Virgin River Gorge
Scenic landmarks
The limestone canyon Interstate 15 threads on the way to Las Vegas, about 20 miles southwest of St. George in Arizona, with a BLM campground, trails and hard sport climbing.
The canyon everyone drives through
Every trip from St. George toward Las Vegas passes through the Virgin River Gorge, where I-15 follows the river between towering limestone walls. It is one of the more dramatic stretches of interstate in the country and was among the most expensive to build. Most people experience it at 75 mph and never stop.
Note that the gorge is in Mohave County, Arizona, not Utah — roughly 20 miles southwest of St. George, on the Arizona Strip.
Stopping
The Virgin River Canyon Recreation Area is at the Cedar Pockets exit on the south side of I-15, around mile marker 18. The Bureau of Land Management runs a campground and picnic area there, with access to the river corridor and to two designated wilderness areas: the Paiute Wilderness east of the interstate and the Beaver Dam Mountains Wilderness to the west.
Walking and climbing
The Ridgeline Loop runs about 1.1 miles from the I-15 trailhead and climbs roughly 1,000 feet along the ridge before looping back — a short walk with a disproportionate view. Greyhaven Pinnacle is an exposed scramble up a limestone peak from the same trailhead.
The gorge is also a nationally known sport climbing venue, with steep limestone at the hard end of the grade range, and it sees canyoneering traffic.
Timing
Low elevation means it is hot. Winter and the shoulder seasons are the time to come; midsummer afternoons are punishing.
Related on the site: rock climbing around St. George.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Virgin River Gorge in Utah?
No. It is in Mohave County, Arizona, on the Arizona Strip, about 20 miles southwest of St. George along Interstate 15.
Can you stop in the Virgin River Gorge?
Yes. The Virgin River Canyon Recreation Area at the Cedar Pockets exit, on the south side of I-15 around mile marker 18, has a BLM campground, a picnic area and trailheads. Modest day-use and camping fees apply and are payable on site.