Virgin River Canyon Recreation Area

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·Virgin River Canyon Recreation Area (P)

Overview

The Virgin River Canyon Recreation Area is located approximately 20 miles southwest of St. George, Utah and approximately 20 miles northeast of Mesquite, Nevada. The recreation area includes a campground and day-use area. It is easily accessed off of Interstate 15 at the Cedar Pocket Exit (mile post 18). The overnight-use fee is $8 per site per day (up to 2 vehicles) and the day-use fee is $2 per vehicle per day.

Great Facilities and Amenities

  • Campfire Allowed

    (All campsites have Campfire Allowed)

  • Checkin Time

    (Majority of the campsites have 12:00 pm)

  • Checkout Time

    (Majority of the campsites have 12:00 pm)

  • Max Num Of Vehicles

    (Up to 10)

  • Pets Allowed

    (All campsites have Pets Allowed)

  • Shade

    (12 of 108 campsites have Shade)

  • Site Access

    (All campsites have Site Acceses)

Natural Features

Typical Site overlooking the Paiute Wilderness - Credits: BLM
Map of Upper Loop (Campground) - Credits: BLM
Popular spot on the Virgin RIver from the Virgin River Canyon Recreation Area - Credits: BLM
Accessible Restroom - Credits: BLM

The Virgin River Gorge, where the Virgin River Canyon Recreation Area resides, was cut by the Virgin River. Though the Virgin River is relatively small, it is incredibly steep, dropping an average of 70 feet per mile - 10 times steeper than the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. This steepness, caused by the uplift of the Colorado Plateau, has given the Virgin River the ability to cut through sandstone and limestone canyons.  

The gorge provides a stunning and colorful mountain desert setting. The gorge mimics, on a smaller scale, the colorful layers and striking depths of the Grand Canyon. In fact, many of the very same geologic formations are present in both areas. The gorge connects the southwestern rim of the Colorado Plateau and the northeastern part of the Mojave Desert. 

The climate of the gorge is typical of the Mojave Desert with hot summers and mild winters. This desert climate allows for some of the most northern Joshua Tree populations. The canyon is usually about 5 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than St George, Utah, however the canyon can occasionally amplify winds.

Many species depend on the water of the Virgin River. The Virgin River directly supports hundreds of wildlife species including, woundfin, Virgin River chub, Virgin spinedace, flannelmouth sucker, desert sucker, speckled dace, and Southwestern Willow Flycatcher. Many of these species are endangered or are considered sensitive species within the State of Arizona and Utah.

Recreation

Site in the Virgin River Canyon with Joshua Trees - Credits: BLM

The Virgin River Canyon Recreation Area provides many recreational opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, water play, and more. It is surrounded by two designated wilderness areas. The Paiute Wilderness east of Interstate 15, and Beaver Dam Mountains Wilderness to the west. The Sullivan Canyon Trail starts within the recreation area and heads into the heart of the Paiute Willderness. 

The campground and day-use areas also both have scenic trails leading to the Virgin River. The Virgin River is occassionally runable to small whitewater boats during spring runoffs. 

Additional opportunities for recreation are available outside of the recreation area. A short drive on the Cedar Pocket Road (directly across the interstate from the campground) leads to the Cedar Pocket Wash Trailhead. This trail leads down a steep path to the narrows of the Cedar Pocket Wash and is a nice short stroll through a Joshua Tree forest. The Virgin River Gorge is also frequented by rock climbers and canyoneers. Additional information about recreation available in the area can be obtained by calling the visitor center at 435-688-3200.

Nearby Attractions

  • The recreation area has an easy, short paved trail accessed near the fee station. This trail goes up to a Joshua Tree grove and a nice developed viewpoint of the Virgin River Gorge.
  • The recreation area also has a trailhead to Sullivan Canyon. This trail crosses the river and traverses 3 miles through wilderness to Sullivan Canyon. 
  • Follow the high clearance road about 2 miles northwest across from the Virgin River Canyon Recreation Area, you will reach the Cedar Pocket Wash trailhead. Here, there is a short trail to a Joshua Tree grove and plenty of views. A side trail leads steeply down to the wash where you can hike through a limestone slot canyon.  

Additional Information