Sand Flats Recreation Area & Slickrock Bike Trail
The Sand Flats Recreation Area near Moab, Utah is a nationally significant public lands treasure at the heart of the Colorado Plateau. A high plain of slick rock domes, bowls and fins, it rises on the south to meet the colorful mesas and nearly 13,000 foot peaks of the La Sal Mountains. Cutting into the area on the east and west are the altered canyons of the Negro Bill and Mill Creek Wilderness Study Areas. To the north lies the deep gorge of the Colorado River and a hundred mile vista over Arches National Park.
SFRA is home to the famous Slickrock Bike Trail enjoyed annually by over 100,000 visitors. The 7,320 acre SFRA is also popular for camping and jeeping and is seeing an increase in motorcycle and ATV use.
The Sand Flats Recreation Area is managed through a unique partnership between Grand County and the Bureau of Land Management. In 1995 this area was developed through the collaborative efforts of Americorps, the BLM, Grand County and the Moab community.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Sand Flats Recreation Area?
The Sand Flats Recreation Area near Moab, Utah is a nationally significant public lands treasure at the heart of the Colorado Plateau. A high plain of slick rock domes, bowls and fins, it rises on the south to meet the colorful mesas and nearly 13,000 foot peaks of the La Sal Mountains. Cutting into the area on the east and west are the altered canyons of the Negro Bill and Mill Creek Wilderness Study Areas. To the north lies the deep gorge of the Colorado River and a hundred mile vista over Arches National Park.
SFRA is home to the famous Slickrock Bike Trail enjoyed annually by over 100,000 visitors. The 7,320 acre SFRA is also popular for camping and jeeping and is seeing an increase in motorcycle and ATV use.
2. Who manages Sand Flats Recreation Area?
3. Where do my fees go?The Sand Flats Recreation Area is managed through a unique partnership between Grand County and the Bureau of Land Management. In 1995 this area was developed through the collaborative efforts of Americorps, the BLM, Grand County and the Moab community.
You can help our unique partnership efforts by taking responsibility for the lands you enjoy. Learn the guidelines of sustainable land use by:
- Understanding how your use affects the land.
- Adopting minimum impact practices.
- Sharing in the costs of services, education and maintenance.
All user fees remain in this program and go towards services, education and maintenance. These include education, maps, signs and brochures; general maintenance, fence and toilet construction and upkeep, trail maintenance and revegetation projects.
Because one third of SFRA lands are Utah School Trust Lands a portion of fees collected goes to pay for the annual lease of this land. Your fees also sustain an apprenticeship program that provides work-study opportunities for local high school students. A portion of fees also helps to support the operation of Grand County Search and Rescue.
4. What is the user fee at SFRA?
SFRA offers day-use passes, good for 3 days. If you enter in a private vehicle the pass costs $5.00, enter on a bike the pass costs $2.00, enter in a shuttle/van the pass costs $2.00 per person.
5. Does Sand Flats have an annual pass? How do I purchase a pass?
Yes, Sand Flats sells an annual pass for $20.00. The pass admits the card-holder and passengers in a single, private vehicle for day use through the last day of the month and year indicated on the pass. When entry is by bicycle, motorcycle or shuttle van, this pass covers card-holder and accompanying family members. This pass does not cover camping. This pass is non-transferable and nonrefundable.
From March through October one can purchase a pass at the entrance booth. In the off season when the booth is closed please call the Sand Flats office at 435-259-2444 to purchase an annual pass.
6. Can I camp at SFRA?
Yes, Sand Flats has 120 campsites, open year round and offered on a first-come, first-serve basis. Camping is limited to these designated sites spread over 9 campgrounds. Lettered campgrounds A thru H and Juniper have picnic tables, metal fire rings and nearby vault toilets. Campers need to bring in all their drinking water, as water is not available on this high desert plateau.
7. How much does it cost to camp?
Camping at SFRA costs $10.00 per night, per car for up to 5 people. Additional persons cost $2.00 each per night. Children 2 years of age and under camp free.
8. What are SFRA camping regulations?
Please:
- Camp only in designated sites.
- Park vehicles in designated areas only.
- 2 vehicles, 10 people maximum per site.
- Quiet hours are 10pm to 6am.
- Woodcutting and firewood gathering are not permitted.
- In the campgrounds all animals must be on a leash secured to a fixed object or under control of a person at all times.
- Use toilet facilities.
- No discharging of firearms or fireworks.
