Off-Roading at Sand Hollow
St. George's 55,000-acre OHV playground of dunes and slickrock. What the riding is like, where to rent a side-by-side, and what beginners should know.
If there's one thing St. George is known for besides golf and red rock, it's off-roading. Sand Hollow State Park, about twenty-five minutes east toward Hurricane, sits on more than 55,000 acres of trails, slickrock, and open sand dunes — one of the largest and most varied OHV playgrounds in the state. On a weekend you'll see everything from side-by-sides to dirt bikes working the dunes above the reservoir.
Riding at Sand Hollow
The terrain is the draw: soft dunes for playing, red slickrock for climbing, and long trail systems that connect out toward Toquerville. A classic route winds through the rocks and dunes to a natural formation locals call the Flintstone House. Beginners can stick to the flatter sand and gentle trails; experienced riders can find genuinely technical slickrock lines.
You'll need an OHV permit for the vehicle and, in Utah, riders must follow state OHV and helmet rules — check current requirements before you go. There's a park entrance fee on top of any rental.
Renting a machine
You don't have to own a rig to ride. Several outfitters in St. George, Hurricane, and right at Sand Hollow rent side-by-sides — two-, four-, and even five- or six-seat models, some with a trailer included and 24-hour rental options. Guided tours are the easy way in if it's your first time: a guide leads you through the dunes and rock and handles the route-finding, typically starting around $165 per person for a couple of hours.
If you'd rather stay on the water, the same reservoir is a summer boating and paddling spot — worth knowing if your group splits between motors and swimsuits.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need my own ATV to ride at Sand Hollow?
No. Outfitters in St. George, Hurricane, and at Sand Hollow itself rent side-by-sides in two- to six-seat models, often with a trailer included. Guided tours start around $165 per person and are the easiest option for first-timers.
Is Sand Hollow good for beginner riders?
Yes. The park has flatter sand and gentle trails suited to beginners, alongside technical slickrock for experienced riders. A guided tour is a good way to learn the terrain before venturing out on your own.