MOAB’S HIDDEN TRAILS: OFF-ROAD ROUTES YOU WON’T FIND IN THE GUIDEBOOKS

Moab, Utah is best known for its world-famous off-roading routes like Hell’s Revenge and Fins and Things—trails that have earned their reputations with steep ascents, rugged slickrock, and stunning panoramic views. While these popular destinations draw thousands of visitors each year, there’s another side of Moab that most travelers never see: the hidden trails, secret viewpoints, and lesser-known routes that locals and seasoned guides quietly treasure.

For those who crave the thrill of exploration without the crowds—or simply want to experience something unique—guided off-road tours are the key to unlocking Moab’s hidden gems. With expert knowledge and a sense of adventure, tour guides can lead guests to places that rarely appear in guidebooks but offer just as much, if not more, scenic beauty and off-road challenge.

The Value of Going Off the Beaten Path

While well-known trails provide iconic experiences, they’re often packed with traffic, especially during peak seasons. Lesser-known routes offer a more serene and personal adventure, free from long lines of UTVs or the pressure of keeping up with other drivers. These hidden trails let visitors experience the raw, untouched beauty of the desert, and they often showcase features missed by mainstream tourism—towering arches, hidden canyons, fossil beds, ancient rock art, and even unexpected wildlife encounters.

For the average visitor, navigating these trails alone isn’t easy. Many are unmarked, rarely maintained, or intentionally left out of tourist maps. That’s where guided tours make all the difference. Local guides know not only where these trails are, but when to visit them, how to drive them safely, and the stories that bring them to life.

Hidden Trails Worth Exploring

Outlaw Adventure Tours offers curated access to a variety of routes that balance thrill, scenery, and solitude. While the exact list of trails may vary based on conditions and conservation efforts, here are a few of the types of experiences guests may enjoy on guided tours through Moab’s lesser-traveled terrain.

Strike Ravine

Tucked away in the Behind the Rocks area southwest of Moab, Strike Ravine is a challenging trail that winds through old mining territory. It’s a favorite among local off-roaders and offers a mix of slickrock climbs, loose rock descents, and sweeping canyon views. The trail is known for its raw, rugged appeal—and is rarely crowded, making it a perfect escape from busier routes. Guides can point out remnants of historic mining operations and provide important navigation through tight sections.

Secret Spire

As the name suggests, Secret Spire is a geological marvel hidden in plain sight. Located northwest of Moab, the trail to this natural rock formation is relatively moderate, making it accessible to a wider range of adventurers. Along the way, travelers can take in expansive views of the Green River, cross through remote slickrock valleys, and admire the serenity of the open desert. Guides often combine this with nearby viewpoints or side spurs for a more immersive experience.

Hidden Canyon Rim

While Canyonlands National Park offers dramatic vistas of deep canyons and towering mesas, the Hidden Canyon Rim trail outside of the park boundaries offers similarly striking views—without the crowds. Accessible via dirt roads and rugged terrain, this lesser-known trail showcases layered rock formations, remote overlooks, and the kind of vast, empty beauty that defines the Moab region. Guided tours are especially valuable here, as the access roads can be confusing and trail conditions often shift with the weather.

Day Canyon Overlook

A scenic, quieter alternative to more heavily trafficked canyon overlooks, Day Canyon Overlook requires navigating steep, rocky terrain. Once there, visitors are rewarded with commanding views over the Colorado River and dramatic red rock formations that seem to stretch endlessly into the horizon. Because this route isn’t listed in most Moab trail guides, it’s easy to miss—and easy to get lost on. A knowledgeable guide ensures a safe, rewarding experience with time for exploration and photos.

Why Guided Tours Make All the Difference

Choosing a guided off-road tour isn’t just about convenience—it’s about unlocking the real Moab. Here’s why guided tours are essential for exploring hidden trails:

1. Access to Local Knowledge

Outlaw Adventure Tours guides live and breathe the Moab landscape. Their deep knowledge of the area means they can lead guests to routes that are safe, accessible, and incredibly scenic—without relying on tourist maps or guesswork. They also monitor trail conditions in real-time and can adjust routes accordingly.

2. Navigation and Safety

Hidden trails can be difficult to find and even harder to drive safely. With steep drop-offs, unmarked forks, and rough terrain, solo exploration often leads to breakdowns or backtracking. Guided tours eliminate those concerns. Vehicles are equipped, routes are pre-scouted, and guides are trained in emergency procedures and desert driving techniques.

3. Insight and Interpretation

Beyond the thrill of the drive, guides offer stories that deepen the experience—geology, history, wildlife, and even ancient petroglyph sites that most would drive past without noticing. It’s the difference between “seeing the desert” and understanding it.

4. Permits and Preservation

Some lesser-known trails are on protected or managed lands that require permits or respect for seasonal closures. Outlaw Adventure Tours handles all the logistics and ensures that every adventure is conducted responsibly and sustainably.

What to Bring for Hidden Trail Adventures

Preparing for a guided off-road tour through Moab’s hidden terrain requires a few essentials:

• Sun Protection: Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat are critical—even in shaded canyons.

• Layered Clothing: Weather can change quickly. Breathable clothing for warm days and a light jacket for early mornings or fall afternoons are recommended.

• Camera or Smartphone: These hidden trails often reveal once-in-a-lifetime views. A camera or phone with extra battery life is a must.

• Water Bottle: Outlaw provides water, but having your own refillable bottle is convenient.

• Closed-Toe Shoes: Ideal for walking around overlook points or exploring short hikes along the trail.

Embrace the Unexpected

Moab’s hidden trails are more than just lesser-traveled paths—they represent the adventurous spirit of the region. With the right guide, guests can experience the thrill of off-roading without the stress of planning, navigating, or risking a wrong turn in the desert. Whether it’s a remote canyon rim, a forgotten mining route, or a sandstone spire standing silently against the sky, these off-the-map destinations capture the magic of the American Southwest in its purest form.

Book Your Adventure with Outlaw

Outlaw Adventure Tours offers curated Jeep and UTV tours that blend adrenaline, scenery, and expert guidance. For travelers ready to go beyond the guidebooks and into Moab’s wildest corners, booking a guided tour is the best way to experience the region like a local.