Sand Hollow State Park

Sand Hollow State Park transforms southern Utah's red rock desert into an unexpected aquatic playground. The park's centerpiece is a stunning reservoir with impossibly blue water contrasting against soft red sand beaches and slickrock formations. Known for having some of the warmest and clearest water in the state, Sand Hollow draws families, boaters, and water sports enthusiasts who find the combination of desert scenery and beach recreation irresistible.

The reservoir offers excellent conditions for everything from leisurely swimming to wakeboarding and cliff jumping. The water remains relatively shallow near the beaches, making it ideal for families with children, while deeper areas accommodate boats and more adventurous swimmers. Beyond the water, Sand Hollow is equally famous for its massive sand dunes at Sand Mountain, where off-highway vehicles carve paths through pristine red sand. The park provides one of Utah's premier OHV experiences, with trails suitable for ATVs, dirt bikes, and rock crawlers.

Located in Hurricane, about 30 minutes from Zion National Park, Sand Hollow serves as both a destination and a refreshing detour for southern Utah travelers. The park can get extremely crowded on summer weekends, with the red sand becoming scorching hot by midday. Early arrival is essential for securing a good spot and avoiding the heat. Day use fees run around $20-30 depending on residency status.

The park's unique blend of water recreation and desert landscape creates an experience unlike anywhere else in the region. Where else can visitors spend the morning exploring slot canyons in Zion, then cool off in the afternoon jumping off red rock cliffs into pristine reservoir waters? Sand Hollow proves that southern Utah's adventures extend well beyond hiking trails.