Sinawava to South Campground (Zion NP)Class III-V
8.5 Miles
Avg Gradient 55 fpm
Max Gradient 110 fpm
Gauge Information
Virgin, N. Fork
River DescriptionSEASON: From mid April to the end of May. The river typically peaks around the beginning of May. FUN FACT: The best way to experience Zion National Park PERMIT: Entrance fee to the park and a free backcountry permit are required to float this reach through Zion National Park. It's a good idea to double check the park's river-running policy before heading out. LOGISTICS: A shuttle road parrallels the run and park users are required to use the bus system which provides a convenient shuttle. From the last bus stop it's an easy walk on a paved trail to the put-in. DESCRIPTION: The North Fork of the Virgin is a fun river that provides the best means of experiencing one of our country's most beautiful national parks. There's some good whitewater on this run along with absolutely stunning geology. From the put-in at the Temple of Sinawava the river starts out as mostly class II for the first 5 miles, although it can push class III at higher flows. Stay alert for wood hazards. Those who are looking for the easier trip can take out above the Birch Creek Bridge at the Court of the Patriarchs parking area. Those looking for more action can continue through Satan's Staircase which starts just downstream of the Birch Creek Bridge. The action through Satan's Staircase kicks off with Corral Falls and then you encounter over a mile of fun boulder garden rapids which push class V at higher water but drop down to III/IV at the lower limit of flows. The action tapers off a bit at Flannigan Diversion and calms down to class III, but the run continues for another mile and half to the bridge at the visitor center near South and Watchman campgrounds. There is some potential boating below this point but you need to be aware of private property when selecting your access point. for additional information see:
StreamTeam Status: verified
Last Updated: 2002-09-08 07:29:29
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Flows above 250 cfs are best, but 140 cfs is the minimum allowed.
NORTH FORK VIRGIN RIVER NEAR SPRINGDALE, UT [ UT ] |
Current Conditions
Station Graphs |
| Level Legend: | Running | Below Minimum Recommended Flow | Above Maximum Recommended Flow | Unknown |
| State | River Name/Section | Class | Level | Rel. Level | Updated | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UT | Virgin— 1) South Campground (Zion NP) or Springdale to Virgin | II | 38 cfs | low | 7/25 15:45 | |
| UT | Virgin, N. Fork— Sinawava to South Campground (Zion NP) | III-V | 38 cfs | low | 7/25 15:45 |
| AW Gauge ID: | 5819 |
| USGS Station: | 09405500 |
| HUC: | |
| Latitude: | |
| Longitude: | |
| Class: |
User Comments |
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2008-05-12 11:33:23 (74 days ago)
hello all, I ran this run on Sun, may 11th. it was a blast! however, this is my review: The river is very easy from the temple of Sinwava for 5 miles then at the 3rd walking bridge get out if your a rookie.... I should have but I'm really good at making bad decisions. Haha. I took my Seahawk sport 400 raft the whole way down, and it was exciting to say the least. So From the 3rd walking bridge (the court of the patriarcs) you will go over a super fun diversion dam its a 20 ft slide to a 3 ft. drop from that point on its a different river. After the dam are a ton of boulders to manuver around and non stop action for quite a while (lots of 3ft drops and shutes) I guess this is Satans Staircase. Be sure to portage after the first left after the first dam, there is a huge tree blocking the only path. After that it was all clear as my girlfriend and I thrashed this pretty durable 10ft raft, the cfs was 230 and thats the biggest craft you'll get down this run at this level. Watch out for Landslide Rapid! This is man made and designed to slow the river, it is a 5 ft drop and a nasty hole. I fell out of my raft and got recycled for a min. I was pretty shaken up and I'll steer clear of this in the future. The river will make a bend to the right And there is a 30ft man made wall on the left, get out here on the left to scout go up on the road to check it out, you'll here it. If you go over it get some damn momemtem!! After that is a bunch of fun rapids until you reach another diversion dam about 1/2 mile after landslide rapid. Get through that and is pretty much smooth sailing down to camp. Super fun day and best scenery ever!! Thanks for reading about my weekend warrior adventure. Joe Dematzzzzzzzzz Edit
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No rapids entered. If you know names, and locations of the rapids please contact and advise the StreamTeam member for this run. 
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