Sand Hollow State Park

Warm reservoir set in red sandstone slickrock, popular for swimming, boating, and off-road riding.

Sand Hollow is a warm-water reservoir tucked into red sandstone slickrock just south of Hurricane, and on a hot afternoon it looks almost improbably inviting — turquoise water against rust-coloured rock. The reservoir is good for swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, and motorised boating; the surrounding slickrock is extensively used by off-road vehicles and mountain bikes, with trails ranging from beginner-friendly to technically demanding.

The park has picnic areas, a campground, and a boat ramp. Water temperatures are warmer here than at most Utah reservoirs because of the shallow basin and desert sun, which makes it usable for swimming from late spring through early autumn. It is one of the most accessible and genuinely enjoyable outdoor spots near Hurricane — worth an afternoon even if you are in town mainly for Zion.

things to do outdoors