The community of Hurricane, Utah is situated in Washington County. It was named as such due to a powerful whirlwind that a group of surveyors, led by the Mormon leader Erastus Snow, had to navigate through in the early 1860s. However, the town was originally referred to as Timpoweap by the Paiute people, the area's first inhabitants. The name Timpoweap meant "Rock Canyon" in their language. The region is also famously known as "The Fruit Basket of Southern Utah."
The Hurricane Valley Pioneer Heritage Park and Museum is the ideal destination for those who would like to delve into the rich history of Hurricane. The museum offers visitors unique opportunities to learn about the city's past through interactive exhibits and displays that showcase its early settlers and the events that shaped its development. Visitors can walk through the museum's grounds to view historic buildings and learn about the lives of the city's early pioneers.
For families seeking dining and entertainment options, Hurricane has great options. The city boasts a variety of restaurants that serve up local favorites, ensuring that visitors can get an enhanced local experience. Additionally, nature lovers will enjoy visiting Hurricane, as the city boasts a variety of parks and botanical gardens that offer ample opportunities for outdoor recreation and exploration. Some of the city's most popular parks include Pioneer Park and Hurricane City Park, both of which feature well-manicured gardens, picnic areas, and recreational facilities.
Hurricane is a bustling community that has managed to maintain its small-town charm while embracing the growth and development of the 21st century. The town is home to several local businesses, a well-regarded school district, and a strong sense of community pride, which has helped to preserve its unique history and character. Whether you're a local or touring the area, Hurricane is a charming and fascinating place to explore due to its rich history and abundant attractions.
Campgrounds Near Hurricane, Utah
Zion View RV Park, just 1.5 miles west of Hurricane, Utah, is an ideal destination for RV camping. It offers stunning panoramic views of Zion National Park and nearby scenic landmarks such as Molly's Nipple, Steamboat, and Hurricane Hill. The park provides 50/30-amp electrical hookups, water, sewer, and picnic spots with a fire pit area. It's also located close to restaurants, grocery stores, and attractions.
Alternatively, Leeds RV Park and Motel is located 13 miles northwest of Hurricane. This RV park offers a comfortable and convenient experience with amenities like picnic tables, fire pits, spacious pull-in sites, clean restrooms and showers, a clubhouse, and a laundromat.
Another great option is St. George RV Park, located 15 miles southwest of Hurricane. This RV park offers full RV hookups, including power, water, waste disposal, and more, ensuring a comfortable stay for guests. Guests can relax and enjoy their surroundings with shaded areas, picnic tables, and BBQ patios.
State Parks Near Hurricane, Utah
Approximately 10 miles from Hurricane lies Sand Hollow State Park. The 20,000-acre park boasts a magnificent red sandstone landscape, sandy beaches, a warm-water reservoir, and dunes. The park appeals to visitors of all interests with a range of recreational activities such as ATV riding, boating, fishing, hiking, and horseback riding. After a fun day at the park, visitors can choose from nearby dining options, including family-owned barbecue joints and restaurants with picturesque mountain views. The St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site is also near the park for those interested in sightseeing. The museum features actual fossils, a working fossil preparation lab, and life-sized models of prehistoric animals.
Quail Creek State Park, located 9 miles from Hurricane, offers many recreational opportunities for visitors of all ages. The lake's warm waters are perfect for kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding. Fishing enthusiasts will find an array of fish species, including crappie, trout, bullhead catfish, bluegill, and largemouth bass, all available to catch year-round. Visitors can also enjoy swimming and boating activities, with the option to bring their boat or rent one at the park. For those who love to hike or bike, numerous trails within and near the park provide opportunities to explore and enjoy the area's stunning natural beauty.