- Pack it in. Pack it out. A garbage dumpster is located at the Slickrock parking lot.
- Please note for emergencies call 911. For non-emergencies, such as after hour noise disturbances call the Sheriff's Dispatch at (435) 259-8115.
9. Does SFRA take group site reservations?
Yes, Sand Flats does take reservations for 2 group sites- E-1 and the Radio Tower site. There is a maximum of 16 people in site E-1 and a maximum of 20 people at the Radio Tower site. The maximum number of vehicles for group campsite E-1 is 6 and for the Radio Tower 7. All vehicles and trailers must fit within assigned parking areas.
The reservation fee is $10. The camping fee is $50.00 per night for site E-1. The Radio Tower site fee is $60.00 per night. The $10 reservation fee and camping fees are non-refundable.The trip leader must pay the reservation fee and first night’s camping fee up front. Additional nights are due upon arrival at the entrance booth, or if after hours, the following morning.
Group campsite E-1 is closed off with a cable gate so that you can let yourself in when you arrive. A calendar is posted at both sites that show your reservation. The group leader is responsible for being familiar with all of the rules and regulations of the Sand Flats Recreation Area and for ensuring other members of the group adhere to these rules. The group may be asked to leave by the Management for major noise complaints, facility or resource damage. The leader may receive a citation for excessive noise during quiet hours, or substantial resource or facility damage to the site.
If you would like to reserve a site please call (435) 259-2444. If you have a group larger than 20 people and want to reserve a group campsite in the area you can camp along the Colorado River. Call the BLM at (435) 259-2100 or visit their web site at www.blm.gov/utah/moab.
10. What is minimum impact?
Each year, millions of visitors enjoy Canyon Country. The impact of so much use is threatening the area's biological resources. You can help protect this fragile and beautiful land by following these four minimum-impact practices.
Tread lightly when traveling and leave no trace of your camping. Drive and ride only on roads and trails where such travel is allowed; hike only on established trails, on rock or in washes. Avoid taking shortcuts and traveling through cryptobiotic soils. When camping select an area of bare soil for your tent. Do not place your tent on top of vegetation. Use existing fire rings and bring in your own firewood. Wood collecting of any kind is illegal at SFRA. Do not strip bark, cut or break off tree limbs. Please remember these trees provide shade and shelter for you, other campers and the animals that make the desert their home. Help keep Canyon Country clean. Pack out your trash and recycle it, clean up after less thoughtful visitors, and use toilets. Protect and conserve scarce desert water sources. Leave potholes undisturbed. Allow space for wildlife. When encountering wildlife, maintain your distance and remain quiet. Teach children not to chase or pick up animals. Keep pets under control.
11. What is cryptobiotic crust?
Cryptobiotic crust is a living crust of bacteria, algae, lichen, mosses and fungi that covers much of the soil surface in this area. It is almost invisible in its early stages. As it matures, it develops a bumpy, blackish surface. The crust is essential to desert life. It holds sand together, retains water, and makes nutrients needed for larger plants to grow.
It takes 50-100 years for the crust to fully function: yet tire tracks and footsteps can crush it instantaneously. Bike and vehicle tire tracks are especially damaging because they form ruts. When it rains water flows in these ruts causing severe erosion. Walk, drive, or bike only on open roads or trails. When walking cross-country walk on slickrock or in dry washes. Avoid trampling cryptobiotic crust.
12. How difficult is mountain biking on the Slickrock Bike trail?
The Slickrock Bike trail is rated a class 4 on a scale of 1-4 with 4 being the hardest. It's steep inclines and descents offer technical challenges to the most experienced bikers. The 2 mile practice loop is recommended to all first time visitors. It is still rated as difficult and not for novice riders or young children.
Please note that travel is limited to designated trails and that cross-country travel is not permitted. The Moab area offers literally thousands of miles of old roads and trails. Stay on the trails and leave the scenery for others to enjoy. Tracking the landscape is one of the most lasting forms of damage. Enjoy our trails and please do not leave tracks.
Stay on the trail. Do not trample vegetation or cryptobiotic crust. Avoid driving in potholes. Respect all living things. The desert is an irreplaceable gift. Pack it in. Pack it out. Responsible recreation keeps this trail clean, scenic and OPEN.
13. What is the Porcupine Rim Trail like?
The "other mountain biking trail" at SFRA is the Porcupine Rim Trail, popular and difficult (class 4) in it's own right. The trailhead is located on the eastern end of SFRA, 7 miles up the Sand Flats road from the entrance station.
