How Long Fins and Things Takes
Fins and Things is often planned as a half-day ride, but the clock can stretch when you’re new to slickrock, stopping for photos, or waiting for other machines to clear an obstacle. This guide explains a realistic time range, what affects it, and how to plan a Moab ride without turning a fun outing into a rushed one.
How long does Fins and Things take
A realistic time range
For many riders, Fins and Things takes about two to four hours on the trail. Confident drivers who know the route and keep moving may finish sooner; first-timers, larger groups, and riders who stop often should leave more room. That estimate is for riding time, not the full outing from the moment you leave your lodging or unload your machine.
The route is commonly described as roughly nine miles, but the exact mileage and time can vary with your chosen direction, connections, and where you start and finish. Check the current route information before heading out rather than treating a mileage estimate as a promise. Even a relatively short trail can take a while when the terrain calls for careful wheel placement and your group is moving at different speeds.
For planning, set aside at least half a day for the experience. That gives you breathing room to park, get ready, review the route, take breaks, and deal with the slower sections without watching the clock. If you are pairing Fins and Things with another trail, avoid assuming you’ll be back at the staging area at a precise time. A delay early in the ride can affect the entire plan.
Why riders finish at different times
The biggest difference is often experience with slickrock. A driver who is comfortable judging traction and choosing a line may move steadily across the sandstone. Someone seeing this kind of terrain for the first time may stop frequently to look at the route, talk through an obstacle, or let a passenger feel comfortable before continuing. That cautious pace is sensible, not a sign that you’re doing anything wrong.
Group size matters, too. A single machine can usually keep moving more easily than a group of several quads and side-by-sides. Each stop takes longer when everyone needs to regroup, check on passengers, or decide how to approach the next feature. If one rider needs extra time on a climb or descent, the others may need to wait in a safe place rather than bunching up on the obstacle.
The day itself can change your pace. Heat, wind, dust, traffic, mechanical concerns, and fatigue can all prompt more stops. If you’re riding with children or newer passengers, plan for water breaks and check-ins rather than trying to match the pace of a confident adult group. For a wider look at the way difficulty ratings can differ from what you experience on the ground, see [What Trail Difficulty Ratings Leave Out].
What to expect on the trail
Slickrock, sand, and careful line choice
Fins and Things mixes sandy stretches with sandstone features and rolling slickrock. The name can make the route sound like a simple scenic cruise, but parts of the trail ask you to pay attention to where your tires are going. The rock can provide good traction in many conditions, yet the shape of an obstacle and the angle of approach still matter. Riders should be prepared to slow down, assess a feature, and choose a line that suits their machine and skill level.
Don’t assume that every part of the route will feel equally challenging. Some stretches may feel relaxed, followed by a section where a steep slope, ledge, or uneven surface calls for a more deliberate approach. Passengers may experience those sections differently from drivers, especially if they are nervous about steep ground or the machine pitching as it climbs. Pause somewhere safe if someone needs a moment; there is no prize for rushing.
Fins and Things is often considered a useful introduction to Moab slickrock, but “beginner-friendly” does not mean effortless or suitable for every rider and vehicle. Read a route description and consider your own comfort before committing. If you’re choosing between popular Moab routes, [Moab Trails That Fit a Half Day] can help you compare options, while [Is Hell's Revenge Too Hard for a Stock UTV?] offers a useful contrast with another well-known slickrock ride.
Machine fit and rider confidence
Before setting out, make sure the machine is appropriate for the route and in good working order. Check tires, brakes, steering, fuel, and any safety equipment you rely on. A machine that is unfamiliar to the driver can add time: controls, turning radius, visibility, and how it responds on a slope may all feel different from what you’re used to at home.
Width deserves attention if you’re bringing a side-by-side. A wider machine can affect how comfortable you feel maneuvering around obstacles and through narrower sections. Don’t rely on a general statement that a trail is “UTV friendly” to answer whether your exact machine will feel manageable. Check route information and vehicle guidance before the trip, and compare it with the dimensions and capabilities of your own vehicle. [Picking a Moab Trail by Machine Width] is a helpful next read if vehicle fit is a concern.
Your comfort level is just as important as the machine. If you are worried about a particular feature, stop in a safe place and assess it before proceeding. Ask an experienced rider in your group to help you evaluate the line, but don’t feel pressured to attempt something you’re not comfortable with. A shorter, steadier ride is a better day than pushing beyond your ability because you planned too tightly.
Plan enough time for the whole outing
Build a schedule with room to spare
The ride itself is only part of the day. You may need time to drive to the Sand Flats area, find parking, unload, get passengers settled, and check your route. After the ride, allow for packing up and getting back to town. If you’re towing a trailer, parking and loading can take longer than expected, particularly when the area is busy.
