Ride Destinations: Off-Roading in Moab, Utah

The red rock beauty surrounding Moab, Utah is truly breathtaking, and a must-see via the seat of your off-road vehicle. UTVs have revolutionized off-road travel with their agility, comfort and capability, and Moab is a trail haven dedicated to them. With numerous trails to suit all skill levels, and a town supporting street-legal UTVs (with proper registration and insurance; visit DiscoverMoab.com or contact local officials for details), you will feel right at home exploring, lodging or visiting the many eatery opportunities in the heart of Utah’s off-road mecca.

For beginner UTV users specifically, here are a few pointers to prepare you for an enjoyable adventure in Moab. Remember to choose your trail wisely with an honest appraisal of your equipment and experience in this terrain. Once you arrive in Moab, detailed four-wheel drive maps and trail guides are available at the Moab Information Center (MIC) on the corner of Main and Center streets. For more information on the area before you go, visit Utah.com or DiscoverMoab.com.

Prep Your UTV or ATV

To maintain peak engine performance and reliability in your UTV or ATV before hitting the trails in places like Moab, make sure to take the time to perform a simple oil change. A full-synthetic powersports engine oil, like Quicksilver ATV/UTV 4-Stroke Oil, meets the needs of all four-stroke UTV and ATV engines, and will provide the ultimate protection and easy starting in all climates and seasons (always consult your ATV/UTV owner’s manual to be sure you’re using the proper grade of oil). It’s also helpful to pack a tire plug kit along with some CO2 cartridges to air back up if you don’t have a spare tire. It’s cheap insurance instead of being stranded.

On Your Own? Start with Fins and Things Trail – 25 Miles Total

This trail takes you by sandstone slickrock formations known as “fins," as well as the remnants left after the fins erode – known as “things." You can access the trail from Sand Flats Road. From there, you’ll cover beautiful rolling hills and rock formations that are a perfect primer for more great off-road adventures in the area. Due to the terrain, consider upgrading to tall tires with an aggressive tread for best performance.

Let a UTV Guide Service Pamper You

There are a number of off-road outfitters in the Moab area with experienced guides that can help take the guesswork out of your adventure. They can show you the way to the most exciting trails as well as other local attractions, or set you up to experience spectacular vistas. Most provide all the necessary equipment, including approved helmets and riding goggles. Visit DiscoverMoab.com for more information.

Feed Me – I’m Hungry

For breakfast, BBQ and more, Moab doesn’t disappoint by offering some of Utah’s most satisfying meals before, during and after your UTV adventure. Grab a quick breakfast before you depart. Some local diners even offer box lunches for your UTV trail ride. And before you wrap up your evening, drive your UTV back to town again for dinner and dessert. You can thank us later.