Information
Landmark: Sand Hollow State ParkCity: St George
Country: USA Utah
Continent: North America
Sand Hollow State Park, St George, USA Utah, North America
Overview
About 15 miles east of St. George, Utah, Sand Hollow State Park stretches across vivid red sandstone, sweeping sand dunes, and a reservoir so clear you can see pebbles glittering beneath the surface.Spread across more than 20,000 acres, the park offers shimmering lakes for kayaking, dusty OHV trails, and quiet spots to pitch a tent, drawing both thrill‑seekers and families year after year.In southern Utah’s red-rock country, it stands out for blending dry desert cliffs with pockets of shimmering water.In a high desert valley tucked between the Red Hills and the Pine Valley Mountains, the park stretches out around a reservoir whose turquoise surface flashes against the deep crimson of the rock.Near the reservoir, the sand dunes glint in the sunlight and drift with each gust, the fine grains whispering across their slopes so the whole place never seems still.Warm desert air drifts over the dunes as the wind stirs, carrying a gentle rustle like dry grains sliding past each other.The moment visitors arrive, they spot the crystal-clear water-ideal for swimming, kayaking, or paddleboarding-and watch sunlight ripple across the reservoir, setting the cliffs aglow in sharp reds, warm oranges, and deep purples.As the sun dips low, the cliffs catch fire with golden light, and the water reflects the wide, pink-tinged sky, opening onto a stunning stretch of desert.Sand Hollow Reservoir is the heart of the park, where you can boat across its deep blue water, cast a line for bass, skim the surface on a jet ski, cool off with a swim, or glide along on a paddleboard.The reservoir teems with bass, bluegill, crappie, and catfish, so whether you’re a beginner or a pro, you can cast a line and feel that satisfying tug.On the park’s east side, miles of soft, wind‑rippled dunes roll toward the horizon, with marked OHV trails ready for dirt bikes, ATVs, and dune buggies.Steep dunes rise against the horizon here, their ridges catching the late-afternoon light, promising both a tough climb and a jolt of adventure for off-road fans.Camping: You can spend the night at a range of campgrounds, from bare-bones sites to developed ones, and wake to the rust-red glow of the desert at sunrise.You’ll find picnic tables, fire pits, and vault toilets at the sites, and some sit right beside the reservoir, where the water laps softly against the shore.Hiking and nature walks might not be the park’s main draw-it’s better known for its water and OHV activities-but you’ll find trails that wind up over warm sandstone ridges, where the view stretches wide across the reservoir and the sun-baked desert beyond.Despite the dry heat, Sand Hollow bursts with life, from desert shrubs, sagebrush, yucca, and spiny cacti scattered across the sand to tamarisk and willow trees shading the water’s edge.In spring, seasonal wildflowers burst into view, scattering bright reds and yellows across the fields.Fauna: Lizards dart across sun-warmed rocks, while rabbits and ground squirrels make their homes in the park.Hawks wheel overhead, ravens croak from the pines, and waterfowl drift lazily across the reservoir.Now and then, you might spot a coyote or a mule deer moving quietly through the dunes, their shapes sharp in the cool light of dawn or dusk.At Sand Hollow, the visitor experience mixes recreation, scenery, and adventure-start your morning gliding a kayak or paddleboard across glassy water, then kick up spray in the afternoon with jet skiing or a fast run in a boat.Off-road adventures come alive on dune trails, where OHV riders feel the rush of sand under their tires and pause at lookout points to take in the wide, golden sweep of the desert.Bring a blanket and settle under the trees by the reservoir-perfect for family picnics and catching the glow of the sunset on the water.Photography: Turquoise water against red dunes and rugged desert cliffs offers striking shots all year, with sunrise light catching the ridges and sunset shadows deepening the colors.You’ll find the site about 15 miles east of St. George, reached by driving along Sand Hollow Road and then Highway 9, where red dust kicks up under your tires.You’ll find visitor info, campgrounds, clean restrooms, shady picnic spots, boat ramps, and an OHV staging area with the faint smell of dust and fuel in the air.Some spots near the reservoir and the main campgrounds are easy to reach by wheelchair, including a path that runs right up to the water’s edge.You’ll need to pay the usual Utah State Park entrance and camping fees-think of the posted rates you see at the gate.Spring and fall are perfect for diving into water sports or roaming the desert, when the air stays mild and bright bursts of wildflowers color the sand.In summer, the desert blazes by midday, so it’s best to head out at dawn or wait until the sun dips low; cool water offers a refreshing break from the heat.Winter brings mild weather, perfect for camping or hitting a trail dusted with frost, though the chilly water keeps most activities on shore.Sand Hollow State Park blends desert thrills with water fun, where bright red sandstone rises beside clear, blue waves glinting in the sun.Visitors can race over sand dunes, paddle the calm reservoir, or watch the sunset turn the cliffs gold-each moment revealing a vibrant, ever-changing desert playground.This spot blends the raw cliffs and sweeping red canyons of southern Utah, drawing in adventurers, quiet hikers, and families sharing picnic blankets.
