USA Virgin River Gorge

Views of the Virgin River and Zion National Park.

There are numerous photo opportunities all along the gorge overlooking the Virgin River with the mountains of Zion National Park in the distance, Gooseberry Mesa to the south and Hurricane Mesa to the north. Great area for sunrise and sunset photography. Cottonwood trees line the edges of the river and add a splash of color in the Fall.

From La Verkin, Utah, turn east on SR9 at the “”Maverik” convenience store. Drive up the steep winding road leading to Zion National Park. There are several dirt “roads” between mile markers 14 and 17 on the south side of SR9 that were haphazardly forged by tourists over the years forming a maze of zigzagging intersecting trails on BLM (public) land. Pick one and make your way north toward the Virgin River Gorge. There are also parcels of private property on both sides of “La Verkin Overlook” road that are marked with “No Trespassing” signs that must be avoided. The roads are dirt or gravel and can be a sloppy mess after a heavy rain. It’s also possible to access the other side of the gorge by driving about a half mile past mile marker 17 to Sheep Bridge Road and turn right. Drive 0.7 miles/1.1 km to a dirt road on the right, just after crossing Sheep Bridge. After about 100 yards the road ends at a parking area for hikers and mountain bikers at the edge of the gorge.