Virgin River Canyon Recreation Area

Overview

The Virgin River Canyon Recreation Area is located along Interstate 15 approximately 20 miles southwest of St. George, Utah and approximately 20 miles northeast of Mesquite, Nevada. It's accessed from the Cedar Pocket Exit (mile post 18). The overnight-use fee is $8 per site per night and the day-use fee is $2 per vehicle. Overnight use is limited to 14-night stays. The recreation area currently has 25 of the best sites only available through recreation.gov reservations. The remaining 83 sites are first come, first serve (FF) payable onsite by using the Scan and Pay feature on the recreation.gov app. Please come prepared by either making a reservation here before arrival OR having the recreation.gov app installed with login setup to pay onsite with the scan and pay option.

Recreation

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 Wilderness.

The campground and day-use areas also both have scenic trails leading to the Virgin River. The Virgin River is occasionally runnable to small whitewater boats during spring runoffs. Please check for information on the fish barriers and flow conditions prior to running.

Additional hiking opportunities are available. 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. Several other trails can be accessed along this road or from hiking trails within the recreation area. A trails map is viewable on the site's restroom kiosks or can be downloaded as a PDF map or to the Avenza app .

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.

Facilities

Campsite Amenities (108 overnight sites) - 14-night stay limit

Paved access road

Pull-through parking

Drinking water

Flush toilets (ADA compliant at middle restroom)

Picnic table

Grill and/or fire pit

Vehicle or RV parking

8 sites that are ADA compliant

12 sites with shade shelters

** The campground has no electrical or waste dump hook ups. **

Day-Use Amenities - daylight hours only

Paved access road

Pull-through parking

Drinking water

Flush toilets

Shade shelters

ADA compliant sites

Access to Sullivan Canyon Trail in the Paiute Wilderness

Access to interpretative trail

Trail access to the Virgin River

Natural Features

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.

Nearby Attractions

Hiking Trails

The most popular hike is a simple 0.1 mile hike down to the Virgin River via the River Trail . This is easily accessed from the lowest parking in the lower loop.

The easiest trail is the 0.4 mile Canyon Overlook Trail . This trail begins at the fee kiosk. It is a paved, ADA trail leading to an overlook and interpretative compass display.

The best hike is the Narrows hike. This is a steep, 1.4 mile hike leading through a Joshua Tree grove down to a limestone narrows punching through a geologic fold. The best starting point is a short drive up to the Cedar Pocket Wash Trailhead .

A full of views hike is the Ridgeline Loop . This is a 1.1 mile loop starting at the I-15 trailhead. The trail follows the ridgeline up about 1000 ft above the start and loops back.

For the more adventurous, Greyhaven Pinnacle is a exposed scramble up a limestone peak with wondrous views from the middle of the Virgin River Gorge. This 1.8 mile trail is accessed from I-15 Trailhead .

A trails map is available as a PDF or for the Avenza app .

What people do here

• camping
• day use area
• hiking
• picnicking