Temperatures hit above 100 degrees on average daily during St. George summers. Finding a way to cool down can be a top priority for area visitors. There are quite a few places to play in the water in the surrounding St. George area.
Sand Hollow State Park and Reservoir
Located about 35 minutes from The Ledges of St. George, Sand Hollow is a great option for those looking to play in the water, while not having to travel far. This lake is not only great to recreate in the water but also features red sand dunes just offshore which are perfect for side-by-side or ATV rentals located on the property. The reservoir has boat rentals available along with options for water ski, tubing, jet ski, and scuba diving. Kayak and paddleboard rentals are also available.
Sand Hollow’s reservoir is open to swimming in the warm months, but the water temperature doesn’t heat up until July and August. There is also a risk of contracting “swimmer’s itch” in Sand Hollow. This is due to the body’s allergic reaction to free-swimming microscopic parasites found in shallow water. It is worse in the summer months but checking before a visit is always recommended.
Quail Creek Reservoir
One of the advantages of choosing to cool down at the Quail Creek Reservoir (also called Quail Lake) is the warmer water temperatures. This is because most of the water in the reservoir does not come from Quail Creek, but comes from the Virgin River – diverted into the reservoir through a buried pipeline. If you’re not interested in swimming, there are several species of fish in the lake for those interested fishermen: Black Crappie, Bluegill, Bullhead Catfish, Largemouth Bass, and Rainbow Trout.
Kayaks, paddleboards, and other water toys are also available for rental at Quail Lake. The reservoir is about 25 miles – a 30-min drive – from Ledges vacation rentals.
Washington City Recreation Center
For those looking for the option to stay inside and cool off, the Washington City Recreation Center has several pools, indoor and outdoor in its Best-in-State ranked aquatic center.
The aquatic center has an 8-lane 25-yard competition pool as well as a 10,174 square foot beach entry leisure pool with a lazy river. It also has a 3-story hydro tube slide and playsets for all ages. The pool can be closed off from the outside during the cold months and opened again in the summer. On the outside deck is a splash pad, chairs and plenty of space to lay around and soak up the sun between dips in the pool. Kids tend to love the 317-gallon dump bucket fixed above the play area in the large pool – sure to keep guests cooled off.
The Washington City Rec Center is located about 13 miles from our St. George rentals and takes about 22 minutes to get there by vehicle.
Sand Hollow Aquatic Center
Another recreation option for cooling off in the water is the Sand Hollow Recreation Center. The facility has a 25-yard competition and diving pool and a 5,800 square foot leisure pool with a zero-depth entry area, which is great for young children. Kids might also enjoy the water toys, water walk and water slide. The lap pool also features a diving board, rock climbing wall and lap lanes.
The Sand Hollow Aquatic Center is about 9 miles away from The Ledges and takes about 15 minutes to drive by car.
Virgin River
Heading back to nature, the Virgin River flows through the city of St. George and provides a few recreational activities for area visitors including floating down the river, skimboarding, and rafting. The water flows out of Zion National Park and makes its way down through St. George before beginning its descent through the Virgin River Gorge. The riverbed is steep at about 70 feet per mile. Because it is one of the few rivers in the West not damn controlled, the water level fluctuates depending on the annual snowpack from the surrounding mountains. For those interested in rafting the Virgin River, that particular activity is only available during the spring runoff when there is enough water to do so. It is important to check with local area outfitters before planning a rafting trip down the Virgin River.
Aside from rafting, tubing down the river is also a possibility depending on water levels. Most rentals for tubing supplies are only available from about May through July when conditions are optimal for floating down the river depending on flow rate.
Skimboarding is also a popular recreational activity along the Virgin River beaches. Thanks to the low water levels, skimboarding is often considered one of the top things to do in St. George and is especially ideal when the water levels are lower. March through November is considered to be the best time to go skimboarding.
St. George City Pool
While a popular spot for St. George residents to cool down in the summertime, the St. George City Pool is a quick and easy way to cool down for an afternoon. The pool is outside and has a hydro tube, pavilions, and restrooms. Because the pool is outside, it is only open during the summer months and is about 9 miles from The Ledges and our rentals in St. George, Utah.
Plan Your Visit
With so many great outdoor activities to experience in St. George, Utah your family will be sure to enjoy their vacation. Find the perfect St. George vacation rental today and plan your next getaway!
Town Square Splash Pad
Another quick way to cool down in St. George without needing any gear or even swimming suits is the splash pad located in the heart of the city at Town Square. Located in the historic district, the splash pad is surrounded by some of St. George’s most historic buildings. The splash pad itself has jets that spray high into the air, a lazy river – perfect for wading in with shorts and bare feet as well as a splashing waterfall. There are also shade pavilions, tables, and chairs, perfect for picnics on a hot summer day.
Sources: Utah.com, washingtoncity.org, stateparks.utah.gov, zionoutfitter.com, sgcity.org