Best UTV Trails Near St George Utah — Where to Ride and What to Know
Best UTV Trails Near St George Utah — Where to Ride and What to Know
Southern Utah is one of the best places in the country to ride a UTV. From the red rock playground at Sand Hollow to the high-elevation pine forests near Brian Head, there's terrain for every skill level and riding style — all within an hour or two of St George.
At MST Motorsports in Washington, Utah, we prep machines for these trails every week. Here's our guide to the best riding areas, what to expect, and how to make sure your UTV is ready.
1. Sand Hollow State Park
Distance from MST Motorsports: 5 minutes Terrain: Sand dunes, slickrock, desert trails Difficulty: Beginner to Advanced Best For: All UTV types
Sand Hollow is the crown jewel of Southern Utah UTV riding. With over 15,000 acres of open riding area, you'll find everything from beginner-friendly sand flats to advanced rock crawling lines.
What to Know:
- Utah OHV registration or temporary permit required
- Sand riding heats up your clutch fast — make sure your belt is in good shape
- Slickrock sections require aired-down tires for grip
- Summer temps exceed 110°F — carry extra water and watch your engine temps
- The reservoir area has specific boundary rules — check the map
Machine Prep: Clutch tuning for sand, tire pressure check, coolant system inspection, and a spare belt.
2. Warner Valley / Fort Pearce Wash
Distance from MST Motorsports: 20 minutes Terrain: Desert washes, rocky trails, open desert Difficulty: Beginner to Intermediate Best For: Trail riding, scenic desert exploration
Warner Valley offers miles of desert trails with stunning views of the red cliffs. Fort Pearce Wash follows a historic cattle trail through beautiful canyon country.
What to Know:
- Some trails cross private land — stay on designated routes
- Flash flood risk in wash areas during monsoon season (July-September)
- Rocky sections can be hard on suspension and skid plates
- Great for families and casual riding
Machine Prep: Skid plate inspection, suspension check, tire condition assessment.
3. Hurricane Cliffs / Gould's Rim
Distance from MST Motorsports: 25 minutes Terrain: Technical rock crawling, cliff-edge trails Difficulty: Intermediate to Advanced Best For: Rock crawling, technical riding
The Hurricane Cliffs area offers some of the most technical riding in Southern Utah. Gould's Rim trail provides stunning views of Zion National Park from exposed cliff-edge sections.
What to Know:
- NOT for beginners — steep drop-offs and technical rock sections
- 4WD and low range essential
- Travel with a buddy — cell service is limited
- Some sections require a spotter
- Best in spring and fall when temperatures are moderate
Machine Prep: Full suspension inspection, shock rebuild if overdue, steering component check, tire condition and pressure setup.
4. Dixie National Forest / Brian Head
Distance from MST Motorsports: 1.5 hours Terrain: Mountain trails, forest roads, alpine meadows Difficulty: Beginner to Intermediate Best For: Summer riding, scenic touring, camping trips
When the desert gets too hot, head up to Brian Head and the Dixie National Forest. Elevations above 9,000 feet keep temperatures comfortable even in July and August.
What to Know:
- Seasonal access — most trails open June through October
- Forest Service regulations require spark arrestors
- Altitude affects engine performance (especially naturally aspirated machines)
- Beautiful fall colors in September and October
- Camping opportunities at multiple forest campgrounds
Machine Prep: Spark arrestor installation, clutch tuning for altitude, coolant check for temperature swings.
5. Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
Distance from MST Motorsports: 1.5 hours Terrain: Pure sand dunes Difficulty: Intermediate Best For: Sand riding, dune jumping
Coral Pink offers a unique riding experience with towering coral-colored sand dunes surrounded by red rock cliffs. The sand here is different from Sand Hollow — finer and deeper.
What to Know:
- Paddle tires strongly recommended
- Flag/whip required (minimum 8 feet)
- Sand gets extremely soft in summer heat
- Limited riding area compared to Sand Hollow but more dramatic terrain
- Campground on-site for weekend trips
Machine Prep: Paddle tire swap, clutch tuning for deep sand, air filter inspection, belt condition check.
Get Your Machine Trail-Ready at MST Motorsports
Whether you're heading to Sand Hollow for an afternoon or planning a weekend trip to Brian Head, proper machine prep makes the difference between a great ride and a trailside breakdown.
At MST Motorsports in Washington, Utah, we offer pre-ride inspections, clutch tuning, shock rebuilds, and full service for Polaris, Can-Am, Kawasaki, and all major UTV brands. We ride these trails ourselves, so we know exactly what your machine needs.
987 S 1900 E, Washington, UT 84780 | 435-256-8899
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