Moab Hell's Revenge: Self-Drive 4x4 Tour with Local Guide

Summary

Take the wheel on Moab’s wild slickrock with a guide leading the way

You’ll take the wheel of your own 4x4 across Moab’s legendary Hell’s Revenge trail, following a local guide over petrified sand dunes and up to sweeping overlooks above the Colorado River. Expect hands-on driving thrills, stories from your guide, snacks along the way — plus moments of quiet awe you’ll remember long after the dust settles.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit it — my hands were already sweaty before we even left the parking lot in Moab. There’s something about seeing those slickrock hills up close that makes you question your own sanity for signing up to drive them yourself. Our guide, Mike, just grinned and handed over the keys to the Kawasaki Tyrex like it was no big deal. “You’ll be fine,” he said, and somehow that helped. The engine rumbled under me, and I caught a whiff of dust and sunscreen as we set off behind him.

The first climb on Hell’s Revenge looked impossible from below — honestly, I almost chickened out right there. But Mike radioed back some encouragement (“Just keep steady on the gas!”), so I went for it. The tires gripped way better than I expected, kind of sticky against the rock, and suddenly we were up top with this wild view stretching toward Arches National Park. The air was dry but not too hot (early morning is definitely the move), and you could hear nothing but wind and our nervous laughter echoing off the stone.

We stopped at Fins N Things for a breather — which really meant Mike pulling out snacks while we all tried to look cooler than we felt. He pointed out where the Colorado River snakes far below, telling stories about old Jeepers who’d tried these trails decades ago. My partner tried to pronounce “Tyrex” like a local and got roasted for it (in good fun). It felt less like a tour and more like tagging along with someone who actually lives here.

The last overlook hit different — maybe because my adrenaline had finally settled or maybe because you could see forever from up there. I still think about that silence above the river, just us and red rock and sky. We bumped our way back down with dust in our teeth and this weird sense of accomplishment I didn’t expect. If you’re even half curious about driving Hell’s Revenge yourself, just do it — but yeah, follow the guide.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Drive Hells Revenge Trail and Fins N Things

• Drive over slickrock hills at Fins N Things
• Drive Hells Revenge Trail and view Colorado River Overlook

Top questions

Is this Hell's Revenge tour self-drive or guided?

You drive your own 4-seater vehicle while following a local guide leading the group.

How long does the Moab Hell's Revenge 4x4 tour last?

The tour lasts about 3.5 hours total.

Are children allowed on this Hell's Revenge tour?

Yes, all ages are welcome on this tour.

What is included in the Hell's Revenge self-drive experience?

Bottled water, snacks, use of a Kawasaki Tyrex 800 vehicle, and safety instruction are included.

Where does this Moab 4x4 tour go?

The route covers Fins N Things in Sandflats Recreation Area and Hell's Revenge Trail up to Colorado River Overlook.

How many people fit in each vehicle?

Each vehicle holds up to four passengers.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup; tours depart from a set location in Moab.

Are there any health restrictions for this tour?

This tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular issues.

What’s included

Your day includes use of a Kawasaki Tyrex 800 4-seater vehicle (you drive), bottled water to keep you going under that desert sun, snacks at scenic stops along the way, plus full safety instruction from your guide before hitting Hell’s Revenge trail together.