As a Southern Utah family photographer I am always excited to share locations that feel a little off the beaten path. If you’re looking for a unique location for family photos in Hurricane, Utah, Sand Mountain offers a beautiful Southern Utah backdrop. With two large red rock formations, open desert scenery, and incredible views of Sand Hollow State Park, this location gives families plenty of room to explore while creating photos that feel adventurous and natural.

This family was visiting Southern Utah from out of town, and Sand Mountain gave us the perfect setting for their family photos. Their session included three teenagers and their baby brother, and it was so sweet to see how much they adored him.

While the red rocks and desert views created the backdrop, their connection as a family became the heart of the session.

Why Sand Mountain Is a Great Location for Family Photos

Sand Mountain offers a completely different look from some of the more traditional Southern Utah family photography locations.

The landscape feels wide open and rugged. Two large red rock formations sit in the middle of the desert, creating a dramatic backdrop for family portraits. You can also see Sand Hollow State Park from the higher areas, giving you beautiful views of the blue lake and surrounding landscape.

Because the location has so much open space, you can create several different looks without traveling between multiple locations.

If you’re searching for Sand Mountain family photos or a Hurricane, Utah family photographer, this location is a great choice if you want your session to feel adventurous and connected to the Southern Utah landscape.

Incredible Views of Sand Hollow State Park

One of my favorite features of Sand Mountain is the view.

From the rocks, you can look out over Sand Hollow State Park and see the lake surrounded by desert and red rock scenery. The contrast between the blue water and warm desert landscape creates a beautiful Southern Utah photograph.

It also gives your gallery some variety. You can capture close-up family portraits surrounded by red rock and then step back for wider images that show off the landscape.

If you’re visiting the area, Sand Mountain is also a fun way to experience a different perspective of Sand Hollow State Park.

A Family Full of Sibling Love

This family had three teenagers and a baby boy, and watching the older kids interact with their youngest brother was one of my favorite parts of the session.

There was so much obvious love between the siblings. The older kids adored their baby brother, and those relationships made the family photographs feel especially meaningful.

With older siblings and a much younger child, you get to capture a really unique season of family life. The teenagers may be growing more independent, while their baby brother is still in those early stages where everyone wants to hold, cuddle, and dote on him.

Those moments are worth documenting.

Family photos aren’t only about getting everyone to look at the camera at the same time. They also preserve the relationships between family members and the little ways they interact with one another.

Letting Kids Explore at the End of the Session

Once we finished the main family portraits, the kids had fun climbing on the rocks and exploring the area.

I love ending sessions this way when the location allows it.

Once the pressure of getting the family portraits is over, kids can relax and enjoy the surroundings. At Sand Mountain, the large rock formations naturally invite exploration, so the kids had plenty to keep them busy.

Those final moments also gave me an opportunity to capture some more candid photographs. Instead of looking at the camera, the kids could simply explore, climb, and enjoy being together.

Sometimes those unplanned photographs end up being some of the family’s favorites.

Sand Mountain Is a Free Photography Location

Another great thing about Sand Mountain is that it’s free.

Southern Utah has so many beautiful places for family photography, but some locations require entrance or day-use fees. Sand Mountain offers incredible red rock scenery and views of Sand Hollow State Park without an additional location fee.

That makes it a great option for families who want a beautiful outdoor session without adding another expense.

Because it is an open desert location, I recommend coming prepared for uneven ground and bringing comfortable shoes. You’ll want to be ready to explore a little to make the most of the scenery.

The parking lot is just a 2-3 minute walk to the rock formations and there is a bathroom by the parking lot.

If you’re searching for a family photographer in Hurricane, Utah, I’d love to help you plan your own Sand Mountain session. Check out my Southern Utah family sessions page for pricing and availability.