HELL’S REVENGE
HELL’S REVENGE IN A BRONCO // MOAB, UTAH
Nights out: 2 Miles driven: 660 Soundtrack: st. Paul and the broken bones — live at southern grooves
when it SNOWs IN HELL.
A snowy trip to Hell’s Revenge in Moab, Utah, in a stock Ford Bronco. Slick rock, winter weather, steep lines, and one very memorable desert trail day.
Day 1
My first big boy off-road trail. I’ve played passenger on Hell’s Revenge multiple times, but I’ve never driven myself - let alone my own car. The same car that has to get me to work on Monday morning. Nerves and anticipation were high.
I packed the kids in the car, and we headed south to meet some friends. The adventure started early with snow flurries on Highway 6. The weather was supposed to clear out well before we got to Moab. But it seemed we dragged it with us. We had snow and freezing temps the entire first night. Buc-ee’s Beaver Nuggets and a smoldering fire kept morale high.
Day 2
We awoke to perfect skies and warm sun scraping over the canyon edge. After a quick round of bacon and eggs, we ditched heavy overnight gear, charged radios, and headed to Sand Flats. Right in the parking lot, I knew we were in for a proper day. The first feature on Hell’s Revenge was enough to make us question our life choices. With nervous laughter and aired down tires, we hit the trail.
The going was slow, but surely enough, we made our way to Hell’s Gate and back. I didn’t donate any paint to the trail, but the underside may have kissed the ground enough to make a pastor blush.
After a round of beers and a huge burger, it was back to camp to get some tired kids in bed. But first, the obligatory rock trundle off a huge desert cliff.
Day 3
More bacon, a Maverik pit stop for donuts and coffee, spending $13 airing back up at a Chevron and a propane tank refill, we hit the road home.
A FEW PRACTICAL NOTES FROM HELL’S REVENGE
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Yes, a Ford Bronco can drive Hell’s Revenge, especially with the Sasquatch package or a similar off-road setup. The trail still deserves respect. There are steep slickrock climbs, exposed sections, optional obstacles, and plenty of places where line choice matters. I kept all the paint on my stock Sasquatch, but I certainly dragged the bottom in a few spots.
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Hell’s Revenge is not a casual dirt road. The main route is very doable in a capable 4x4, but the slickrock, steep climbs, descents, exposure, and optional obstacles make it feel serious if you are new to Moab trails.
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It can be. The traction on dry slickrock is usually excellent, but the steep angles and exposed sections can mess with your head. Hell’s Revenge is often more mentally intimidating than technically impossible in a capable rig.
Keep Wandering
More Moab and Canyonlands views: Captain EHAB
More Bronco setup notes: The Rig
More Utah desert roads: New Boot Goofin’
