St. George to Hurricane
Gateway to Zion National Park and Southern Utah's outdoor adventure hub. Hurricane offers world-class mountain biking at Hurricane Cliffs, two stunning reservoirs, a charming small-town downtown, and the closest basecamp for Zion — all just 20 minutes from St. George.
I-15 North → UT-9 East
20 miles
Distance
20-25 min
Drive Time
northeast
Direction
Year-round (spring and fall are ideal)
Best Time
Driving from St. George to Hurricane
Route: I-15 North → UT-9 East
From St. George, take I-15 North to Exit 16, then follow UT-9 East through the scenic Virgin River corridor. The drive passes through open desert with views of the Hurricane Cliffs mesa before descending into the charming town of Hurricane.
About Hurricane
Hurricane, Utah sits at the crossroads of Southern Utah's greatest outdoor adventures. Located 20 miles northeast of St. George along UT-9, this city of approximately 20,000 residents serves as the primary gateway to Zion National Park while offering an impressive lineup of its own attractions. The Hurricane Cliffs trail system has become a world-renowned mountain biking destination, and the twin reservoirs of Sand Hollow and Quail Creek provide year-round water recreation.
The town's charming Main Street corridor retains a classic small-town Utah feel with locally owned shops, restaurants, and the historic Hurricane Canal — an engineering marvel that brought irrigation water to the valley in the early 1900s. Hurricane earned its name not from tropical storms but from early settlers who described the fierce winds that swept through the canyon. Today, those same winds create ideal conditions for paragliding and hang gliding from the Hurricane Mesa.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Hurricane is a dream basecamp. Gooseberry Mesa — widely considered one of the top 10 mountain biking destinations in the world — is accessed through Hurricane. The JEM Trail, Hurricane Cliffs, and Gooseberry Mesa together offer hundreds of miles of singletrack through some of the most dramatic desert scenery imaginable. Quail Creek State Park and Sand Hollow State Park bookend the city with world-class fishing, boating, and camping. And Zion National Park's south entrance is just 25 minutes up UT-9 through the breathtaking Virgin River canyon.
Gas Stops Along the Way
- No stops needed — Hurricane is a direct 20-minute drive from St. George
- Multiple gas stations along State Street and Main Street in Hurricane
Weather & Climate
Hurricane sits at approximately 3,250 feet elevation with a warm desert climate similar to St. George. Summer highs reach 100-110°F with low humidity. Winter highs are 45-60°F with occasional frost. Spring and fall are ideal at 60-85°F. Less than 10 inches of annual rainfall. Afternoon winds are common, especially in spring.
Best Time to Visit
Year-round (spring and fall are ideal)
Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) offer ideal temperatures for mountain biking, hiking, and reservoir activities. Summer is hot (100-110°F) but perfect for water sports at Sand Hollow and Quail Creek. Winter is mild (45-60°F) and excellent for hiking and road biking. Zion is busiest June through September — spring and fall visits are more pleasant.
Things to Do in Hurricane
From outdoor adventures to dining, here is everything worth experiencing when you visit Hurricane, Utah.
Sand Hollow & Quail Creek Reservoirs
Quail Creek State Park
$15 per vehicleA 600-acre reservoir with warm water temperatures ideal for swimming, boating, and fishing. Known for excellent bass and trout fishing. Less crowded than Sand Hollow with a more relaxed atmosphere.
Quail Creek has the warmest water in Southern Utah — comfortable for swimming from May through October
Sand Hollow State Park
$15 per vehicleMassive reservoir and OHV area just south of Hurricane. Boating, paddleboarding, fishing, and over 15,000 acres of sand dunes for ATV and UTV riding. One of the most popular outdoor destinations in the region.
Reservoir Fishing
Utah fishing license requiredBoth Quail Creek and Sand Hollow offer excellent fishing. Quail Creek is known for rainbow trout and largemouth bass, while Sand Hollow produces trophy-size bass and bluegill. Shore and boat fishing both productive year-round.
Kayaking & Paddleboarding
$30-$60 rentalsBoth reservoirs offer calm water ideal for kayaking and standup paddleboarding. Rentals available from local outfitters in Hurricane and St. George. Morning hours offer the glassiest conditions.
Mountain Biking & Trails
Hurricane Cliffs Trail System
FreeOver 60 miles of singletrack on the mesa above Hurricane with stunning views of Zion, Pine Valley Mountains, and the desert below. Trails range from beginner-friendly to expert. The Hurricane Rim trail is the signature ride.
Gooseberry Mesa
FreeWidely regarded as one of the top 10 mountain biking destinations in the world. Technical slickrock riding with jaw-dropping views of Zion and the Virgin River Gorge. White Trail, South Rim, and Hidden Canyon are must-ride routes.
