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Sand Hollow Rules: OHV, Whip Flags, Boating & Life Jackets
Sand Hollow mixes dune riding and a busy reservoir, so there are a few rules worth knowing before you go. These are the ones visitors ask us about most, from Utah State Parks and Utah’s off-highway vehicle and boating laws.
Planning a Sand Hollow day? We bring UTVs, ATVs, Sea-Doo jet skis and surf boats right to the park, so there is nothing to tow. Open every day, 7am to 10pm.
Riding Sand Mountain: OHV rules
Take the Utah OHV education course first. Utah law requires every off-highway vehicle operator 18 or older to complete the state’s free online Adult OHV Education Course before riding on public land, roads or trails, including Sand Mountain. It takes about 15 to 30 minutes, you only take it once, and you should save or print your certificate. We have all of our drivers complete it before they ride.
- Whip flag: every OHV in the sand dunes needs a red or orange flag, at least 6 by 12 inches, on a whip that reaches at least 8 feet off the ground. It lets other riders see you over the dunes. More on our whip flags page.
- Helmets: Utah State Parks requires DOT-approved helmets for riders under 18 and strongly recommends them for everyone.
- Registration: every machine must be currently registered. If you bring your own OHV from out of state, you will need a Utah non-resident OHV permit.
- Equipment: working brakes, a muffler with an approved spark arrestor, and lights between sunset and sunrise.
- Where to ride: reach Sand Mountain through the OHV staging area and tunnel. OHVs are not allowed on the west side beaches, the boat parking lot or the Westside Campground.
- Never ride impaired. Operating an OHV under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal.
Our rental rules
Every side-by-side and ATV we rent is registered, comes with a whip flag and is ready to ride. Drivers must be 18 or older with a valid driver’s license. Passengers can be any age with a parent or guardian’s approval, and helmets are available. Prefer to follow a guide? Add one to any rental.
On the water: boating and jet ski rules
- Life jackets: every boat needs a properly sized, U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket for each person aboard. Children 12 and under must wear one whenever the boat is underway.
- Jet skis and towing: everyone riding a jet ski, and anyone being towed on a tube, wakeboard or skis, must wear a life jacket. Inflatable life jackets do not count for these.
- Wakeless zones: slow to wakeless speed within 150 feet of other boats, the shore, swimmers and paddlers.
- Dive park area: motorized boats are not allowed in the dive park area.
We can provide life jackets with any jet ski or boat rental, and every rental starts with a walk-through of the controls and the rules on the water.
Beach and park rules
- Park hours: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. during daylight saving time, and 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. the rest of the year.
- No glass bottles or containers on the beaches.
- Park in designated areas only.
Rules can change. Check Utah State Parks and Utah’s Division of Outdoor Recreation before you ride or boat.
Plan the rest of your trip with our Sand Hollow State Park guide, camping guide and best time to visit.