Virgin, Utah, US

1) South Campground (Zion NP) or Springdale to Virgin

Usual Difficulty	II (for normal flows)
Length	14 Miles
Avg. Gradient	25 fpm

Gauge Information

Name	Range	Difficulty	Updated	Level
NORTH FORK VIRGIN RIVER NEAR SPRINGDALE, UT
usgs-09405500	200 - 3000 cfs	II	00h30m	76 cfs (rc= -0.0 )

River Description

The listed put-in is actually on the North Fork, but just downstream lies the confluence with the East Fork, and together they become the Virgin River. (A portage around the Rockville Diversion just upstream of this confluence is highly recommended.) Downstream, the river meanders through easy riffles in a broad, flat valley, crossing Highway 9 in several places.

Be aware that the run may require considerably more caution than the class II rating implies, as you will no doubt encounter numerous debris piles, many fences (barbed wire, wire-mesh, and occasional electric fencing), several diversion structures, and at least one hazardously low bridge. Downstream of the town of Virgin, the river runs through a slot in a limestone ledge, signalling the start of a limestone canyon.

A dirt road on river-left (south bank of the river) offers a number of possible take-outs. Be certain of your take-out, as there is no access at the Quail Creek Diversion dam (the road is gated and locked), and the river downstream is Class VI.

Virgin River Runners Coalition web site includes detailed descriptions of the different sections. Also see

• National Park Service - Zion