Bring extra water and spare tubes — Gooseberry is remote with no services
JEM Trail
FreeA smooth, flowing singletrack trail connecting Hurricane to Gooseberry Mesa. The JEM (named for the junction of the Virgin River's East and Main forks) offers intermediate riding through beautiful desert scenery.
Hiking Trails
FreeHurricane offers hiking on Gould Wash Trail, Middleton Wash, and the Virgin River Trail. The nearby Chinle Trail connects Hurricane to Springdale along the base of the Hurricane Cliffs.
Zion National Park Access
Zion South Entrance
Hurricane is the closest affordable basecamp for Zion National Park. The south entrance in Springdale is just 25 minutes up UT-9 through a spectacular canyon drive along the Virgin River.
Staying in Hurricane saves significantly on lodging compared to Springdale — and adds only 20 minutes to your drive
Kolob Canyons
$35 park pass (covers both entrances)The lesser-visited northwest section of Zion is accessible from I-15 north of Hurricane. Features dramatic finger canyons, the Kolob Arch (one of the largest natural arches in the world), and far fewer crowds.
Zion Shuttle & Planning
Free shuttleDuring shuttle season (March-November), private vehicles cannot drive up Zion Canyon. The free shuttle runs from the visitor center. Hurricane-based visitors should plan to arrive at Zion by 7 AM for the best experience.
Scenic UT-9 Drive
FreeThe drive from Hurricane to Zion along UT-9 is one of the most scenic stretches of highway in Utah. The road follows the Virgin River through a deep red rock canyon with towering cliffs on both sides.
Downtown & Dining
Historic Main Street
Free to exploreHurricane's Main Street features a mix of locally owned shops, restaurants, and the historic Hurricane Canal. The small-town atmosphere offers a refreshing contrast to busier tourist corridors.
Local Restaurants
$-$$Hurricane's dining scene includes a growing mix of local favorites and family restaurants. From Mexican cuisine to classic American diners and pizza shops, the town offers solid options for refueling after outdoor adventures.
Main Street Cafe Culture
$Coffee shops and cafes along Main Street provide a laid-back atmosphere for morning coffee, breakfast, and lunch. A popular stop for cyclists and hikers before hitting the trails.
Grocery & Supplies
VariesHurricane has grocery stores, gas stations, and outdoor gear shops that serve as the last supply point before heading to Zion, Gooseberry Mesa, or the backcountry.
Outdoor Recreation
Rock Climbing
FreeThe sandstone cliffs around Hurricane offer sport and trad climbing routes for all levels. The Hurricane Cliffs area and nearby Kolob Canyon provide excellent climbing in cooler months.
ATV & UTV Tours
$100-$250 per personGuided ATV and UTV tours depart from Hurricane and explore the desert backcountry, sand dunes, and scenic trails. Multiple local outfitters offer half-day and full-day adventures.
Hot Air Balloon Rides
$200-$350 per personSunrise hot air balloon rides over the Southern Utah desert landscape launch from the Hurricane area, offering panoramic views of Zion, the Pine Valley Mountains, and the Virgin River Valley.
Horseback Riding
$75-$150 per personGuided horseback rides through desert washes and along canyon rims near Hurricane. Several outfitters offer sunset rides with views of the surrounding red rock landscape.
Travel Tips for the St. George to Hurricane Drive
Hurricane is the most affordable basecamp for Zion National Park — hotels and vacation rentals are significantly cheaper than Springdale
Gas up in Hurricane before heading to Zion, Gooseberry Mesa, or the backcountry — there are limited services once you leave town
The Hurricane Cliffs mountain bike trails are best ridden in spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) — summer temperatures on the exposed mesa exceed 100°F
Quail Creek Reservoir has warmer water than Sand Hollow — better for swimming from May through October
Gooseberry Mesa is remote and exposed — bring extra water, food, spare tubes, and a basic repair kit
The UT-9 drive from Hurricane to Zion is stunning but can be slow behind RVs — leave extra time during peak season
Wind can be significant in Hurricane, especially in spring — plan accordingly for outdoor activities
Hurricane pronounces as "HUR-uh-kuhn" locally — not like the tropical storm
Frequently Asked Questions: St. George to Hurricane
What are the best things to do in Hurricane, Utah?
Hurricane offers world-class mountain biking at Hurricane Cliffs and Gooseberry Mesa, water recreation at Sand Hollow and Quail Creek reservoirs, a charming Main Street, and serves as the closest affordable gateway to Zion National Park. ATV tours, rock climbing, and hot air balloon rides round out the adventure options.
How far is Hurricane from Zion National Park?
Hurricane is approximately 25 minutes (18 miles) from Zion's south entrance in Springdale via the scenic UT-9 highway. It is the closest affordable basecamp for the park, with lodging costs significantly lower than Springdale.
