From Dunes to Reservoir: A 26-Year Adventure at Sand Hollow

Sand Hollow Reservoir and more Gorgeous Glides

From Dunes to Reservoir: A 26-Year Adventure at Sand Hollow

Some places hold a special magic because they are woven into the story of our lives. For me, Sand Hollow is one of those places. It has been a family-favorite destination for years, but my favorite memory is from 30 years ago, when Todd and I first learned to ATV on the vast, beautiful sand dunes that once defined this landscape. I vividly remember our tour guide sighing, telling us we would be the last tour through the area, as it was being closed to create a reservoir. At the time, there was a sadness in that, but watching its transformation has been a beautiful lesson. What was once a place enjoyed by a very few has become a thriving, beloved oasis. This is my story of Sand Hollow, then and now.

Sand Hollow Hurricane Utah  North West Shore

The Golden Nugget 🌟

Don't Miss This: Paddle to the island! The best adventure at Sand Hollow is to paddle or kayak out to the large rock island in the middle of the reservoir. You can beach your board, hike to the top for incredible panoramic views, and explore all the little coves around its base, which are often filled with beautiful birds.

TRANSPORT YOURSELF TO SAND HOLLOW

This VR Getaway is a journey across the beautiful, clear waters of Sand Hollow. We'll paddle out to the iconic island, explore its hidden coves, and soak in the stunning red rock scenery that makes this place so special. Grab your VR headset and join me for a perfect day on the water!

"I found a spot that I am quite sure was the spot where we sat and ate lunch and that tour guide mourned for the loss of this place, but honestly it went from a cool place to an amazing place."

Adventure at a Glance

• 🏞️ Location: Sand Hollow State Park, near Hurricane, Utah
• 🚶‍♀️ Activity: Paddleboarding, Kayaking, Boating, ATVing
• ⭐ Shauna's Rating: 💎💎💎💎💎 (5 out of 5 Diamonds)
• ☀️ Best For: Family fun, water sports, unique red rock scenery, stunning views.
• ⏳ Recommended Time: A full day to enjoy both the water and the surrounding dunes.
• 🧭 Can't-Miss Sights: The central island, the clear turquoise water, the surrounding red sand dunes.

My Sand Hollow Story: Then & Now

Twenty six years ago, this place was a sea of sand. I remember taking an ATV class here with Todd, learning to do U-turns on the dune slopes and stopping for lunch on a rocky outcrop. Now, that same landscape is a vibrant blue reservoir, a thriving hub of activity with an amazing golf course and beautiful homes. The loss of those specific dunes was a small price to pay for the big win this area has become for the community. The lake is beloved, it provides much-needed water, and there are still tons of dedicated ATV areas nearby.

As I paddled around the island and hiked to its peak, I found a spot that I am quite sure was the very place where we sat and ate lunch all those years ago. It was a powerful moment of reflection. The new reservoir has brought so much life to this desert landscape. The little coves are now home to beautiful birds that never would have come to the dry dunes. It has gone from a cool place to an amazing place, a beautiful example of positive change and growth.

Your Trail Guide: Helpful Hints

• ♦️ Explore the Island: Paddling around the island is my favorite thing to do. Poke into every cove; you never know what wildlife you might find hiding there!
• ♦️ Stunning Views: The condo rentals overlooking the reservoir offer some of the loveliest perspectives, with views stretching all the way to Zion National Park on a clear day.
• ♦️ Two Parks in One: Sand Hollow is unique because it's a premier destination for both water sports on the reservoir and OHV adventures on the thousands of acres of surrounding sand dunes.
• ♦️ Clear and Colorful Water: One of the best characteristics of Sand Hollow is the incredible clarity of the water. The gorgeous turquoise color against the red sand and rock is a photographer's dream.

Our Beach set up at Sand Hollow

Sand Hollow Hurricane Utah ShaunasAdventures

 Video of Beautiful Views from North side.  Just click below for the video to come up.

Sand Hollow Hurricane Utah 

I love the lime green color on the rock below, and these tiny cove is fun.  Teenagers love to hang out on these rocks and lay out in the sun visiting and cliff jumping.

My hubby also amazes me at how he can take something as simple as fishing and make it exciting. He not only has figured out how to catch some pretty good size fish this year, but he has figured out how to put 2 motors on a kayak with foot peddles to steer so that he can maneuver around the lake and just worry about getting those fish.   Here is a picture of 2 beautiful Bass fish he caught.
One of the fish Todd caught.  A delightful small mouth bass.  It was a white fish with an extremely mild flavor. I thought it was tasty. Interestingly enough, because Sand Hallow is a Shallow lake, Trout don't end up surviving in this lake.  It is too hot, and they can't go to lower levels to find relief from the heat, that is why this lake has mostly Bass in it.

If you are in the mood to fish and are in the Hurricane Utah, you might also want to check out Quail Creek Reservoir.  QUAIL  CREEK even though it is only about a 15 minute drive, it is cooler enough that they can put put trout in the lake. 

Link to Quail Creek Reservoir

Sand  Hollow Hurricane Utah 

I made it to the Island.  Now I am going to paddle around the island. :)  Watch for a good place to dock and climb up on the island.

One amazing characteristic about Sand Hollow is the clarity of the water.  You can see quite far down into the water.  It has a gorgeous color contrasting the beautiful red sand and rock.  The island in the center is so unique and delightful to kayak around, and go into the little coves and check out what wild life are hiding inside.  If you can find a nice spot to park your kayak it is a delightful hike up to the top.
Below is a view from up on top of the Island.

The funny thing about Sand Hollow for me, is that years ago Todd and I decided to try out ATV'ing when it was the new thing. We rented and took an ATV class and he took us here and we drove around the area where Sand Hollow now is, but before the Reservoir was there.  I rememeber stoping by and area and hiking around on the rocks that I think is now Sand Hallow, and ending up at the dunes and learning to do the U turn on the sand dune slope. Like below.  It is interesting remembering it before and seeing it after.  Sand Hallow is an amazing spot to ATV, with lots of trails going fun places to explore for ATVer's.
  

If you want to see more of this awesome Southern Utah Playground, Click on the Link below

 Sand Hollow G Earth Link

Conclusion

Sand Hollow will always be a special place for me, a landscape that holds decades of memories. It’s a powerful testament to how places can evolve, trading one kind of beauty for another, and becoming something even more wonderful in the process. Whether you’re there to paddle, fish, ride the dunes, or just soak in the sun, it’s an amazing Southern Utah playground that I hope you love as much as I do.

Sending Love and Positive Vibes,

Shauna from VRGetaways