Swimming & Cliff Jumping
Cliff Jumping at Sand Hollow Reservoir
St. George, UT
Click HERE to see this video’s YouTube page.
Sand Hollow Reservoir is a popular swimming hole with locals, but not incredibly well known by tourists. Cliff jumping at Sand Hollow is a great thrill seeker’s detour, and works especially well if you’re on your way in or out of Zion National Park.
Where Is It - Just a 15 min. sidetrack from the town of Hurricane, UT; roughly 55 - 60 min. south of Zion’s main entrance.
When to Visit - Because it’s an hour south of Zion, we usually check it out on our way in or out of the park. If people are gassed on a Sunday before a long drive back to California, this makes for a great final adventure on your way home.
Boats, Jet Skis and UTV’s - Aside from swimming and cliff jumping, there’s a great beach at Sand Hollow, with wakeboard boat, jet ski and UTV / dune buggy rentals. More info on that here.
Epic Campsite Nearby - If you haven’t seen our feature on camping at Gooseberry Mesa (see: Zion Area Camping), definitely check it out. It’s located right next to Sand Hollow Reservoir, and would be a perfect place to camp out after a day on the water. Includes a jaw-dropping cliff-side view of the grandiose canyon-splitting entrance to Zion National Park.
Resources
The Beach at Sand Hollow - Paddleboard, boat, jetski and UTV rentals
GreaterZion - A Guide to Enjoying Sand Hollow Reservoir
GoogleMaps - Directions to Sand Hollow Reservoir
float the virgin river
Before You Go…
River Tubing Is Seasonal - There’s usually a three month window from May to mid July where water levels in the Virgin River hit the Goldilocks zone for river tubing—not too high, not too low.
Safety Precautions - Whether you rent or bring your own tube, ALWAYS check with one of the gear rental shops to make sure water levels are safe for both WATER FLOW and TEMPERATURE.
Note: Everything you bring will get soaked - That includes your cell phone, so make sure you bring waterproof cases. You’ll be happier if you pack light and leave all your gear behind.
Route 1: Zion Visitor Center to Springdale Park
The Route - Runs about 2-miles along the Virgin River from the Zion Visitor Center to Springdale Park. It takes about two hours and is a pretty smooth ride, aside from a few small rapids in certain areas, and the exit point is well marked.
Note: the river is pretty shallow at this stretch, and certain parts of the float may require you to get out and traverse the river bottom. Closed toe shoes are required.
Courtesy via: Zion Outfitter
Shuttle Service - YEP! There’s a free shuttle that runs from Springdale Park back to the Visitor Center village area.
Are Tube Rentals Available? - Absolutely. They’re relatively cheap. They’re convenient. They’re even safer, as rental companies won’t allow tube rentals when water levels are dangerous. Several gear companies in town offer tube rentals, but our favorite option is Zion Outfitter. It’s located right next to the visitor center, and just happens to lie right on the Virgin River at the starting point of your float.
Usually, gear rental costs will run you in this range:
Inner tubes - $20
Life jackets (optional) - $4-5
Water shoes - Available and may be preferred; call for rates.
Shuttle - FREE!
Resources
Zion Outfitter - Virgin River Tubing Rentals
Zion Outfitter - Virgin River Water Levels & Safety Updates
Route 2: Falls Park (aka Sheep Bridge Park) in Virgin, UT
The Route - Starts at Falls Park in Virgin, UT (roughly 20-25 min. south of Zion) and travels 2.3 miles down the Virgin River (approx. 1 hour 20 min.)
Tube Rentals and Shuttles - Both available! Pricing is $25 flat per person—contact Zion Tubing for details. If you’d rather go on your own, you’ll want to find a safe exit point down river from Falls Park.
Swimming Hole Bonus - Sheep Bridge is also a popular swimming hole, especially among families.
Resources
St. George News - Blooming in the Desert
Zion Tubing Company - Tube Rentals & Shuttles in Virgin, UT
HikeSt.George - Falls Park General Information
Swimming at Toquerville Falls
Toquerville, UT
For anyone visiting the Kolob Canyon section on the far northwest end of Zion National Park, you can find a true hidden gem side quest—a modest but very charming local swimming hole located well off the main road near the town of Toquerville, UT.
Where Is It - Toquerville Falls is on Google Maps! If you’re traveling from LaVerkin, the town of Toquerville is just a five min. drive up the road. However, the 6 mile-long bumpy dirt road will take most trucks a solid 30-45 min. to navigate each way.
When to Visit - If you’re already in Zion proper and have a full to-do list, don’t change your plans just to fit this in. However these falls are a perfect add-on adventure for anyone en route to Kolob Canyon, or anyone traveling south to Zion from, let’s say, Salt Lake City.
People driving up from Las Vegas might be enticed as well, as it’s only a 10 mile diversion off the main highway. Just know that the dirt road will slow you down significantly—you’re looking at 45 min. each way from LaVerkin.
Road Clearance - Sometimes the best hidden gems are hidden for a reason, and this inviting little waterfall is no exception. The dirt road leading to the falls is remote, requires high clearance, and dishes out a big bowl of consequences for anyone who overestimates his/her vehicle. 4WD is recommended, but the road should be navigable for most SUV’s.
Per any remote area in Southern Utah, don’t expect any cell phone service. And of course, if the road itself gives you trouble, you’ll be in even deeper (literally) if you try to navigate around on the thick sandy terrain that borders it.
Camping Nearby - Yes! You can find several great primitive campsites at the flats above the falls.
Safety at the Falls
The upper falls area is extremely slick, and has been known to cause some pretty severe accidents for people in the past (hint: not a good area for kids).
The pool at the lower falls should be deep enough to jump feet-first from the middle tier ledge above the ladder, but ALWAYS test the water’s depth from below before jumping.
DO NOT drink the water. The falls are fed by upper LaVerkin Creek, which may contain harmful bacteria from cattle grazing.
Stay away from the falls if heavy rains are warned in the forecast. Flash flooding can occur, especially between July and October.
Resources
YouTube - These guys made a great video of their experience!
YouTube - Toquerville Falls Trail Tour (features a sped-up video of the entire dirt road leading into the falls)
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