Sitting at the trailhead of Hell’s Revenge in Moab, Utah, waiting your turn to climb the infamous Chicken Fin, is not for the faint of heart. Kim, the kids, and I were in a brand-new rented Rubicon, and by this point, we were seriously questioning our sanity. But a sunset run on one of Moab’s most iconic Jeep trails was way too tempting to pass up.
Our guide, John Fate from Moab Tour Company, keyed up the radio from the Rubi in front of us and yelled, “Let’s Gooooooo!”
And just like that — we were committed.
The First Fin: Where Your Pucker Factor Meets Gravity
I’m not ashamed to admit my pucker factor was pegged as I shifted the Rubi into 4-Low and eased onto the narrow slickrock ramp that leads to the start of the trail.
John came over the radio, casually pointing out a bail-out trail to our right — apparently used by folks who “chicken out” before committing to the climb.
Good to know.
Not comforting though.
Now, I won’t dive into every technical detail about Chicken Fin, but here’s the summary:
- It’s narrow.
- It’s steep.
- There are zero guardrails.
- And if you fall off, you’re going to break — no, total — something.
Meanwhile, I’m having the time of my life, whooping and hollering, while Kim is white-knuckling the grab handle with the facial expression of someone reconsidering all her life decisions. When we finally crested the top, the view hit us like a slap: red rock stretching forever, God’s handiwork glowing in the last light of day.
Worth every heartbeat.
Into Hell’s Revenge Proper
With Chicken Fin behind us, we pressed into the 6.5-mile rollercoaster that is Hell’s Revenge. Slickrock fins, domes, sharp drop-ins, and lung-testing climbs — the whole trail is a geological playground.
We bypassed Mickey’s Hot Tub and Hell’s Gate (because, you know… rental), but we stopped to watch a couple of side-by-sides tackle Hell’s Gate. Watching them struggle up that chute, all I could think was:
“Yep. We made the right call.”
Call me chicken — I know my limits. And I also know rental insurance doesn’t cover “fell into a giant rock bathtub.”
The scenery was unreal. You can see the arches out in the distance (pretty sure they were in Arches National Park — which is absolutely getting its own write-up later). The Rubicon surprised me with how capable it was, and I was impressed by how confidently it handled everything John threw at us.
Around the halfway point, we stopped on top of a butte to watch one of the most beautiful sunsets I’ve ever seen. The Colorado River snaked below us, and it felt like we could see all the way to tomorrow.
Finishing the Trail by Headlights Alone
Driving the last stretch in the dark?
Different kind of thrill.
Shadows make obstacles look smaller, bigger, or not even there. The slickrock can trick your eyes. The trail plays with your depth perception. Kim will tell you her version next time you see her — but let’s just say the grab handle got another workout.
I’m not giving away every detail because I want you to feel this trail for yourself, but I will say this: Hell’s Revenge changes you. How it changes you depends on what you bring to it.
There’s something magical about Moab’s slickrock. You carry a piece of it with you long after the ‘Moab Rouge’ washes off.
Trail Tips & Technical Notes
High clearance: non-negotiable
4×4: required once you’re past the warm-up section
Traction: matters more than you think
Skid plates & sliders: highly recommended
Recovery points: don’t skip them
Novices: will absolutely end up on their sides
Spotters: use them on technical spots
Best seasons: spring and fall
Start early: shadows get dicey in the afternoon
And most importantly:
Do not underestimate this trail.
The minute you get cocky, Hell’s Revenge will remind you exactly why it’s a badge-of-honor trail and one of the most famous Jeep runs on earth.
Final Word
Hell’s Revenge is the benchmark trail in Moab — drama, challenge, scenery, and pure machine-versus-rock adrenaline. Treat it with respect. One wrong move and your “awesome adventure” can turn into an “epic suck fest” real quick.
See you on the trails.
JT
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