Wide Hollow Reservoir is a 130-acre impoundment located just outside Escalante in Garfield County, Utah, positioned between the dramatic Escalante canyon country and Boulder Mountain. The reservoir sits within Escalante Petrified Forest State Park, offering paddlers convenient access to camping, restrooms, picnic areas, and a boat ramp. Kayak, paddleboard, and canoe rentals are available at the park, making it an accessible destination for those without their own equipment.

As a relatively shallow reservoir, Wide Hollow experiences significant water level fluctuations throughout the year. The reservoir was rebuilt in 2010 due to sedimentation issues, and water levels can drop substantially during late summer, exposing additional hazards and reducing navigable area. Paddlers should check current conditions before visiting, as low water periods may limit access and expose submerged obstacles.

The 2010 reconstruction flooded numerous trees around the shoreline, creating excellent habitat structure and interesting exploration opportunities for paddlers. These flooded brush areas are best accessed by kayak or canoe, offering intimate encounters with the reservoir's varied shoreline. The scenery blends high desert landscapes with the forested flanks of Boulder Mountain, providing photographic opportunities and wildlife viewing, particularly for birds.

Most shoreline access requires watercraft, as the park facilities occupy limited areas around the reservoir. The west end near the dam can be reached by vehicle, but paddling remains the primary way to explore the full extent of Wide Hollow. The reservoir serves as an ideal base camp for exploring the nearby Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and provides a refreshing contrast to the surrounding desert terrain.

Water-based recreation thrives during warmer months, with swimming popular alongside paddling. Winter conditions can be unpredictable—ice may form during cold winters, but mild winters often leave unsafe ice with open water patches. The reservoir's location along Scenic Byway 12 makes it easily accessible year-round, though facilities like showers close seasonally from mid-November through mid-March.