important to stay on the trails and not to stray from the trails or make new trails. The Moab soil has cryptobiotic soil with small organisms that help prevent erosion. To learn more, check out the National Parks Cryptobiotic Soil.
✔ Moab is also a great place to mountain bike and to hike. It is important to be curious of others who use the area. Don’t drive excessively fast and make sure to keep the dust down when possible especially when passing bikers and people hiking.
✔ There are limitations on where you can drive your OHV in Moab. As a general rule if the speed limit is 45 miles an hour or less you can drive your OHV if it is street-legal on the road.
Things to Bring With You on the Moab Utah jeep trails
When you are taking any vehicle on the 4×4 roads in Moab, it is a good idea to be prepared in case of a breakdown or issue. Below are some important things that everyone should have with them to make sure they are prepared.
Yeti Cooler
A Yeti cooler is a must. Moab can get very hot, and if you break down on the trail, you could be there for hours. It is important to bring food and water. Even if you don’t break down, you will want to have sufficient water and food so you can take a break and enjoy the great views.
We love to pack a picnic in our cooler and enjoy the beautiful views during our trail rides.
Air Compressor
When on any off road trail, it is typically recommended that you air down your tires to allow for better traction on the rocks. If you do this, you will want to have an air compressor to be able to air your tires back up when you get back to the pavement.
A good portable air compressor is just what you need. They are also great for emergencies. Check out our entire list for portable air compressors here.
Kinetic Recovery rope
A kinetic recovery rope is not mandatory but they are nice to have if you camp in the backwoods. They will come in handy to get you out and they are great because they allow for a smaller vehicle to pull out a significantly larger vehicle because they take advantage of kinetic energy. Check ou the video below.
Winch
If you are doing much off roading it is highly recommended to have a winch. We have used our winch multiple times not only to get ourselves out of a tough situation but it has come in very handy to get others out of difficult situations. You probably won’t use them often but you only need to use it once to make it worth the cost.
Off Road Traction Boards
Traction boards are great if you are going to be in the backwoods or off-roading. These boards are made to be placed under your tires if you become stuck to help you gain traction to get unstuck.
FAQ: Moab Off Road Trails
Are there easy trails in Moab?
Yes, there are trails for all skill levels. This means there are easy trails. Check out the easy trails section of our article for multiple trails that anyone could do. However, it is preferred to do them in an SUV with 4-wheel drive.
What is the hardest jeep trail in Moab?
The Pritchett Canyon trial is often rated as the hardest trail in the Moab area.
Do you need 4×4 for Moab?
There are some trails where you do not need a 4×4 vehicle but it is recommended to drive them in a 4×4. Gemini Bridges is one that does not require a 4×4.
Where can I go off-roading in Moab?
The most known area for off-roading in Moad is the Sand Flats Recreation Area. It is only a few minutes from downtown Moab and has many great trails. There are also many trails 30 minutes or less from Moab that are for off-roading.
What is the best off-road tour in Moab?
The best off-road tour is going to be an off-road tour of Hell’s Revenge. This is an iconic trail and a favorite for many because of the different obstacles and the variety the trail has.
▶ BOOK Off-Road Tour at Hell’s Revenge
Conclusion: Moab Off-Road Trails
We hope you enjoy these Moab off-road fun family trails. The easy and moderate trails are great for the family. All of these trails are great Moab UTV trails and are not exclusive to Jeeps.
You will love these trails and the great scenery they offer. If you don’t have your own Jeep, you can rent a jeep from Moab Adventure Center, or you can rent a UTV. Both are very fun activities for the family.
