Need a gateway to stunning red rock landscapes? Head to Hurricane, Utah! Explore outdoor adventures, hike dramatic canyons, and enjoy small-town charm. Whether you're into hiking, biking, or relaxing by the lake, Hurricane serves up big adventures in a laid-back setting.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Hurricane is during spring and fall (March–May and September–November). Mild temperatures make it perfect for hiking, biking, and exploring Zion National Park without the summer heat.
How to Get There
- If you are traveling by car: Hurricane is easily accessible via I-15 and State Route 9, about 2 hours from Las Vegas and 4.5 hours from Salt Lake City.
- By Air: Fly into St. George Regional Airport (SGU), just 30 minutes away, or Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS) for more flight options.
- By Shuttle: Several shuttle services connect Las Vegas and St. George to Hurricane and nearby Zion National Park.
Where to Stay
- Wingate by Wyndham Hurricane/Zion National Park – Modern hotel with free breakfast and a pool, near Zion and Sand Hollow.
- Sand Hollow Resort – Ideal for golfers and adventure seekers, featuring luxury suites and access to off-road trails.
- Hurricane Hideaway Lodging – Cozy, affordable lodging with a charming, small-town atmosphere.
Best Things to Do
1. Sand Hollow State Park
Rating: ★★★★★
Located in southwest Utah, Sand Hollow State Park will surprise you with its vibrantly colored landscape composed mainly of startlingly red rocks and sand against a backdrop of brilliant blue waters and wide Utah skies. This is a very popular state park which offers visitors a range of recreational facilities. The best way to experience the park is to bring along your camping gear and spend a night or two getting back to nature. Activities include kayaking and paddle-boarding on the Sand Hollow Reservoir, hiking, biking and ATV trails through the sand dunes. The bass fishing is rumored to be excellent. The park has two campgrounds with modern restrooms and water-craft hire is available on site.
Sand Hollow State Park, 3351 S. Sand Hollow Rd, Hurricane, UT 84737, Phone: 435-680-0715
2. Quail Creek State Park
Quail Creek State Park is located just a few miles west of Hurricane city center, offering locals and passers-by an ideal spot to enjoy some outdoor recreational activities. At the heart of the park you will find the 600-acre Quail Creek Reservoir which is stocked with a variety of fish including rainbow trout and bluegill. The pleasantly warm waters of the reservoir mean that visitors can enjoy boating, kayaking, fishing and canoeing year round. There is a boat launch area and a fish cleaning facility. Other activities include hiking and mountain biking as well as horse-back riding. After a busy day of exploration you can relax at your campsite in this unique red-tinged desert setting.
Quail Creek State Park, 472 5300 W, Hurricane, UT 84737, Phone: 435-879-2378
Activities and Attractions for Couples:
3. Red Cliffs Desert Reserve
The jaw-dropping Red Cliffs Desert Reserve is located a short distance from Hurricane in a transition belt between the Mojave Desert, the Colorado Plateau and the Great Basin. The reserve encompasses a very unique set of overlapping habitats, home to varied endemic wildlife including the endangered desert tortoise. Adventure seekers will love this reserve. You can spend days exploring on foot or mountain bike – there are over 130 miles of trails to uncover. When the sun drops low you can head to one of several primitive campgrounds where you can spend the night stargazing. Families will find the City Creek area most suitable for exploring while those in search of a challenge can head to Red Reef, Red Mountain or Millcreek.
Red Cliffs Desert Reserve, 345 E. Riverside Drive, St. George, UT 84790, Phone: 435-688-3200
4. Pig’s Ear American Bistro
Chef Peter Dominguez’ love of food and cooking started with visits to his grandmother’s house when he was a boy. After 25 years as a chef in the San Francisco Bay area, Peter opened the Pig’s Ear American Bistro in Hurricane. From the outset he and his wife Leanne have been determined to set their standards high and ensure that each and every customer has a great dining experience. The bistro is open from 11am most days – visitors come to enjoy satisfying brunches, lunch or dinner. You will find all your favorite American bistro meals like salads, burgers, tacos and enchiladas on the brunch and lunch menus while the dinner menu includes steakhouse classics like ribs, New York strip steak, rib-eye and more.
Pig’s Ear Bistro, 75 North 2000 W, Hurricane, UT 84737, Phone: 435-359-1957
Plan Your Trip