This Utah State Park Has a Charming Town Right Next Door — and Nobody Talks About It

With more than a million yearly visitors, Sand Hollow State Park in Hurricane earned its stripes as the most popular state park in Utah. Sand Hollow Reservoir, its main feature, is a striking lake with calm blue waters contrasted by the iconic striped red rocks in canyon country. While the park is a reason for a road trip to southern Utah, I can think of another. A day (or two) in La Verkin, a small town near Sand Hollow State Park, would be a great addition to your trip in the area. The town is sandwiched between Zion National Park and Sand Hollow, making it a convenient location to stay when you need a break from the crowded tourist cities. 

Why This Town is the Perfect Base for Sand Hollow State Park

Although it’s one of the newer additions to the park system, Sand Hollow quickly claimed its spot as one of Utah’s best state parks. Adding to its appeal is its proximity to national parks and cities like Hurricane, Springdale, and St. George. Surprisingly, La Verkin sits near State Road 17 (SR-9) and Interstate 15 (shown above), major roadways in the region, yet many visitors drive right by without a second thought. That’s because the town is quaint with small shops and restaurants, but nothing that will immediately grab your attention. 

What travelers don’t know is that La Verkin is arguably the best small town near Sand Hollow State Park, and a low-key spot to start their adventure in southern Utah. With tons of outdoor activities, scenic overlooks, budget-friendly hotels, restaurants, and hot springs, you’ll have enough to do if you want to extend your time in the area. And since it’s only 10 miles from Sand Hollow State Park, you won’t have to drive too far after a long day to get back to your hotel. 

What to Do in La Verkin

A tight-knit community of about 4,500 people, La Verkin is one of those places that will surprise you once you get to know it. Locals will tell you that there isn’t much to do; however, it all depends on what you’re into. One of its main attractions, Zion Canyon Hot Springs, recently reopened and features natural geothermal pools, cold plunges, and barrel saunas. After you leave Sand Hollow or Zion, imagine soaking in soothing pools, letting your muscles relax, as you breathe a sigh of relief. The springs are open until 11 p.m., which gives you plenty of time to get here for a three-hour soak. 

La Verkin is big on playing outside, and its river canyons, overlooks, and rising cliffs were created for outdoor fun. After a morning coffee at River Rock Coffee Roasters, you can walk to the Rim to River Trail that connects to Confluence Park. Here, you’ll have expansive views of the canyon with the Virgin River winding through it. Nearby is the La Verkin Overlook, where you can either hike or simply take in the views of the rising cliffs and the river. Unlike the hiking trails in Zion National Park, there will be no crowds here. This only means you can spend as much time hiking without feeling rushed. If you have the kids with you, take them down to the river to play by the shoreline.

Of course, you’ll have access to other trails in the area as well as the nearby parks. Right next door is the city of Hurricane, where there are plenty of opportunities to swim, paddle, fish, boat, ride ATVs, golf, and more. In addition to Sand Hollow, Quail Creek State Park, one of our picks for the most beautiful state park in Utah, is right in town. And St. George and Springdale are only 25 miles away. 

Where to Stay Nearby

A couple of years ago, my family visited southern Utah, and The Dwellings was a highlight for them. They were impressed by the views of the mountains and the river gorge. Additionally, they loved that they could bring their dogs along on their trip (which was a huge plus). The hotel sits at the edge of a cliff just steps away from the trailhead leading to Confluence Park. From your modern townhome rental, you can walk to the river as well as restaurants in a few minutes. It’s also across the street from the hot springs, so after soaking in the pools, head back to rest in your comfy bed. There are also economy-style hotels and Airbnbs to choose from, all conveniently located near the national and state parks.   

What to Know Before You Go

No matter when you visit, La Verkin will be a less crowded, budget-friendly option for your trip to southern Utah. As for Sand Hollow State Park, it is always crowded in the warmer months and on the weekends. The beach, as well as the surrounding red rock cliffs, will be filled with parkgoers. Boating, paddling, or jet skiing is better when the water is warm to avoid tiny biting insects. Bring a canopy because there are no shaded spots in the day-use beach area. There is a large parking lot, but if you have an ATV or Jeep, you can ride over the rolling dunes to the edge of the water. Vehicle camping is also allowed inside the park. And the park charges a $20 entrance fee for residents and $35 for out-of-state folks.  

When you’re ready to plan your trip to southern Utah, skip the crowds in St. George and Springdale, save your extra coins, and stay in the quaint town of La Verkin. Not only is it a hidden gem in the area, but you’ll find that there are lots of outdoor recreational activities to keep you busy for a few days. I have a feeling that before you know it, La Verkin will become a major hub in the area, so be sure to visit before it gets too crowded.