Things to do nearSand Hollow Reservoir
Sand Hollow Reservoir is a vibrant desert lake in Washington County, Utah, celebrated for its vivid red rock backdrop, warm turquoise water, and year-round outdoor recreation.
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.
7-day forecast
Tips for visiting Sand Hollow Reservoir
Visit during late spring or early fall to enjoy comfortable water temperatures and fewer crowds than the peak summer months.
Try stand-up paddleboarding on the reservoir's calmer eastern coves, where the water stays shallow and the views of the sandstone walls are closest.
Bring water shoes, as the shoreline transitions between sandy patches and rough sandstone that can be hard on bare feet.
Explore the adjacent Sand Hollow Off-Highway Vehicle Area if you want to extend your day with a ride through the surrounding dunes and slickrock trails.
Arrive early on weekends to secure a shaded campsite or a prime launch spot at the boat ramp, both of which fill quickly during summer holidays.
Top tours & experiences near Sand Hollow Reservoir
Guided Jeep Off-Road Tour in Sand Hollow State Park
Private guided Jeep tour on Sand Hollow’s challenging off-road trails
2-Hour Guided UTV Tour Near Sand Hollow State Park
Ride a family-friendly UTV route near Sand Hollow State Park
2-Hour Sand Hollow State Park ATV & UTV Tour
Drive your own ATV or UTV on Sand Hollow trails with gear and GPS map included
Ride a Sea-Doo Spark Trixx Jet Ski in St. George
Rent a 3-seat Sea-Doo Spark Trixx for 5.5 or 8.5 hours
Drive a 3-Hour Guided UTV Tour in Hurricane
Drive your own guided UTV through Hurricane Sand Dunes, with helmets and snacks included
Private Night ATV Tour in Hurricane
Ride a private night ATV tour in Sand Hollow with stargazing stops
3-Hour Night ATV Tour in Hurricane With Stargazing
Ride Sand Hollow dunes at night with stargazing stops, private ATV tour
Sunset ATV Tour in Sand Hollow Near Hurricane
Ride Sand Hollow dunes on a private sunset ATV tour with a guide
2-Hour Private ATV Tour in Hurricane, Utah
Ride a private ATV tour to West Rim rock formations near Hurricane
3-Hour Private ATV Tour in Hurricane, Utah
Ride a private ATV tour through Sand Hollow’s West Rim highlights
Private 4-Hour ATV Tour in Hurricane, Utah
Ride a private ATV tour on Sand Hollow’s West Rim
3-Hour Private Sunset ATV Tour Near Hurricane
Ride Sand Hollow dunes at sunset on a guided private ATV tour
4-Hour Sunset ATV Private Tour in Sand Hollow
Ride Sand Hollow dunes and stop at sunset viewpoints on a private ATV tour
2-Hour Guided UTV Tour to the Flintstone House Near Hurricane
Ride a UTV through Southern Utah to the Flintstone House
Private 2-Hour ATV Tour in Hurricane, Utah
Ride a private ATV tour on Southern Utah’s West Rim
3-Hour Private ATV Tour in Hurricane, Utah
Ride a private ATV tour through Sand Hollow’s West Rim rock formations
4-Hour Private ATV Tour in Hurricane, Utah
Ride a private ATV tour across Sand Hollow’s West Rim rock formations
2-Hour Private ATV Tour in Sand Hollow
Ride the West Rim with a private guide and big Sand Hollow views
3-Hour Private ATV Tour in Sand Hollow
Ride a private ATV route on Sand Hollow’s West Rim
Ride a 4-Hour Private ATV Tour in Sand Hollow
Take on Sand Hollow’s West Rim on a private 4-hour ATV tour
Drive a 2-Hour West Rim UTV Tour Near Hurricane
Drive your own UTV on Southern Utah’s West Rim trails
Guided 2-Hour UTV Tour at Sand Hollow State Park
Ride a guided, family-friendly UTV route near Sand Hollow State Park
2-Hour Guided UTV Tour Near Zion National Park
Ride a guided UTV through Southern Utah trails near Zion views
Drive a 2-Hour Guided UTV Tour in Hurricane
Drive your own UTV on West Rim trails near Sand Hollow
Women-Only 2-Hour Guided UTV Tour Near Sand Hollow
Ride a women-only guided UTV through Southern Utah trails near Sand Hollow State Park
3-Hour Guided UTV Tour in Hurricane, Utah
Drive a UTV on West Rim trails with a guide near Sand Hollow
Bring Your Own Vehicle Guided 4x4 Tour at Sand Hollow
Bring your own off-road rig on a private guided tour at Sand Hollow State Park
Drive a Guided 4-Hour Sand Hollow UTV Tour
Drive your own UTV on a 4-hour guided Sand Hollow and Hurricane dunes tour