Sand Hollow State Park in Utah is quickly becoming one of the most popular due to its beautiful sand dunes and the largest reservoir in the county. Visitors to St. George and Southern Utah must include this destination on their itinerary! Keep reading for the ultimate guide to visiting Sand Hollow State Park.
Location & History
Located just 15 miles east of St. George, Utah, Sand Hollow State Park is easily accessible via I-15. With over 20,000 acres of sprawling landscape, the perfectly sculpted red sand dunes contrast beautifully with the clear blue water of the reservoir, which is nearly double the size of the nearby Quail Creek Reservoir. Sand Hollow Reservoir catches runoff from the Virgin River and is vitally important for Washington County’s water supply. This state park was opened to the public in 2003.
What to Do
There’s some form of recreation available for every type of outdoor enthusiast, from boating and biking to off-road driving and so much more. Mad Moose Rentals offers a large selection of ATV and UTV rentals, as well as boat and jetski rentals. You can even rent a Polaris Slingshot for a unique way to experience a tour through Sand Hollow State Park, and we offer our guests 10% off Mad Moose Rentals with promo code RedRock10. You can spend time fishing for bass or catfish, kayak or paddleboard, swim in the warm waters of the reservoir, or go off-road driving through the many OHV trails. There are trails for every level of experience, from the easy Sand Hollow Reservoir OHV Trail to the moderate Milt’s Mile Extended Loop and hard The Maze OHV Trail. You’ll see lots of incredible scenery and wildlife, including lizards and roadrunners!
A unique experience available during the summer months is diving and snorkeling in the reservoir! Experienced instructors from the Dixie Divers will help you get certified so that you can explore the hidden depths – there really is an old bus and a plane beneath the waters of Sand Hollow. You’ve got to see it for yourself!
More Things to Know
You’ll want to stop at the Visitor’s Center for souvenirs, maps, and other helpful information before heading out to explore. It’s always a good idea to bring plenty of snacks and drinks to enjoy a picnic during your day in the park, but The Beach at Sand Hollow serves a full menu of sandwiches, wraps, burgers, ice cream, and some breakfast menu items! A few more things to note:
- Pets are allowed in the park but must be kept on a leash (6ft. maximum).
- The year-round park hours for the summer (March-September) are 6 AM to 10 PM and for winter (October-March) are 7 AM to 9 PM.
- A daily entry fee is required and can be paid in person or online. An Annual Utah State Park Pass is also accepted.
Where to Stay
With this guide of things to do at Sand Hollow State Park, you’re ready to start planning your next adventure in Southern Utah! At Red Rock Vacation Rentals, we provide comfort and luxury in our communities and resorts. Browse our St. George vacation rentals to find the perfect one for your family. We hope you’ll visit soon!
