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Swimming at Sand Hollow: Beaches, Water Temps & Tips
Yes, you can swim at Sand Hollow, and it is one of the warmest places to swim in Utah. From late spring into fall the reservoir’s red-sand beaches fill with families, paddle boards and jet skis. Here is where to swim, how warm the water gets and how to make a beach day easy.
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.
How warm is the water at Sand Hollow?
Sand Hollow Reservoir sits in the desert just outside Hurricane, Utah, so it warms up quickly once the weather turns hot. Utah’s tourism office describes the water as warm from May through September, and in mid-summer the surface often reaches the low to mid 80s °F. In winter the water drops into the 40s, so the real swimming season runs from about late May to early October.
| Time of year | Water (approximate) | Swimming |
|---|---|---|
| Late May to June | 70s °F and warming | Good, especially in the afternoon |
| July and August | Low to mid 80s °F | The warmest water; very hot air, so start early |
| September | High 70s to low 80s °F | Excellent, with smaller crowds |
| October | 60s to 70s °F | Brisk; better for jet skis than swimming |
| November to April | 40s to 60s °F | Too cold for most swimmers |
Best beaches for swimming
- West side day-use beach: the easiest choice, close to the entrance, the main boat ramp and the Westside Campground. The sand slopes gently into the water, restrooms are nearby, and off-highway vehicles are not allowed on the west side beaches, which keeps it calmer for families.
- Dive park area: a day-use area near the west side where motorized boats are not allowed, so the water stays calm for swimmers and snorkelers.
- South and east shores: quieter, spread-out shoreline along the primitive camping area, where you can set up for the whole day right by the water.
Swimming tips from our crew
- Arrive early on summer weekends. Lines at the entrance gate build by late morning, and the best beach spots go first.
- Bring your own shade. The beaches are open and sunny, so pack an umbrella or canopy, plenty of water and sunscreen.
- Wear water shoes. The sand gets very hot by midday, and some coves have rocks underfoot.
- Know about swimmer’s itch. Warm, shallow water can carry swimmer’s itch. Rinse off and towel dry right after you get out.
- Life jackets for kids. Utah law requires children 12 and under to wear a life jacket on any boat that is underway, and they are a smart idea for young swimmers too.
- Leave the glass at home. Glass bottles and containers are not allowed on the beaches.
Make it a full beach day
The beach is even better with something to ride. We bring Sea-Doo jet skis, surf and wake boats and water toys like tubes and water trampolines right to the park, so there is nothing to tow. Many families split the day: the dunes of Sand Mountain in the cool morning, then the water in the afternoon heat. See our rental rates to plan yours.
Plan the rest of your visit
Read our Sand Hollow State Park guide for park fees and directions, the Sand Hollow rules for boating and riding, and the best time to visit for a month-by-month look at the weather.