Ride Spot: Sand Hollow, Utah

Sand Hollow State Park, located near St. George, Utah, is a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a diverse array of recreational activities set against the stunning backdrop of southern Utah’s red rock landscapes. Known for its massive sand dunes, crystal-clear reservoir, and rugged off-road trails, the park attracts off-roaders, campers, boaters, anglers, and hikers alike.

The park’s signature feature, the Sand Mountain OHV area, provides endless opportunities for adrenaline-filled adventures on UTVs, 4×4’s, rock buggies, ATVs and dirt bikes, while the reservoir is perfect for fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding, and swimming. With its warm climate, breathtaking scenery, and variety of activities, Sand Hollow State Park is a year-round playground for nature lovers and thrill-seekers.

Sand Mountain OHV Area

The Sand Mountain OHV Area, located near Hurricane, Utah, and adjacent to Sand Hollow State Park, is a premier destination for off-road enthusiasts, offering over 15,000 acres of breathtaking desert terrain and challenging sand dunes. Situated adjacent to Sand Hollow State Park, this off-road haven is renowned for its vast, open spaces, steep dunes, and technical rock crawling trails, providing thrills for riders of all skill levels.

The area is ideal for ATVs, UTVs, dirt bikes, and other off-highway vehicles, with trails that weave through stunning red sandstone formations and wide sandy expanses. Popular trails & features include The Maze, West Rim, The Fallen, Double Sammy, Flintstone House, Top of the World and Bobsled Traill. Sand Mountain’s year-round accessibility, combined with its proximity to scenic vistas and amenities in Sand Hollow State Park, makes it a must-visit destination for adrenaline-fueled off-road adventures.

Sand Hollow Trail Videos

Tour of Sand Hollow

This is a great loop around Sand Hollow to see some top destinations on a 3 rated trail. West Rim, Toll Booth, West Rim Lite, Hobbit House, Top of the World and Flintstone House are some of the destinations.

The Maze

The Maze is a 1-mile point-to-point trail rated 8 of 10 located within the Sand Mountain OHV area. The Maze is one of the mountain’s must-do trails for those who enjoy a more technical and hard-core challenge. This trail is not for those that are bothered by steep ascents and descents! There are many optional obstacles along the trail that you can do as well.

Double Sammy

Double Sammy in Sand Mountain OHV Area and adjacent to Sand Hollow State Park is a challenging, rated 7/10, rock crawling trail designed for capable 4x4s and SxS. It features steep slickrock climbs, off-camber sections, and the famous, optional 70-foot vertical “The Chute” obstacle. It offers scenic views of the reservoir and is known for being intense from the start.

West Rim

West Rim is the perfect trail for a new or less experienced group to gauge skill and comfort levels before hitting Sand Hollow’s more challenging trails. This is also a great trail for mildly built rigs or stock SxS. Optional obstacles and routes are available throughout the West Rim for those looking for harder lines. This trail features multiple named obstacles and amazing views over Saint George and Warner Valley below.

The Ledges

The Ledges takes you far out past the sand dunes of on the south end of Sand Mountain OHV Area. The ledges is rated 7 and really isn’t that difficult. Some great views off the cliffs and if you don’t like drop offs, maybe consider another trail. Driver’s side is on the edge quite a bit in the early parts of the trail.

Dead Broke

Dead Broke is a 1.2-mile point-to-point trail rated 7 of 10 in the Sand Mountain Open Road OHV Area near Sand Hollow State Park. The unmarked trail starts on the connector trail just east of the Chain Reaction wash. The first half-mile of the trail consists of off-camber slick rock and moderate waterfalls before dropping into and crossing the Chain Reaction wash. Climbing out of the ash is a 300-yard steep slickrock climb that leads to a hard left turn up a wall on the passenger side to get out of the wash. There are a series of additional steep climbs, “V-notch” obstacles and off-camber turns as the trail crosses Triple 7s, Double Sammy, and Joint Effort before exiting onto the sand. As the trail exits, the sand stays to the left of the rock formations directly below and swings out to the plateau on the passenger side. The last obstacle is Baby Lionsback, a fun trapezoid obstacle that offers a blind climb up one side, cross the top, and a blind drop down the other side. The exit to Dead Broke is right near the beginning of Double Sammy.