Snow Canyon State Park, situated in southwest Utah, is a natural wonderland with a rich tapestry of scenic beauty. Located just 28 miles from Hurricane, the park boasts a warm winter climate with rare snowfall. With 16 miles of picturesque hiking trails, challenging rock-climbing routes, and exciting biking and horseback riding trails, it has something for everyone. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, wildlife observer, or photographer, this park has plenty of opportunities to pursue your interests. This state park's campground is also a major draw, as it is open all year round for visitors. The backdrop of the park is a stunning spectacle of towering red and white sandstone cliffs dotted with black lava rocks, making it a true feast for the eyes.
National Sites Near Hurricane, Utah
Pipe Spring National Monument is a historic site located 41 miles from Hurricane. It has plenty of history dating back to 1829 when it was discovered by Antonio Armijo and incorporated into the Old Spanish Trail. The spring served native Americans over a thousand years ago and was later occupied by Mormon missionaries in the 1860s. Today, visitors can explore the remnants of an old Mormon ranch and native American settlements and participate in various outdoor activities like hiking, sightseeing, visiting museums, shopping, and dining. During the summer, the farm used by the settlers still grows crops, and the orchards produce apples and other fruits. This site was designated as a national monument in 1923.
Tucked away as one of Utah's hidden gems, Cedar Breaks National Monument is situated 74 miles from Hurricane. It offers a unique and breathtaking experience. Despite being located near popular parks like Zion and Bryce Canyon, it remains uncrowded. The park's elevations start at or above 10,000 feet, ensuring cooler temperatures during the summer months. You can also explore the site's breathtaking geologic amphitheater that drops half a mile deep, stroll among ancient bristlecone pines, bask in the beauty of wildflowers in lush meadows, gaze in awe at the crystal-clear night sky, and immerse yourself in the richness of the subalpine forest.
Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument, located 90 miles from Hurricane in the northwest corner of Arizona, is often overlooked compared to its more well-known sister, Grand Canyon National Park. Despite this, it holds just as much cultural, geological, and scenic value, covering over a million acres of land. This remote area is largely untapped, with only 5% of its protected land being explored. Visitors can still see the remnants of its past, including ranching, mining, and timber cutting, at sites like Tassi Ranch, Nixon Sawmill, and Pa's Pocket Line Shack. The monument takes its name from an early translation of the Paiute family name "Parashonts," meaning elk or large deer standing in water.
National Forests Near Hurricane, Utah
Immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes and ecosystems of Kaibab National Forest, located just 55 miles from Hurricane. With an array of activities and beautiful sights, such as fishing in mountain lakes, hiking through high-altitude meadows, and breathtaking views of the Grand Canyon, the forest provides a serene escape from the crowds. You can also explore the hidden trails that lead to secluded vistas or enjoy solitude as you explore the area's natural beauty.
Fishlake National Forest, located 127 miles from Hurricane in Central Utah, is a natural wonder that boasts an array of diverse landscapes and ecosystems. From majestic stands of aspen trees that encircle open mountain meadows to the stunning Fish Lake, it is considered one of Utah's treasures. In addition, this forest is a nature lover's paradise. Fishlake National Forest is also home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, deer, black bear, cougar, and moose, making it a prime destination for sightseeing. Visitors can also explore mining ruins in Bullion Canyon, go on a thrilling mountain bike ride, or hike on scenic trails. The fall season is particularly beautiful, with the aspen groves turning bright yellow, while winter brings snow, offering perfect conditions for skiing, snowmobiling, and ice fishing.
Dixie National Forest, located in the heart of Southern Utah about 52 miles from Hurricane, offers a breathtaking blend of contrasts. You can immerse yourself in the area's vivid landscapes of red-rock hoodoos, cool evergreen forests, and vibrant aspen groves that burst into neon yellow during fall. Visitors can also take a deeper dive into the towering limestone canyons and discover the ancient bristlecone pines of the Ashdown Gorge Wilderness or go for a leisurely paddle across Panguitch Lake. During winter, the upper elevations of the forest become blanketed in snow, providing ample opportunities for skiing and snowmobiling.