A practical plan is to treat Fins and Things as the main activity for a half-day, rather than squeezing it between several time-sensitive plans. For example, an early start can leave room for a steady ride, a snack or water break, and a relaxed return. If you begin late, the same route may feel hurried, especially if you have dinner reservations or another activity booked afterward.
| Planning factor | How it can affect your time | A practical approach |
|---|---|---|
| First ride on slickrock | More pauses to assess features and build confidence | Leave a wide time buffer |
| Larger group | Regrouping and waiting can slow progress | Agree on safe stopping points |
| Photo and rest stops | Adds time beyond the moving ride | Decide whether sightseeing is part of the plan |
| Heat or fatigue | May require longer or more frequent breaks | Carry water and avoid an overly tight schedule |
| Trailer and unloading | Adds time before and after riding | Include parking and loading in your day plan |
| Route uncertainty | Wrong turns or checking directions can interrupt progress | Review the route and save navigation information ahead of time |
If you want to ride another route on the same day, compare the total time—not just the trail mileage. Add the time required to move between trailheads, refuel if needed, take breaks, and get everyone ready again. The [Sand Flats Recreation Area Fees and Camping] guide can help with planning the staging-area side of the visit, while [Utah Trailhead Parking That Fits a Trailer] is useful if you’re arriving with a tow vehicle and trailer.
Pack and prepare for pauses
Bring enough water for the time you expect to be out, and keep it easy to reach. A drink packed under gear or buried behind a passenger may not be convenient when you stop. Also consider sun protection, suitable clothing, and a basic set of items for minor needs such as a small repair or a dusty face. The right packing list depends on the weather, group, and machine, but it’s wise to plan for more time outdoors than the drive itself suggests.
Navigation preparation can reduce avoidable delays. Review the route before leaving, make sure everyone understands the plan, and have a way to orient yourself if cell coverage is limited. Some riders use a dedicated GPS device or an app such as onX Offroad to review routes and save map information for offline use. A digital map is a planning aid, not permission to travel on a closed route; follow posted signs and local restrictions. For offline preparation ideas, see [Downloading Utah Trail Maps for Offline Use].
A simple group agreement also helps. Decide who leads, who follows, and where the group will stop if machines become separated. Make sure passengers know that stopping to regroup is normal. If someone is uncomfortable, the group can take a break rather than leaving them to catch up alone. [What to Carry on a Utah Day Ride] covers additional preparation for a day out on Utah trails.
Choose the right day and riding plan
Check conditions and route information
Trail conditions and access can change, so check current local information before you leave. Look for closures, construction, weather concerns, and any posted limits that could affect your route. A route shown on an old screenshot or saved map may not reflect a temporary restriction. Apps such as onX Offroad can be useful for reviewing your planned route in advance, but use current signs and official local information to confirm where riding is allowed.
Weather can change both comfort and pace. Hot conditions may mean earlier starts and more frequent water breaks. Rain or changing surface conditions can also affect how a section feels and how carefully you need to ride. If the forecast looks uncomfortable or conditions are uncertain, be willing to adjust your plan rather than treating your original schedule as fixed.
If it’s your first Moab ride, choose a plan that leaves room to learn. You might decide to ride Fins and Things alone for the outing instead of combining it with another demanding route. If you want to compare alternatives by skill level, machine, or time available, [Best Moab Trail for a Rented Side-by-Side] can help you think through the trade-offs. A rental shop or knowledgeable local outfitter may also be able to explain which routes suit your group and machine.
Know when to turn back or slow down
A planned finish time is not a reason to keep going if the group is tired, a machine is acting oddly, or someone is no longer comfortable. Stop in a safe location and reassess. You may need to take a longer break, change the route if a safe and permitted option is available, or head back the way you came if that is appropriate. The best choice depends on the specific location and conditions, so don’t assume every junction provides an easy shortcut.
Watch for signs that your original pace is unrealistic: repeated delays, passengers becoming anxious, drivers making rushed decisions, or water and energy running low. Those are good reasons to reset expectations. If someone is struggling, slow down as a group and communicate clearly. On a trail, the goal is not to match an estimated online time; it’s to make thoughtful decisions and return safely.
For many riders, Fins and Things is a memorable half-day outing because it combines striking Moab scenery with hands-on driving. Give yourself enough time to enjoy it, check route and access information before you go, and choose a pace that suits the least-experienced person in your group. That approach makes the ride more comfortable—and makes the estimated two-to-four-hour trail window much more useful as a planning guide.
Disclaimer
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Laws, prices and regulations vary by location and change over time. Consult a qualified professional for guidance on your specific situation.