The first part of the trail is popular with motorcycles and jeeps. At mile 11.2 the trail becomes single track with steep ledges and is suitable only for biking and hiking. Jeeps, ATVs and all but the most experienced motorcyclists must turn around at this point. The official trail length from the trailhead to highway 128 is 14.4 miles but because it is a one-way trail, without a shuttle, it is 30 miles roundtrip. The trail offers a variety of riding surfaces in a remote and rugged area of outstanding scenery.
Please note that travel is limited to designated trails and that cross-country travel is not permitted. The Moab area offers literally thousands of miles of old roads. Stay on the trails and leave the scenery for others to enjoy. Tracking the landscape is one of the most lasting forms of damage. Enjoy our trails and please do not leave tracks.
Stay on the trail. Do not trample vegetation or cryptobiotic crust. Avoid driving in potholes. Respect all living things. The desert is an irreplaceable gift. Pack it in. Pack it out. Responsible recreation keeps this trail clean, scenic and OPEN.
14. Where can I ride my motorcycle at Sand Flats?
Motorcycles are permitted on the Slickrock Bike Trail. In fact, the trail was originally designed in 1969 for motorcycles. SFRA also offers over 40 miles of jeep trails that motorcycles are welcome to ride. These include Fins and Things Jeep Trail, Porcupine Jeep Trail, Hells Revenge Trail and the first 11.2 miles of the Porcupine Rim Trail. Cross-country travel is not permitted at SFRA. Please remember that motorized traffic yields to non-motorized traffic.
Please note that travel is limited to designated trails and that cross-country travel is not permitted. The Moab area offers literally thousands of miles of old roads. Stay on the trails and leave the scenery for others to enjoy. Tracking the landscape is one of the most lasting forms of damage. Enjoy our trails and please do not leave tracks.
Stay on the trail. Do not trample vegetation or cryptobiotic crust. Avoid driving in potholes. Respect all living things. The desert is an irreplaceable gift. Pack it in. Pack it out. Responsible recreation keeps this trail clean, scenic and OPEN.
15. Where can I ride my ATV at Sand Flats?
All Terrain Vehicles are permitted on all of the jeep trails at SFRA including Fins and Things Jeep Trail, Hells Revenge Trail and the first 11. 2 miles of the Porcupine Rim Trail. The Slickrock Bike Trail is not safe or suitable for three-wheel and four-wheel all-terrain vehicles because the trail crosses steep side slopes and traverses narrow ledges. ATVs, and all other vehicles must travel marked routes. Cross-country travel is not permitted. Please remember that motorized traffic yields to non-motorized traffic.
Please note that travel is limited to designated trails and that cross-country travel is not permitted. The Moab area offers literally thousands of miles of old roads. Stay on the trails and leave the scenery for others to enjoy. Tracking the landscape is one of the most lasting forms of damage. Enjoy our trails and please do not leave tracks.
Stay on the trail. Do not trample vegetation or cryptobiotic crust. Avoid driving in potholes. Respect all living things. The desert is an irreplaceable gift. Pack it in. Pack it out. Responsible recreation keeps this trail clean, scenic and OPEN.
16. Does SFRA have four-wheel drive trails?
Moab's four-wheel drive trails are world renowned for their combination of challenge and awesome scenery. Sand Flats Recreation Area offers three trails: Fins and Things Jeep Trail, Porcupine Rim Trail and Hells Revenge Jeep Trail all rated difficult. Stock vehicles are not recommended on Porcupine Jeep Trail and Hell's Revenge. A stock vehicle can be on the Fins and Things Trail if it has good articulation, high ground clearance, and adequate front and rear approach angles.
Please note that travel is limited to designated trails and that cross-country travel is not permitted. The Moab area offers literally thousands of miles of old roads. Stay on the trails and leave the scenery for others to enjoy. Tracking the landscape is one of the most lasting forms of damage. Enjoy our trails and please do not leave tracks.
Stay on the trail. Do not trample vegetation or cryptobiotic crust. Avoid driving in potholes. Respect all living things. The desert is an irreplaceable gift. Pack it in. Pack it out. Responsible recreation keeps this trail clean, scenic and OPEN.
