Filling In The Hot Spots of Sand Hollow
Hurricane Truly Is A Whirlwind UTV Destination
Story By: Rich Klein
Photos By: Brandon Bunch, Chris Bracamonte, and Rich Klein
Sand Hollow, located in Hurricane, Utah is the up and coming premiere destination for off-road related activities. Nearly 15,000 acres make up the most known portions of the park which are surrounded by an additional 660,000 acres of open recreation with amazing views of National Parks, city lights, an amazing lake, and a VERY supportive community; Sand Hollow is a refreshing sight for any of the weekend warrior/off roader’s sore eyes.
When you get to know Sand Hollow, you find out really quick that it is much like the wild west. Wide open expanses of amazing terrain, with no limitations in sight. You see, Sand Hollow is considered “Open Recreation” which means if you want to drive up a certain rock, or down a certain road, there is no one that can legally stop you. With this in mind, locals have built trails that are arguably some of the best in the country. Overall there are roughly 45+ built, known, and mapped trails with an additional 240 long, fun, and crazy access roads to rip around the mountain. The mapped trails range from entry level for any 4wd vehicle to technical crawling for your SXS or Jeep, to the craziest trails in the country for the Buggies.
All of this is surrounded by what many people note as the 7th wonder of the world, Zion National Park. Just a short 20-minute drive away, Sand Hollow is the perfect destination to ride, camp, then drive to Zion for the hike and experience of a lifetime. The most popular is Angels Landing, a 3.5-mile hike that goes from the base of the park and increases in elevation by 2400 feet to the summit. The views are breathtaking, with most visitors touting Zion as the Best National Park in the U.S. Even so, if the idea of riding your UTV is more enticing, then you can ride from Sand Hollow to the Grand Canyon, never touching the pavement. The trip takes roughly 2.5-3 hours, but you will get to see the narrowest, deepest, and steepest portion of the Grand Canyon… All in one location.
If it is the nightlife you look for, then Sand Hollow has that too. You won’t find many parties, that’s not the nightlife we’re talking about, but rather fireworks from the edge of an 1800 foot cliff while overlooking amazing natural terrain and a bustling community of St. George. This small town is just around the corner from arguably the best recreational area in the U.S.; complete with a popular and well trafficked airport, an intimate bar scene, and all the family recreation possible. Three times a year, Utah, in particular the city of St. George, celebrates events with amazing firework displays. With this, visitors capable of off-roading can have a very private viewing of the show from the cliffside West Rim or The Maze trails. Even without the sky lit up with exploding color, any other night is great for ambiance as well, as the population of 110,000 people light up the valley below.
One of the most contrasting views of this amazing off-roading mecca is Sand Hollow State Park. Located literally across the street, the state park boasts an amazingly beautiful 110-foot-deep lake, complete with vehicle beach access, primitive and hook-up camping, year-round fishing and boating, as well as diving… for the multi-seasonal off-roader. The park holds over 270 camping spots and is known for hosting an IRONMAN Race that tests swimming, running, and road biking. From the sand dunes and rocks of sand hollow, the lake is granted easy access with a tunnel that leads riders right to the lake. Lake temperatures range from 58º in the winter to 83º in the summer. Best yet, you can park your vehicle in the shallows of the lake if you really wanted to. The lake is so conveniently accessible, that in the summer locals often hit trails in the morning, boat throughout the day, and then hit the trails in the evening all while never leaving the park.
If all that isn’t enough, on the same access road of Sand Hollow is an amazing 18-hole, 5-star public golf resort complete with driving range, condos, vacation rental homes and clubhouse with a full restaurant and bar. The resort has 1st class amenities and is very off-road friendly, meaning you can take your SXS, Jeep, or Buggy from the trails straight to the clubhouse without complaint. Most off-roaders that prefer the convenience of a warm abode out of the elements stay here rather than trailers and tents. It’s very common to see UTVs and Jeeps taking up parking spots throughout the year, instead of stereotypical luxury vehicles. If you happen to be looking for the riding destination without UTV in tow or travel by air, the resort has a fleet of UTVs for rent on hourly, daily, and weekly basis.
With all these off-road friendly amenities in place, one would think it couldn’t get any better… But wait there’s more! You also have the ability to take your UTV to downtown Hurricane, which is only 3 miles away. Groceries, parts, dinner, or just hanging out at the park; you can drive your UTV to and from town with no issues. This lovely town has completely opened its arms to the off-road community unlike many others. Maybe after a long day on the trails and lake, you want to hit the famous Lonny Boys BBQ? They are known for their savory and delectable “Burnt Ends”, a must stop! All possible thanks to the efforts of non-profit UTV Utah and their fight for legalization of SXS on public roads. We do suggest identifying the laws prior to arriving, but at the time of this publication, it is known that UTVs with a street legal kit (turn signals, horn, etc) will not be harassed on road. If you must, or desire, you can also ride on designated streets and dirt routes into town that do not require the same equipment.
One thing that we all know can be challenging is how the managing agencies operate public lands. Throughout the U.S. oftentimes agencies can tighten down, however in this area you will find that BLM and the State Park are very friendly to law abiding off-roaders. The agencies in southern Utah are known for actually embracing the off-road community. They ask only a few things: No driving under the influence (DUI), responsible riding practices, and safety flags on vehicles; although we always suggest riding with helmets as well. Other than that… Head out and have FUN!
As the community has been very supportive, so has the patrons. Events like the Trail Hero event and the SXS Adventure Rally give a week of guided trail rides around the mountain and VIP year-round trail rides upon request. Additionally, there are multiple shops ready to outfit, fix, or build your ultimate UTV from the ground up.
All of this is within shouting distance from the greatest unknown off-roading mecca in the U.S., which we might add, is growing fast in popularity. We understand why it is amazing, and want to share our experience and insight to the area. One thing you can count on… this won’t be the last time you hear of this amazing off-road utopia. Look for more information throughout UTV Sports Magazine this summer about the region and the official announcement of our inaugural event, The Trail Hero SXS Rally Presented By UTV Sports Magazine, which we invite all of you to. Event dates are October 1-5, 2019 and registration is available at thetrailhero.com. Let’s ride!
