Things to do nearSand Hollow Reservoir

Sand Hollow Reservoir was completed in 2003 when the Washington County Water Conservancy District dammed Quail Creek's tributary to create a reliable water supply for the fast-growing St. George area. What began as a utilitarian project quickly revealed itself as something far more scenic. The reservoir flooded a natural basin surrounded by the same Navajo sandstone formations that define Zion National Park just to the northeast, giving the lake a geological character that sets it apart from most man-made bodies of water in the American West.

On the water, visitors find a full range of activity. Motorboats and personal watercraft are welcome across most of the reservoir, and a paved boat ramp makes launching straightforward. Anglers cast for largemouth bass, bluegill, and channel catfish from both the shore and from boats. Swimmers gravitate toward the designated beach area, where the gently sloping bottom and relatively warm water make it approachable for families. The surrounding state park also maintains trails that wind along the reservoir's rim, offering elevated views across the water and into the red rock terrain beyond.

The town of Hurricane and the broader St. George metro area provide ample dining options after a day on the water, from casual taco spots to sit-down restaurants serving regional American fare. The area's proximity to Zion, Snow Canyon State Park, and the Coral Pink Sand Dunes means Sand Hollow Reservoir fits naturally into a longer southern Utah itinerary.

Sand Hollow Reservoir earns its place as a regional destination not through any single dramatic feature but through the rare combination of accessible recreation and genuinely striking desert scenery that surrounds it on every side.