Sand Flats Recreation Area

Just minutes from downtown Moab, the landscape shifts into something otherworldly. Waves of slickrock rise and fall like frozen sand dunes, their red stone glowing beneath an endless desert sky. Mountain bikers trace faint white lines across the domes, jeeps crawl up improbable ledges, and campers settle into sites that overlook the La Sal Mountains in the distance.

This is Sand Flats Recreation Area—one of Moab’s most famous playgrounds, and a Bureau of Land Management gem that blends outdoor challenge with wide-open desert beauty.

Visit the Sand Flats

Sand Flats is more than just a trailhead—it’s a hub for nearly every kind of Moab adventure.

  • World-famous biking: The Slickrock Bike Trail is here, a 10.5-mile rollercoaster ride across Navajo Sandstone that challenges even experienced riders.

  • 4×4 heaven: Jeepers and off-roaders come for Hell’s Revenge and Fins & Things, legendary routes with obstacles that make the heart race.

  • Scenic camping: With over 120 campsites scattered across sandstone domes, camping here feels like staying on another planet.

  • Starry skies: As a designated Dark Sky Park, Sand Flats offers some of the clearest night skies in the Southwest.

Getting There

From downtown Moab:

  • Drive east on E 300 South (which becomes Mill Creek Drive).

  • Turn right onto Sand Flats Road and follow the signs into the recreation area.

  • The entrance booth is about 2 miles from Main Street.

👉 Tip: The road is paved at the start, but becomes gravel further in. Passenger vehicles are fine for campgrounds and major trailheads.

What to Expect

  • Terrain: Rolling slickrock domes, sandy washes, and juniper-covered ridges.

  • Atmosphere: Busy near popular trails, but quieter the farther you go.

  • Best Seasons: Spring and fall offer ideal temperatures. Summer is brutally hot; winter can be cold but peaceful.

⚠️ Safety Callout

Sand Flats can feel like a playground, but it’s a desert environment that demands respect.

  • Heat risk: Summer temps can exceed 100°F—carry at least 1 gallon of water per person per day.

  • Navigation: Slickrock can be disorienting. Follow painted trail markers (white dashes for Slickrock, symbols for 4×4 trails).

  • Vehicle readiness: 4×4 trails here are not for beginners. Know your skill level and vehicle limits.

  • Camping: All camping is first-come, first-served. Sites fill quickly on weekends and holidays.

FAQs About Sand Flats Recreation Area

Q: Is there an entrance fee?
Yes. Sand Flats charges a small per-vehicle fee for day use and camping. Passes are valid for multiple days.

Q: Can I reserve campsites?
No—camping is first-come, first-served. Arrive early for weekends.

Q: Are dogs allowed?
Yes, dogs are welcome but must be leashed in campgrounds and under control elsewhere.

Q: How long is the Slickrock Bike Trail?
The full loop is 10.5 miles, but there’s also a 2.3-mile practice loop for warming up or shorter rides.

Q: Is Sand Flats family-friendly?
Yes. Families love the campsites and short hikes. The Slickrock practice loop is a good option for teens with biking experience.

Next-Step Adventures Nearby

If you enjoy Sand Flats, don’t stop there—explore more BLM lands nearby:

  • [Kane Creek Area] – Canyons, petroglyphs, and riverfront camping.

  • [Fisher Towers] – A family-friendly hike to towering red rock spires.

  • [Corona Arch] – A classic Moab hike to one of Utah’s most photogenic arches.