Sand Hollow State Park in Hurricane, Utah offers a striking desert reservoir, vivid sandstone dunes, and year-round outdoor adventure in the heart of Washington County.
Sand Hollow State Park sits in the warm high desert of Washington County, Utah, a region shaped over millennia by wind, water, and the slow erosion of Navajo sandstone into the sweeping red and orange formations that define the landscape today. The park centers on Sand Hollow Reservoir, completed in the early 2000s as a water storage and recreation project, which quickly became one of southern Utah's most popular outdoor destinations. The reservoir stretches across more than 1,300 acres when full, offering boating, waterskiing, fishing, and swimming against a backdrop that feels almost improbably scenic.
Anglers pursue largemouth bass and bluegill in the reservoir's warmer coves, while boaters spread out across the open water on busy summer weekends. Adjacent to the water, the Sand Mountain Recreation Area draws off-highway vehicle enthusiasts to its rolling dunes and open sand flats, a separate but connected experience that gives the park a dual character unusual among Utah state parks.
Hikers and photographers find rewarding terrain along the park's trails, where the reddish Navajo sandstone rises in smooth, rounded formations that glow deepest at sunrise and late afternoon. The town of Hurricane sits just minutes away, with basic services and proximity to Zion National Park making Sand Hollow a natural base for a broader southern Utah itinerary. The park's combination of water recreation, desert scenery, and accessible adventure makes it a genuinely distinctive stop in a region already rich with natural landmarks.
Visit during late spring or early fall to enjoy comfortable temperatures and thinner crowds at the reservoir and OHV areas.
Try launching a kayak or stand-up paddleboard from the main boat ramp for an unhurried view of the surrounding sandstone formations from the water.
Bring water shoes, as the sandy shoreline transitions quickly to submerged rocks that can be slippery near the swim areas.
Ride the Sand Mountain OHV area in the morning hours when the sand is cooler and firmer, making for better traction on the dunes.
Camp at the park's campground to catch the desert night sky, which is remarkably clear this far from major city light pollution.
Drive a UTV through desert trails and stargaze near Sand Hollow
Private guided Jeep tour on Sand Hollow’s challenging off-road trails
Ride to Southern Utah sand dunes and red rock views on a beginner-friendly guided tour
Discover submerged wrecks on a guided dive tailored to your group
Drive your own guided UTV through Hurricane Sand Dunes, with helmets and snacks included
Paddle Quail Creek with a certified guide and explore desert lake cliffs and coves
Head straight onto the trails with no trailer needed
Bring your own off-road rig on a private guided tour at Sand Hollow State Park
Explore Sand Hollow’s dunes and red rocks on a family-friendly guided UTV ride
Choose an ATV or UTV ride to red rock overlooks and sand dunes near Sand Hollow
Drive your own Can-Am X3 on a guided 2-hour Hurricane Sand Dunes tour
Rent a kayak, stand-up paddleboard, or fat bike right on the lake
Navigate Sand Hollow's red rock trails and rolling dunes by ATV
Build practical off-road skills with personalized instruction on Sand Hollow terrain
Ride desert trails, red sand dunes and canyon routes as the sun sets
Rent an inflatable stand up paddle board for 5.5 or 8.5 hours
Drive your own UTV on a 4-hour guided Sand Hollow and Hurricane dunes tour
Self-guide a UTV across Sand Hollow's red rocks, dunes, and trails
Explore red rock formations and sand dunes by ATV or UTV near Sand Hollow
Tour-guide driven Can-Am X3 UTV ride on Hurricane Sand Dunes
Drive an open-air Slingshot through Southern Utah’s scenic roads
Ride red sand dunes and desert trails with a guide near Sand Hollow State Park
Ride with a guide on a 2-hour Hurricane Sand Dunes UTV tour for up to 3 riders
Ride red rocks and dunes straight from the Sand Hollow trailhead