What are the best mountain biking trails near Hurricane?
Hurricane Cliffs offers 60+ miles of singletrack from beginner to expert. Gooseberry Mesa is a world-renowned technical slickrock riding destination. The JEM Trail provides smooth intermediate riding connecting Hurricane to the Gooseberry area. All three are free to ride.
What are the best restaurants in Hurricane, Utah?
Hurricane has a growing dining scene with locally owned restaurants along Main Street and State Street. Options include Mexican restaurants, American diners, pizza shops, and cafes. The town serves as a solid food stop between St. George and Zion.
What can you do at Quail Creek and Sand Hollow?
Quail Creek offers boating, swimming, fishing (trout and bass), and kayaking with warm water temperatures. Sand Hollow provides boating, paddleboarding, fishing, swimming, and over 15,000 acres of OHV sand dunes. Both have camping and day-use facilities.
What is it like living in Hurricane, Utah?
Hurricane offers an affordable, small-town lifestyle with easy access to world-class outdoor recreation. It is quieter and more affordable than St. George while being just 20 minutes away. The town has a growing commercial base, good schools, and a strong community atmosphere. Proximity to Zion is a major draw for outdoor enthusiasts.
Nearby Destinations from Hurricane
Zion National Park
The crown jewel of Southern Utah and one of America's most visited national parks is just 45 minutes from St. George. Towering 2,000-foot sandstone cliffs, world-famous hikes, and the emerald Virgin River make Zion an absolute must-visit.
Washington
Washington City is St. George's fast-growing neighbor to the east, offering family-friendly neighborhoods, Sand Hollow State Park access, Thunder Junction all-abilities park, and a thriving dining and shopping scene — all just 10 minutes from downtown St. George.
Springdale
Springdale is the charming gateway town to Zion National Park, offering art galleries, excellent restaurants, adventure outfitters, and scenic lodging steps from one of America's most visited national parks. A destination in its own right, not just a pit stop.
Snow Canyon State Park
St. George's backyard national park-quality gem. Just 15 minutes from downtown, Snow Canyon features dramatic red and white sandstone cliffs, ancient lava flows, slot canyons, sand dunes, and world-class hiking — rivaling Zion without the crowds.
Complete Guide: Driving from St. George to Hurricane
St. George to Hurricane — 20 miles, 20-25 min Drive
Hurricane, Utah sits at the crossroads of Southern Utah's greatest outdoor adventures. Located 20 miles northeast of St. George along UT-9, this city of approximately 20,000 residents serves as the primary gateway to Zion National Park while offering an impressive lineup of its own attractions. The Hurricane Cliffs trail system has become a world-renowned mountain biking destination, and the twin reservoirs of Sand Hollow and Quail Creek provide year-round water recreation.
The route from St. George, Utah to Hurricane, Utah covers 20 miles and takes approximately 20-25 min via I-15 North → UT-9 East. From St. George, take I-15 North to Exit 16, then follow UT-9 East through the scenic Virgin River corridor. The drive passes through open desert with views of the Hurricane Cliffs mesa before descending into the charming town of Hurricane.
Things to Do in Hurricane
Sand Hollow & Quail Creek Reservoirs: Quail Creek State Park, Sand Hollow State Park, Reservoir Fishing. Mountain Biking & Trails: Hurricane Cliffs Trail System, Gooseberry Mesa, JEM Trail. Zion National Park Access: Zion South Entrance, Kolob Canyons, Zion Shuttle & Planning. Downtown & Dining: Historic Main Street, Local Restaurants, Main Street Cafe Culture. Outdoor Recreation: Rock Climbing, ATV & UTV Tours, Hot Air Balloon Rides.
Best Time to Visit Hurricane
Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) offer ideal temperatures for mountain biking, hiking, and reservoir activities. Summer is hot (100-110°F) but perfect for water sports at Sand Hollow and Quail Creek. Winter is mild (45-60°F) and excellent for hiking and road biking. Zion is busiest June through September — spring and fall visits are more pleasant.
Travel Tips
Hurricane is the most affordable basecamp for Zion National Park — hotels and vacation rentals are significantly cheaper than Springdale. Gas up in Hurricane before heading to Zion, Gooseberry Mesa, or the backcountry — there are limited services once you leave town. The Hurricane Cliffs mountain bike trails are best ridden in spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) — summer temperatures on the exposed mesa exceed 100°F. Quail Creek Reservoir has warmer water than Sand Hollow — better for swimming from May through October.
For more things to do near St. George, explore our Things to Do guide, browse the Events Calendar, or discover local businesses in the St. George Business Directory. Check out all road trip destinations from St. George including Zion National Park, Washington, Springdale.
