Sand Hollow State Park is a haven for off-roading enthusiasts with all kinds of trails to suit every driver. We at Dixie 4 Wheel Drive have had many adventures on different trails and we’d love to highlight them to give people a better idea of what to expect.
We’d like to take a look at one of the difficult trails: John’s Trail.
Trail Overview
Located right in the heart of Sand Hollow, John’s Trail is guaranteed to give you a run for your money. The 7 rating is well earned as the trail boasts several tough obstacles most of which are optional. This includes steep ascents and descents on sheer sand dunes, one very steep hot tub, several slickrock inclines and plenty of off-camber challenges to keep any avid hardcore off-roader happy.
To make a successful trail run of John’s Trail, you need a modified stock jeep or custom-built truck with all the modifications and upgrades you can throw at it. Ensure that your rig is equipped with front and rear lockers, a winch and 33” tires or larger. Your shocks and suspension also need to be in top condition because they’ll take a beating on the trail.
Scenery
To access the trail, you need to approach westwards from the Hurricane Water Tanks to the sand dunes area next to Sand Hollow Reservoir. As you approach the sand dunes and the first obstacle, you’ll get a splendid view of the Virgin River Valley in the Washington Dam Area.
From the tip of the trail, there are breathtaking views of Sand Hollow with Zion National Park forming a beautiful backdrop in the distance. You can also catch fascinating glimpses of the Pine Valley Mountain Peaks which are snowcapped at certain times of the year.
Trail surface and Obstacles
When running this trail, you’ll be driving mostly on sand starting from the sandy two-track road leading to the top of the first sand dune. Once you descend the dunes, the sand gives way to slickrock where you’ll have to traverse several ledgy, sharp inclines.
There are different obstacles scattered throughout the trail, including steep drops down sand dunes as well as sharp climbs up sandy walls. The major obstacle along this trail is Johnny’s Hot Tub- and it’s recommended that only drivers who know what they’re doing should get into this obstacle. With its sheer walls, it can be quite difficult to climb out and several rigs have rolled over as they attempted to do so. The good thing is this obstacle can be bypassed. Nonetheless, if your vehicle sustains body damage or mechanical breakdown, Dixie 4 Wheel Drive auto shops are ready to fix it up and get you back on the trail.
We recommend this trail for anyone looking for some fun in the sand followed by rock crawling over steep ledges with lots of off-camber challenges that will test your 4×4’s suspension.
