We grew up driving this rock. Here are nine of Moab's best off-road runs, scored on a simple 1–7 scale: 1 is a mellow scenic cruise, 7 is serious slickrock with real exposure and obstacles. Find the trail that matches your nerve — and your rig.
Every trail below shows a difficulty meter. The more bars lit in orange, the harder the run. Use it to size up a trail before you commit — then match it to a guided tour or a self-drive rental.
Mellow dirt & gentle slickrock. Stock-friendly.
Climbs, ruts & rock. 4WD recommended.
Sustained slickrock & steeper lines.
Steep fins, ledges & optional tough lines.
Big obstacles & exposure. A built rig & real skill.
Scenic, beginner-friendly runs and moderate climbs. Great for first-timers, families, and warm-up days before the hard stuff.
21 mi · Follows the Colorado River downstream and squirms through lower Kane Springs Canyon. A scenic, beginner-friendly cruise.
36 mi · Climbs into the La Sal Mountains to escape the summer heat. Cool pines, big views.
30 mi off-hwy · A high plateau north of the Colorado River, east of Arches. Backcountry scenery and history.
13 mi off-hwy · Wave-after-wave slickrock fins formed from 200-million-year-old sand dunes. A Moab classic.
21 mi off-hwy · Leaves Hwy 191 north of Hwy 313; slickrock, arches, and the Merrimac & Monitor buttes.
Steep fins, ledges, and serious exposure. These runs reward a built rig and a clear head. New to slickrock? Ride one with a guide first.
17 mi off-hwy · South of Moab, bounded by Kane Springs Canyon. Ledges and obstacles that test a built rig.
12 mi off-hwy · Moab's premier slickrock trail near Sand Flats Road. Steep fins, domes, and optional hard lines. The iconic Moab run.
46 mi off-hwy · Climbs to Arth's Rim, 1,300 ft above Hwy 191. Serious obstacles, big exposure.
16 mi off-hwy · Cliff-edge ledges and challenging climbs with huge canyon views. Expert terrain.
Honest answer: pick the trail that matches your experience, not your ego. Here's the local rule of thumb.
If you're new to slickrock — or eyeing anything rated 5 and up — ride out with a born-and-raised Moab guide. They pick the lines, read the rock for you, and keep the day fun instead of white-knuckle. It's the smartest way to learn Hell's Revenge or Fins and Things.
Already comfortable airing down and reading lines? Grab a lifted, locked, recovery-equipped Jeep or Gladiator and self-drive at your own pace. Start with an easier run like Chicken Corners or Seven Mile Rim, then work your way up.
Trail difficulty isn't fixed. Rain, snowmelt, and traffic reshape obstacles, and some routes close seasonally or require permits and fees. A little planning keeps your day smooth.
Rent a built 4-door Jeep and self-drive, or ride out with a local guide who knows every fin and ledge. Either way, you'll see Moab the way it's meant to be seen.