This one could matter a lot to anybody who loves Hell's Revenge. The Moab Sun News reports more than a dozen residents urged the Grand County Commission to reject a proposed rezone of 235 acres above the Slickrock trail. Apart from the applicant, no one spoke in favor, and no vote was taken at the hearing.

The proposal

  • The request would change the land from Range and Grazing to Resort Commercial, which allows up to five residential units per acre
  • Opponents and some planning commissioners pointed to Resort Special zoning instead, which allows far fewer units while still permitting outdoor recreation
  • The county planning commission had voted 5 to 2 on March 23 to recommend approval

Why Sand Flats is worried

The Sand Flats Stewardship Committee formally recommended denial. Sand Flats Director Andrea Brand told commissioners the area draws more than 250,000 visitors a year and supports 99 businesses operating under BLM permits. The paper reports the committee warned that Resort Commercial zoning would trigger a requirement to pave Hell's Revenge to commercial road standards.

Speakers also raised water supply concerns about springs below the site.

Our take

Hell's Revenge is one of the most famous Jeep trails in the world, and the slickrock is the whole point. We will keep watching how this one plays out. Local hearings and comment periods are where these decisions get made, so it pays to stay informed.