Sand Hollow brings together red sand dunes, sandstone ledges, technical rock crawling, and scenic overlooks just outside Hurricane, Utah. You can spend the day exploring easier routes or working through obstacles that test your machine and your judgment.
A good trip starts before you unload. Know where you’re staging, choose a route that fits your group, and prepare your UTV for the terrain you plan to ride. Here’s what to check before heading out.
Know where you’re riding: State Park vs. BLM land
Most riders use “Sand Hollow” to describe the entire riding destination. But Sand Hollow State Park and the adjacent BLM-managed Sand Mountain Open OHV Area are separate areas, and that distinction matters for parking, fees, and access.
Sand Hollow State Park provides reservoir access, campgrounds, and OHV staging. Much of the dune riding and technical rock crawling people associate with Sand Hollow takes place on Sand Mountain, south of SR7.
Free BLM parking at Water Tanks
The BLM parking area commonly called Water Tanks is free. You can stage there and ride the BLM-managed Sand Mountain OHV area without paying a State Park entrance fee.
BLM identifies Waddy’s Corral as a primary access point, approximately half a mile south of the Sand Hollow Road exit from SR7. Its Sand Mountain Open OHV Area page includes access information and lists no fees.
Share the actual staging location with your group before leaving home. “Meet at Sand Hollow” can put trucks and trailers on opposite sides of the highway.
When State Park fees apply
You pay for park admission when entering Sand Hollow State Park, whether you arrive through the main entrance or ride into the park through the tunnel under SR7.
If you park at Water Tanks and stay on the BLM side, you don’t need to pay park admission just to ride Sand Mountain. If your plans include entering the park from the riding area, arrange the applicable admission before entering. The tunnel connects the two areas; it isn’t a way around the park fee.
Check the current State Park fee schedule and park notices before your trip, especially during major events.
Check your UTV before loading the trailer
Sand, heat, and repeated rock obstacles put different demands on a machine. Give yourself time to address problems at home.
- Tires and wheels: Look for sidewall cuts, damaged tread, bent wheels, and loose hardware. Check pressures with a reliable gauge.
- Steering and suspension: Inspect tie rods, ball joints, bushings, CV boots, and shock mounts. Investigate new play, leaks, or unusual noises.
- Brakes: Check pedal feel, pad condition, and visible damage to lines.
- Fluids and cooling: Check fluid levels as directed by your owner’s manual. Inspect for leaks and clear debris from the radiator.
- Air intake: Inspect the filter and its sealing surfaces. Service it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Drivetrain: On belt-driven machines, inspect the CVT belt and carry a suitable spare with the tools needed to change it.
- Protection and accessories: Check bumper, cage, skid plate, and accessory mounting hardware to the appropriate specifications.
- Lights and flag: Test your lights and inspect your whip and its mounting hardware. Every vehicle riding in the dunes needs a safety flag meeting the requirements below.
If something needs attention, schedule a pre-trip inspection at the shop before your riding weekend.
Whip flags are required
Every vehicle riding in the dunes needs a whip flag. Check that everyone in your group has one installed before leaving the staging area.
Use a red or orange safety flag measuring at least 6 by 12 inches, mounted at least 8 feet above level ground. Inspect your whip and mounting hardware before each ride. An illuminated whip without the required safety flag doesn’t meet the flag requirement.
See Utah’s OHV equipment requirements for details.
Air down for rock-crawling traction
Lowering tire pressure helps a tire conform to Sand Hollow’s sandstone ledges and uneven rock, improving traction while crawling. The right pressure depends on your tires, vehicle weight, load, and whether you’re running beadlock wheels.
On more technical trails, some experienced riders air down to 4–5 PSI to maximize crawling traction. That is a setup-specific choice, with real tradeoffs.
At very low pressures, a hard impact can pinch or damage the tire against the wheel. You also increase the risk of losing a bead, particularly with non-beadlock wheels. Beadlocks help retain the bead but don’t eliminate the potential for tire or wheel damage.
Choose a pressure appropriate for your equipment and driving conditions. A pressure that works for slow crawling may offer too little support for faster dune riding, sharp turns, or hard impacts.
Carry a gauge and compressor so you can adjust throughout the day and air back up before faster travel or pavement. Your tire choice matters too: consider traction, sidewall protection, and how much of your day will involve rock versus sand.