17. What do I need to know to "play it safe" when recreating at SFRA?
The Moab area offers challenging riding amidst world-class scenery. The characteristics of the area that make it a special place for riding also make it extremely important to follow basic safety procedures. The Moab Bike Patrol has this to say:
Wear a helmet. Most trails are very rocky. Even the best riders can get tired and make mistakes. Helmets can prevent or reduce the severity of head injuries. Carry lots of water and high-energy food. At least a gallon of water is recommended per person per day. There is no water on the trails and summer temperatures often climb above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Running out of water will put your health at risk. Eating at intervals provides an opportunity to rest and the energy needed to complete the ride. Carry trail maps and know how to use them to track your position. Maps for Slickrock and Porcupine Rim trails are located at the trailheads and entrance station. Maps for 4WD roads are available at the entrance station. Detailed topographic maps are available in Moab at bike shops, bookstores and the Moab Information Center. Stay found, save money. Grand County has the highest incidence of search and rescue in Utah. The high cost of these operations is normally the responsibility of the rescued party. If you decide that you have lost the trail, do not continue on in hopes of finding your own way. Retrace your route back towards the trailhead until you pick up the trail, find someone who knows the area, or return to the trailhead. If you cannot retrace your route, stay put, conserve energy and water, make yourself visible and await rescue. It's always a good idea to let a friend or relative know beforehand where you are going and when you should return. If something goes wrong you have the comfort of knowing that they will get help. Check your bike frequently. Riding in Moab trails loosens headsets and puts maximum stress upon frames and components. Frequent inspections reduce the possibility of injury. Be prepared in case of emergency. Don't venture into remote areas with nothing but a t-shirt and shorts. Carry a windbreaker, sunscreen, sunglasses, maps, matches or lighter, pump, patch kit, first-aid kit, a good bike tool kit and extra food, water and clothing. Ride with someone else and stay together in case of problems. Discuss your situation calmly and make a plan to improve it.
18. What are some safety tips for traveling in the SFRA backcountry by motorized vehicle?
Let someone know your itinerary. First and foremost it's always a good idea to let a friend or relative know beforehand where you are going and when you should return. If something goes wrong you have the comfort of knowing that they will get help. Travel with another vehicle. You chances of getting stuck in the backcountry are reduced with two vehicles and if one breaks down you have a way out. Carry trail maps and know how to use them to track your position. Maps for Slickrock and Porcupine Rim trails are located at the trailheads and entrance station. Maps for 4WD roads are available at the entrance station. Detailed topographic maps and guidebooks are available in Moab at bike shops, bookstores and the Moab Information Center. If you decide that you have lost the trail, do not continue on in hopes of finding your own way. Retrace your route back towards the trailhead until you pick up the trail. Changing conditions. Directional signs may be removed or vandalized. New roads can spring up. Use your map or guidebook but exercise common sense when discrepancies occur. Inspect your vehicle. Before going in the backcountry make sure that your vehicle it is in top operating condition. Drive or ride Safe and Sober. It is illegal in Utah for any occupant of a vehicle to drink or even open an alcoholic beverage. Please remember to buckle up.
19. Can I bring my dog?
Yes, but please note that Grand County "Animal Care and Control" code does apply.
- All dogs shall be kept under restraint.
- No owner shall fail to exercise proper care and control of his or her animals to prevent them from becoming a public nuisance.
In the campground animals must be on a leash secured to a fixed object or under the control of a person or otherwise physically restricted at all times. In the backcountry a leash is recommended, not required, but dogs do need to be under verbal restraint and not chase or harass wildlife.
A good place to take your dog for a walk is to hike one of the four-wheel drive roads such as the Fins and Things 4x4 Trail. The Slickrock Bike Trail is not recommended for dogs. Most dogs are not used to running on sandstone, which acts like sandpaper on their paws. Owners should carry water for their pet. Never leave your dog in a parked car; temperatures rise to dangerously high levels quickly in the desert. If you are riding the bike trail leave your dog at one of the Moab kennels. Moab Veterinary Clinic: (435) 259-8710. Karen’s Canine Campground: 435.259.7922. For lost dogs or problem dogs call Animal Control at 435.259.8115.
20. Do you waive fees for volunteer groups?
As a self-sustaining program we cannot afford to waive fees. We will, however, waive up to half of the camping fees for at least one full day of volunteer service. This half price fee is at the decision of the manager.
We also have a scheduled volunteer service program that gives participants an annual pass for day-use valued at $20.00. Dates for these events are advertised in local papers and radio and usually held in the spring and fall.
The volunteer labor of local and visiting volunteer groups are important contributions to operations at SFRA.