Higher Anxiety

Higher Anxiety is a newer “rated 9” trail on Sand Mountain in Sand Hollow, Utah, known for tight, steep, and off-camber obstacles. It offers a highly technical experience with grippy slickrock, featuring steep drops and narrow sections. The trail is located in the North East portion of the Sand Mountain OHV Area near Dekleined Trail.

Landslide

Landslide trail is fairly new and isn’t a popular trail at Sand Hollow. It starts and ends near the Flintstone House. It has beautiful vista overlooks on the back side of Sand Hollow Mountain. Also, a fun and challenging trail that brings lots of big obstacles typical of slickrock. Most of the more difficult obstacles have bypasses so you can tailor the trail to your equipment and experience levels. In this video, we followed the traditional route and hit all the hard obstacles.

Triple 7

Triple 7 is a 1.5-mile point-to-point trail with end-to-end obstacles. This trails starts near Joint Effort and also crosses Double Sammy. It is rated 7/10.

Risky Biz

This trail is in between Rusty Nail and the parking lot at the water tanks at Sand Mountain OHV Area. It is a combination of sandy washes, slick rock obstacles and a couple of technical challenges.  This trail is rated 8, but there are bypasses for most tough obstacles. Be prepared for some vehicle damage if on a tough obstacle and you don’t pay attention to your spotter.

Sliplock Gultch / John’s Trail

Sliplock Gulch is one of the original Sand Hollow Trail and is a mix of sand washes and multi-stepped rock climbs. There are many 7- and 8-rated optional obstacles on this trail including Horseshoe Falls.

John’s Trial intersects with the Sliplock Gulch Trail and can be done by itself or you can do the first half of Sliplock and then hit John’s if wanted. This trail has a few steep and stepped climbs and a few off camber sections to keep things interesting. There are also a few bypasses if needed depending on experience and comfort level.

Sanitarium / Unforgiven

Sanitarium is a 2.3-mile point-to-point trail rated 9 of 10 located on the southernmost cliffs of Sand Mountain (Sand Hollow). This is a new trail for the 2024/2025 season.

Rope-A-Dope

Rock Crawling Vehicle Reviews

Polaris RZR XP S 4 Ultimate

Can-Am Maverick R X RC

Speed UTV El Diablo Rock Crawling Edition

Can-Am Maverick R Max

Yamaha Wolverine RMAX 4 Ultimate

Kawasaki Teryx 5 H2

Polaris RZR XP

Can-Am Maverick R

Can-Am Commander XT-P

Can-Am Maverick X3 Max

Honda Talon 1000R

Long Travel Kawasaki KRX

Polaris RS1

How to find your way – Sand Hollow Area Maps

There are lots of different trails in the Sand Mountain OHV Area, and since this is managed as an open area, new trails are being created all the time. Whether you are a regular user or a newbie, finding a trail can be a challenge. Even if you have the GPS coordinates of a trailhead, trails often criss-cross and without active tracking, you can easily end up on the wrong trail.

There are two different Sand Hollow mapping app options that I’d recommend:

CartoTracks 

CartoTracks specializes in creating high-quality, GPS-enabled maps for off-grid recreation, allowing users to navigate effectively without a cellular signal. Their maps are designed for use with the Avenza Maps app, available on Android and iOS devices. Once downloaded, these maps function entirely offline, utilizing the device’s GPS to display the user’s real-time location as a blue dot on the map. This setup ensures accurate navigation in remote areas where cellular coverage is unavailable. CartoTracks emphasizes true cartography by incorporating essential navigational elements such as trails, names, ratings, contours, and other features into their maps, providing a comprehensive and user-friendly experience. To ensure accuracy, CartoTracks gathers data by physically traversing each trail with precise GPS equipment, often collaborating with park managers and landowners to validate trail ratings and information. This meticulous approach results in reliable maps that assist users in staying on designated trails, promoting responsible recreation and aiding in the preservation of off-road areas.