Choose the route before choosing the obstacles
Sand Hollow has options for stock UTVs and experienced rock crawlers, but a trail name alone doesn’t tell you how difficult every line will be.
Start with a scenic loop or easier route that suits the least experienced driver in your group. West Rim has scenic terrain and optional challenges, while trails such as Double Sammy and The Maze introduce steeper climbs, ledges, and more consequential terrain. Optional obstacles can substantially change the difficulty.
Walk unfamiliar obstacles, use a spotter when needed, and agree on clear signals. Take a bypass or turn around when the line exceeds your comfort or your machine’s capability.
For trail videos, landmarks, maps, and camping information, read UTVGuide.net’s Ride Spot: Sand Hollow.
Download maps before leaving the staging area
Sand Mountain has many intersecting trails, and a landmark pin doesn’t show you the best route between obstacles.
Before riding:
- Download the area and your planned route for offline use.
- Save your staging location and a return route.
- Check land boundaries and current closures.
- Carry a charging cable or backup battery.
- Share your route and expected return time with someone staying behind.
CartoTracks maps used through Avenza and onX Offroad are mapping options covered in the UTVGuide Ride Spot article. Open your downloaded maps before departure to confirm they work.
Stay within the open riding area and follow posted restrictions. Open OHV management on BLM land doesn’t mean every neighboring parcel is open to riding.
Pack for a repair or recovery
Use our UTV trail gear checklist to round out your communications, recovery and emergency supplies.
Bring equipment you know how to use and that fits your UTV. A useful starting kit includes:
- Appropriately rated recovery strap and compatible recovery connections.
- Tire plug kit, gauge, and compressor.
- Basic tools suited to your machine.
- Spare CVT belt and belt-change tools, if applicable.
- Small shovel for sand recoveries.
- First-aid kit and accessible fire extinguisher.
- Water, food, and an extra layer.
A plug kit won’t repair every sidewall cut or pinch flat. Consider a securely mounted spare tire for more demanding routes or longer outings.
Ride with another vehicle when possible. Use designated recovery points, keep bystanders clear, and avoid improvised attachments to suspension or other components that weren’t designed for recovery loads.
Plan around heat, weather, and visibility
Summer heat adds stress to riders and machines. Start early, plan shorter outings, and carry enough water for everyone plus a delay. Watch engine temperatures during sustained sand riding and stop to investigate overheating warnings.
Wind can reshape dunes and reduce visibility. Approach blind crests cautiously and check what is beyond them before crossing. Leave room between vehicles so dust doesn’t hide an obstacle or a stopped rider.
Check the forecast for wind, rain, and changing temperatures. Pack helmets, eye protection, and clothing suited to the conditions, and use seat belts or harnesses correctly every time you move.
Out-of-state OHVs need a Utah permit
If you’re bringing an OHV from outside Utah, purchase a Utah non-resident OHV permit for each machine before riding. This applies to riding on BLM land as well as within the State Park. Free parking at Water Tanks doesn’t remove the permit requirement.
The permit currently costs $35 per machine and is valid for 12 months from purchase. Purchase it online before your trip and keep the temporary permit provided by email while waiting for the permanent permit.
Out-of-state OHVs registered as street legal also need the permit, subject to Utah’s limited exceptions. Review the current requirements and purchase through Utah’s official non-resident OHV permit page.
The vehicle permit, each driver’s required OHV education certificate, and State Park admission are separate requirements. Review Utah’s OHV education information before traveling.
Watch: Polaris RZR Pro R Ultra at Sand Hollow
Justin from UTV Pros behind the wheel of a Polaris RZR Pro R Ultra at Sand Hollow:
Planning rock-crawling upgrades?
Ready to build on this pre-ride checklist? Our 10 best UTV upgrades for rock crawling at Sand Hollow guide explains tires, clutching, skid plates, recovery equipment, steering upgrades, and low-range gearing, with links to UTV Pros products and services.
Get ready for the next ride
A small issue in the garage can become a long recovery on Sand Mountain. Check the machine, choose your staging area, download your maps, and set your tires up for the terrain ahead.
Need help getting ready? Our shop in Hurricane, UT is just a few miles from Sand Hollow and we can help with inspections, maintenance, and repairs. Book service before your Sand Hollow trip so you arrive ready to ride.