• Where is the city of Hurricane located?
    • The city of Hurricane is located about 300 miles south of Salt Lake City, where it is a popular base for outdoor enthusiasts.
  • What are the main attractions in the Hurricane area?
    • The area’s primary claim to fame lies in the Sand Hollow State Park and Quail Creek State Park, both of which provide a wide range of outdoor recreational activities against a unique backdrop of bright blue skies and red, red sand and rocks.
  • What makes Quail Creek Reservoir special?
  • Is the area popular for ATV riding?
    • In addition, the area attracts ATV enthusiasts who can rent vehicles on-site and enjoy spectacular trails through the red sand dunes of Sand Hollow State Park.
  • Are there other outdoor activities nearby?
    • The nearby Red Cliffs National Conservation Area offers yet more camping, hiking, and biking adventures.

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1. Sand Hollow State Park


Boat across red rock reservoirs and ride ATVs on an exciting summer trip.

Sand Hollow State Park

© Kelvin Beecroft/stock.adobe.com

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


Fish in calm waters and kayak beneath cliffs on an easy, affordable weekend.

Quail Creek State Park

© traveller70/stock.adobe.com

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

3. Red Cliffs Desert Reserve


Hike desert trails and spot wildlife while exploring this unusual natural attraction.

Red Cliffs Desert Reserve

© Larry/stock.adobe.com

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


Savor gourmet comfort food and enjoy a romantic dinner in a cozy setting.

Pig’s Ear American Bistro

© Pig’s Ear 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


Best Time to Visit Places to Stay Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Pleasant temperatures and blooming desert flowers, perfect for hiking. Wingate by Wyndham Hurricane – A modern and comfortable stay near Zion National Park. Hike in Zion National Park – Explore famous trails like Angels Landing and The Narrows.
Summer (June-August) – Hot but great for water activities at Sand Hollow State Park. Hurricane Hideaway Lodging – A cozy and quiet boutique hotel. Go boating at Sand Hollow Reservoir – Enjoy swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
Fall (September-November) – Cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, great for sightseeing. Comfort Inn & Suites Zion Park Area – A convenient and comfortable stay. Drive through Kolob Canyons – Experience breathtaking views of red rock formations.
Winter (December-February) – Mild temperatures with snow-capped mountains in the distance. Best Western Plus Zion West Hotel – A budget-friendly option with great amenities. Explore Snow Canyon State Park – Hike through lava flows and red sandstone cliffs.

Plan Your Trip


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