To get started with CartoTracks maps:

1. Download the Avenza Maps app from your device’s app store.
2. Browse and purchase maps from the CartoTracks website.
3. Import the maps into Avenza Maps using the provided download links.

Once imported, you can navigate confidently, even in areas without cell service, as the maps will display your location using your device’s GPS functionality.

Direct Link: CartoTracks Sand Mountain OHV Area map

OnX Off-Road 

The OnX Off-Road app is a powerful tool for off-road enthusiasts, providing detailed maps and essential navigation features for exploring trails, public lands, and remote areas with confidence. The app offers over 550,000 miles of off-road trails, including dirt roads, UTV routes, and hiking paths, complete with difficulty ratings, trail descriptions, and user reviews. It also features land ownership boundaries to help users identify public and private land, ensuring responsible exploration. OnX Off-Road is GPS-enabled, allowing users to download maps for offline use, making it ideal for adventures in areas without cell service. Additional features include customizable waypoints, weather overlays, and 3D maps for better terrain visualization. Compatible with Android, iOS, and select in-vehicle systems, the OnX Off-Road app is a comprehensive tool for planning, navigating, and maximizing off-road adventures.

Direct Link: OnX Sand Hollow Area Map

Here is a list of some of the trails along with their rating (according to Trail Hero) that you’ll find in the Sand Mountain OHV Area:

Babylon (4), Razzle Dazzle (4), Milt’s Mile Lite (4), “Nephi Twist” (5), Resurrection (5), Plan B (6), Milt’s Mile (6), and Slip Lock Gulch (6), West Rim (6), Double Sammy (7), John’s Trail (7), Mind Threat (7),  “Triple 7’s” (7), RazorBack (7), The Ledges (8), Front Range (8), Betty White (8), Unforgiven (8), Fawlty Towers (8), Queen’s Court (8),  The Maze (8), Chain Reaction (9), Joint Effort (9), TNT (9), Twister (9), Roller Coaster (9), Nasty Half (9), Chutes and Ladders (9), The Fallen (9), Four-G (10), Arrowhead (10), DeKleined (10), Suicidal Tendencies (10), Sandthrax (11), Shotgun (11), War Machine (11), Side Chick (12), Broken Chain (12), Ex Wife (13), Red Renegade (13), Iron Man (14), Red Dot (14), Broken Arrow (14), SkyScrapper (14), Cowboy (14), Super Smash Bros (14), Fail Breaker (15), SlipNSlide (15).

The History behind the Trail Rating System (from Trail Hero):
Trail riding started out at with regular jeeps on 33″-35″ tires and a trail rating system that went from 1-5. With advancement in technology, larger tires, stronger axles, the capabilities of the vehicles and drivers increased, and therefore the trail rating system increased to 1-10. With the major extreme wheeling movement of Buggies, rear steer, and portal axles; the capabilities of the vehicles and drivers increased immensely. With this Trail Hero invented a new rating system that increases the rating system on a sliding scale to 1-15. A 15 rated trail is one that have never been accomplished unaided (Hasn’t been finished without aid a winch).

Sand Hollow Area Destinations:

• Top of the World GPS Coordinates: 37.06087, -113.41253
• Flintstone House GPS Coordinates: 37.04229, -113.40085
• Flagpole GPS Coordinates: 37.05201, -113.40633
• The Chute GPS Coordinates: 37.08745, -113.38162
• The Squeeze GPS Coordinates: 37.07478, -113.44073
• Toll Booth GPS Coordinates: 37.08532, -113.44125
• Santa’s Mailbox GPS Coordinates: 37.0794316, -113.4005604
• Sand Hollow State Park Tunnel GPS Coordinates: 37.10078, -113.38064
• Water Tanks Parking Area GPS Coordinates: 37.10250, -113.40470

Off-Road Events at Sand Hollow State Park

Sand Hollow State Park in Hurricane, Utah, is a premier destination for off-road enthusiasts, hosting a variety of events that cater to different aspects of off-roading. Notable events include:

Matt’s Off-Road Games

Scheduled in March, this event features various off-road competitions and attracts large crowds. The OHV staging area is filled with vendors, and the beach area is heavily utilized. While Sand Mountain is used for the event, it remains open to the general public.

