Such was the case when my friend, Terry Maxfield of Morgan, asked me to take them to see the Flintstone House in Hurricane Sands, Washington County, earlier this fall. I had a track that would take us in the general direction I wanted to go. I planned to follow it and wander around in the sand, hoping to find the Flintstone House. This, then, was the perfect recipe for a successful ride, meaning that we would probably get lost.

We turned south on S. 700 W. in Hurricane, past the airport community, and found a good place to unload. We followed the track around the east side of Sand Mountain. While some of this trail was sand, it also included some slick rock.

Those of you who are members of the ATV community know that all slick rock is not level and flat. The Hell’s Revenge Trail in Moab is a classic example of not-level slickrock. We came to such a place where the trail featured a steep climb, which was a medium challenge.

Here is where the ride came to a stop. My wife wanted to get out and walk. Despite my sweet and soothing words that this was no big deal and that our RZR was built for this very purpose, she was not convinced.

I went to plan B. Terry and my other friend, Rich, went first. It was not until they both negotiated that climb that my wife realized it could be done safely. Then she allowed me to follow suit, but that did not mean she had to enjoy it.

My experience on Sand Mountain trails in the past has been relatively tame. On this day, I saw a different side of this area. It is clear to me now why the SXS Adventure Rally on the Rocks, a more extreme rock-crawling jamboree, is held here.

We were on the south end of Sand Mountain, and I still had no idea where we were in relation to the Flintstone House. I couldn’t tell my friends that, so I discreetly searched on my cell phone. I found out that we were close and arrived soon after.

The Flintstone House is a rock structure that resembles a dwelling from the old Flintstone cartoon series. It is a large rock structure with a roof and large windows. It has an entrance and room for four adults. It is so unusual that I had to verify that it is actually a natural structure, as it has a small metal plaque with the words “Flintstone House” high on the northwest side. Anyway, it is popular to have your picture taken looking out from this remarkable edifice.

While stopped here, I noticed a steep climbing trail marked with black tire marks on the rock. I watched as a driver tried to make this extreme climb. He made it after several attempts. I conveniently disqualified myself as not that crazy.

After leaving the Flintstone House, we headed north into the dunes for which Sand Mountain is famous. I haven’t ridden sand for a long time and was rusty on technique. I was trying to climb a dune in low gear, and I could feel myself losing momentum. I could also feel my wife tensing up, a sure sign she wasn’t having fun. So, I turned my RZR downhill and saved the day, whew!

In climbing steep mountain trails, using low range and four-wheel drive is critical for an enjoyable ride. Riding in the sand, momentum is the secret. Using high range and putting the pedal to the metal will give you the momentum you need to play in the sand. That is why machines with turbocharged engines are so popular.

We enjoyed our day in the sand and slick rock and had our pictures taken in the Flintstone House. It was time to find a place for dinner. We headed back to the trucks, finishing a ride of 32 miles. When you go, take plenty of water, keep the rubber side down, and the Flintstone House is worth seeing.

Lynn R. Blamires can be reached at quadmanone@gmail.com.