Hell’s Revenge vs. Fins & Things: Choosing the Right Moab Jeep Trail

Trail Overviews: Hell’s Revenge & Fins & Things

Hell’s Revenge at a Glance

• The Hell’s Revenge 4×4 trail is roughly 6.5 miles long. It’s rated quite difficult, and recommended for experienced off-road drivers.
  
  
• It crosses slickrock ridges, steep climbs, ledges, steep descents, and challenging terrain.
  
  
• This trail often intersects or connects with other iconic Moab backcountry routes, and is considered a “Badge of Honor” type route among the Jeep and 4×4 community.
  
  
• Outlaw Adventure Tours lists Hell’s Revenge among the Jeep Badge of Honor trails they guide through.
  
  
• Outlaw also offers a Jeep Sunset Tour specifically on Hell’s Revenge, allowing groups to experience the trail under dramatic lighting.
  
  

Fins & Things at a Glance

• Fins & Things is characterized by its slickrock fins (narrow sandstone ridges) and steep inclines and declines.
  
  
• The trail is a favorite for its technical, sculptural ride along rock fins, with less extreme drop-offs than Hell’s Revenge in many spots.
  
  
• It tends to be more forgiving for beginners or those wishing to warm up before trying more extreme routes.
  
  
• Because Fins & Things is in the Sand Flats Recreation Area, you need to pay the area fee and follow recreation area rules.
  
  

Comparison: Difficulty, Technicality & Skill Level

Feature

Fins & Things

Hell’s Revenge

Overall difficulty

Moderate to moderately difficult — technical slickrock but generally less punishing

Difficult to very difficult — steep climbs, ledges, drop-offs, more risk

Best for beginners / intermediate drivers

More forgiving; good training ground

Best for experienced drivers or with a guide’s support

Hazard level

Lower risk, fewer extreme drops

More exposure, potential danger if misjudged

Trail length & coverage

Can often be combined with other trails

More challenging to complete full sections in a short time

If you’re newer to slickrock driving, Fins & Things offers a route where you can get your bearings, build confidence, and enjoy the landscape without fearing extreme consequences. Once comfortable, Hell’s Revenge makes for a thrilling next step with steeper climbs and more dramatic terrain.

Scenery & Photo Opportunities

Fins & Things

• Fins & Things’ defining feature is the “fins” — narrow sandstone ridges — which you climb up and down, giving strong visual lines and curves for photography.
  
  
• Because the terrain is more sculptural, many angles of light will cast dramatic shadows on fins and rails.
  
  
• The trail is more open in places and you’ll often have unobstructed views over the landscape, colors, and rock forms.
  
  

Hell’s Revenge

• Hell’s Revenge offers sweeping overlooks, dramatic drop-offs, far-reaching panoramas, and a sense of exposure that photos love to capture.
  
  
• During sunset or golden hour, the red rock glows, cliffs deepen in color, and shadows lengthen — as Outlaw’s Jeep Sunset Tour promises.
  
  
• You’ll see ridgelines, slickrock domes, and likely views toward the La Sal Mountains, the Colorado River Gorge, and Arches National Park.
  
  
• Some review accounts mention that the trail mixes uphill climbs, sandy “berms,” and vantage points.
  
  

If photography is a big part of your group’s interest, Hell’s Revenge may offer more dramatic “wow” moments. But Fins & Things gives beautiful interplay of shapes and light and is easier to position vehicles for good shots.

Which Trail Fits Your Group Type

Beginner or Mixed Skill Groups

If your group has varying skill levels, or some participants more cautious than others, Fins & Things is the safer bet. It gives participants the thrill and slickrock feel without pushing into high danger zones. You can often combine it with other lighter trails too for variety.

Experienced Groups or Thrill Seekers

If your group welcomes challenge, steeper terrain, and big impact visuals, Hell’s Revenge is more suitable. It demands attention, commitment, and a bit of respect. As a signature Moab experience, it often features in “bucket list” plans.

Time & Tour Duration Constraints

When you have limited window or want a shorter route, starting with Fins & Things or combining both in a shorter UTV/Jeep package (like Outlaw’s 3.5 hour Fins & Things + Hell’s Revenge UTV tour) might be ideal. 

Vehicle & Ride Format

• If your group is using UTVs (like the Kawasaki KRX 1000 in Outlaw’s tours), both trails are available in their 3.5 hour Fins & Things + Hell’s Revenge UTV tour offering.
  
  
• If driving your own Jeep (You-Drive Jeep Tours) via Outlaw, you can arrange for these trails via their Jeep badge of honor guidance.
  
  
• For those preferring ride-along (passenger) experiences, Hell’s Revenge Sunset Jeep Tour offers a more relaxed way to take in the views while a guide handles the driving.
  
  

Seasonal & Environmental Factors

• Heat and shade: Fins & Things is a slickrock trail with little shade, so during summer mid-day it can be punishing. It’s better earlier or later in the day.
  
  
• Trail conditions: In winter or when snow/ice lingers, north-facing slopes or fins may retain slick conditions, making both trails more hazardous.
  
  
• Sunset or golden hour: If your group wants that dramatic sunset glow, Hell’s Revenge offers exceptional lighting at dusk; Outlaw’s Sunset Jeep Tour is built for that.
  
  

Tips for Choosing & Planning

1. Ask for a hybrid option — if your tour provider (like Outlaw) offers a combined route or a mixed UTV/Jeep package, that can give your group a taste of both.
   
   
2. Scout the experience level — don’t push reluctant group members immediately into Hell’s Revenge. Start with Fins & Things or intermediate segments.
   
   
3. Time your departure — avoid mid-day in summer; aim for mornings or late afternoons.
   
   
4. Switch drivers where allowed — let participants alternate driving vs ride along for variety and rest.
   
   
5. Communicate expectations — set the pace and reassure your group, especially on more challenging sections.
   
   
6. Bring the right gear — sun protection, closed shoes, camera, hydration, layers for temperature variation.
   
   
7. Book sunset tours early — finishing Hell’s Revenge under sky glow is spectacular but limited.
   
   
8. Follow rules & permits — both trails are inside the Sand Flats Recreation Area; obey trail rules and fees.
   
   

FAQ: Hell’s Revenge & Fins & Things

Q: Which trail is more dangerous?
A: Hell’s Revenge is generally more hazardous due to steep climbs, ledges, and higher exposure. Fins & Things has challenging sections but offers safer contingencies in more spots.

Q: Can both be done in one tour?
A: Yes. Outlaw offers a 3.5-hour UTV tour that covers both Fins & Things and Hell’s Revenge. 

Q: Do I need prior off-roading experience?
A: No. Outlaw’s tours allow beginners to participate. Their guides lead and instruct. But Hell’s Revenge is more demanding, so having some familiarity or at least confidence helps.

Q: When is best time to run these trails?
A: Spring and fall are often ideal for temperature and trail conditions. Fins & Things is less ideal during midday in summer due to heat. Also, snow or ice in winter can cause hazards, especially on steeper or shaded sections.

Q: What vehicle works best?
A: High-clearance, 4×4 vehicles with good traction, especially for Hell’s Revenge. UTVs like the Kawasaki KRX 1000 are well suited; Jeep Wranglers with proper off-road setup are also common. Outlaw furnishes Jeep and UTV options. 

Q: How long are tours for each?
A: Outlaw’s UTV combo tour (Fins & Things + Hell’s Revenge) is 3.5 hours. The Sunset Jeep tour on Hell’s Revenge is about 3 hours (allow up to 3.5). 

Q: What are the entry/permit requirements?
A: Trails lie within the Sand Flats Recreation Area. A recreation area entry fee is usually required.