SxS Adventure Rally

The SxS Adventure Rally at Sand Hollow, Utah, is an annual off-road event in May that brings side-by-side enthusiasts together for guided trail rides and vendor showcases. This event appears to have ceased…

Trail Hero

Taking place in late September and early October, Trail Hero is a family-oriented off-roading event focusing on trail riding and rock crawling across scenic landscapes. It includes guided trail rides, rock sports competitions, and a music festival, offering a comprehensive off-road experience. Website: www.thetrailhero.com

UTV Takeover

Typically set in the middle of October, UTV Takeover is a tour of action-packed off-road events designed to immerse friends, family, and machines in the heart of the action. The event features various activities tailored for UTV enthusiasts. Website: www.utvtakeover.com/hurricane-ut

These events, among others, make Sand Hollow State Park a vibrant hub for off-road activities, drawing participants and spectators from across the country.

Camping at/near Sand Hollow State Park

Sand Hollow State Park, located near Hurricane, Utah, offers a variety of camping options to suit different preferences, all set against the stunning backdrop of red sandstone landscapes and the clear waters of Sand Hollow Reservoir. The park features several campgrounds, each providing unique amenities:

Westside Campground: This area offers 50 campsites equipped with full hookups, including water, electricity, and sewer connections. Each site is furnished with a picnic table, fire ring, and grill, and the campground provides modern restrooms with hot showers.

Sandpit Campground: Ideal for off-highway vehicle (OHV) enthusiasts, this campground allows direct access to the dunes. It offers 30 partial hookup sites with water and electricity, as well as standard sites suitable for tent camping. Amenities include picnic tables, fire rings, and access to restrooms and showers.

Primitive Camping: For a more rustic experience, the park provides primitive camping areas along the shoreline, offering a serene environment close to the water. These sites do not have hookups or designated amenities, so campers should come prepared.

Reservations are recommended, especially during peak seasons, and can be made up to four months in advance through the Utah State Parks reservation system.

Whether you’re seeking a full-service campsite or a primitive spot by the water, Sand Hollow State Park provides diverse camping options to enhance your outdoor adventure.

Warner Valley BLM – Primitive camping is allow on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land in Warner Valley area. You can off-road from this area to Sand Mountain OHV area and Sand Hollow State Park. Fort Pearce and petroglyphs, plus dinosaur tracks are other destinations nearby.

Nearby RV Parks

• Zion Utah Jellystone Park
• WillowWind RV Park
• Gateway Luxury RV Resort & Casitas
• Settler’s Junction RV Resort

Off-Road Event Coverage

2015 SxS Adventure Rally

Side x Side Adventure Rally at Sand Hollow – November 10 – 12, 2016

2017 CST Tires Adventure Rally

2018 CST SxS Adventure Rally Presented by Yamaha

2024 SxS Adventure Rally

Land Use Issues

Call to Action for Sand Mountain Land Exchange – Utah Public Lands Alliance

More About Hurricane Utah

People visit Hurricane, Utah, for its stunning natural beauty, outdoor recreation opportunities, and proximity to some of the most iconic landscapes in the American Southwest. Nestled between the red rock deserts and the Pine Valley Mountains, Hurricane serves as a gateway to popular destinations like Sand Hollow State Park, Zion National Park, Snow Canyon State Park and Quail Creek State Park. Visitors come to enjoy off-roading on the vast dunes of Sand Mountain, hiking and climbing in Zion’s breathtaking canyons, or boating and fishing on nearby reservoirs. The area’s mild climate makes it a year-round destination for adventure seekers, while its small-town charm, local history, and welcoming community offer a relaxing retreat for travelers.

Southwest Utah, has experienced significant growth in both population and tourism in recent years. This expansion is attributed to its favorable climate, scenic landscapes, and a robust economy that attracts retirees, families, and professionals. Tourism has also surged, with attractions like Sand Hollow State Park becoming the state’s most visited, drawing over 1.4 million visitors in 2023. The influx of tourists and new residents has spurred economic development, leading to advancements in infrastructure, housing, and services, further enhancing the area’s appeal.