Virgin
03. LaVerkin to Hurricane
| Difficulty | III |
| Length | 12.5 mi |
| Avg Gradient | 25 fpm |
| Gauge | Virgin River Near Hurricane, Ut |
| Flow Rate as of 18 minutes | 46 cfsbelow recommended |
| Reach Info Last Updated | May 2, 2024 |
River Description
A beautiful run through a basalt and sandstone gorge. The best way to start the run is from the rope swing in confluence park. There is a gate to the put in and if you go to red cliffs desert reserve and fill out the confluence park use form they will give you a code. Give them 48 hours. If you can't do that there are several ways to walk down there from La Verkin. All the entrances from Pah Tempe Hot Srpings have been closed by the water company.
The first (and largest) rapid lies immediately downstream of Pah Tempe Hot Springs as the river cuts through sandstone bluffs, volcanic cinder cones and basalt flows. However, there are many great rapids along the way and fun surf waves. The sweet spot in terms of volume to avoid rocks and still be fun and splashy without being pushy is around 800 CSF. The run can be done in as little as 1.5 hours when above 1500 but as long as 4 if its around 250.
Downstream, the river meanders around benches before encountering more basalt ledges at Berry Springs. One of the great side hikes is to Babylon arch.
There is a great take out at the entrance to Grandpa's pond park. Park on the side of the road but outside the gate to the quarry. They lock the gate in the early evening and don't unlock it till the morning.
River Features
Put In
Take Out
Trip Reports
Log in to add a reportPut in just below the bridge in LaVerkin ((37.1938609, -113.2771305)). This put in requires a bit of a walk down the trail behind the tiny homes on highway 9 called The Dwellings. The trail is a public Trail. I parked across the street so as not to park on private property but unloaded the boats first at the trail head which starts right in the middle of the tiny homes. You walk between the tiny homes and past another one I. The back to get to the trail. This is worth the haul as there are three fun rapids here that you miss if you start at the pier plant or confluence park.
The flow seemed to be dropping as we went but we took our time and stopped in several places along the way to explore small caves and outcroppings that looked interesting. Did not see anyone else in the river. We did scrape a few rocks as I think we were closer to 350 cfs by the time we finished v. around 450 cfs when we started. We caught the last day that was above 400 cfs in April 2024.
I hope the flow gets above 400 again in May as it heats up so we can do this run one more time, would be nice.
We got the code from the Red Hills Preserve and drove to the river edge put in at confluence park. It was 90 degrees and the flow was 900. Great water tempretures. Great float for my whole family. Kids learn how to hug the curves without serious consequences. Fun splashy class 2 rapids. It took 2 hours of paddle time at this flow and we took out at Grandpa's Pond Park which is way better than the Hwy bridge. You also don't miss any rapids by taking out at the park. Be sure to park on the road and not past the gate to the quarry as they close the gate at 5pm and your car will get locked in. There was no wood to worry about when we were on this run.
More info on use permit
You get the application red cliffs deseret reserve site
· Email application to: info@redcliffsdesertreserve.com
· Fax application to: 435-634-5758
· Or you can mail or hand deliver it to the Visitor Center at: 10 N. 100 E., St. George, UT 84770
As long as your chosen date doesn’t conflict with any other events and is approved, we would ensure the “camper” lock is on the string and provide you the code. Let me know if you have any other questions, and have a great day!
We ran this on April 20th. This river peaks at 9am from the previous days run off in Hurricane.
We put in at 1pm and the level was around 250. We started at confluence park since the gate was open and we could drive down to the river to the rope swing. This was nice but we missed the best rapids but at this water level its a full on rock dodge affair and is something to be missed.
The ex Mayor of La Verkin said you can get the combo to the gate from the Red Cliffs Deseret Reserve office. They administer the park. You can also walk down between some new hotel next to the River Rock Restaurant. There is no real place to park but the right of way still exists.
Other options for put in is across the river from the old hot springs. There are no trespassing signs but again the ex Mayor of La Verkin negotiated access with the water company and they are not providing the access. If you just happen to not see the no trespassing sings the best rapids on the run are right below the put in.
This water level is good for duckies and hard shell kayaks. There are several play spots along the way. But they will be small. There will be no real excitement just great views but it is better than hanging out at home. Especially, if nothing else is running.
At this time there were no river obstacles.
The best take out by far is just past grandpa's pond in Hurrican. This road goes to the Quarry. The highway 9 take out is scary and inconvenient. Just be sure to be out by 6pm when they close the gate to the quarry. Or even better park just outside the gate and carry your boat additional 30 yards. It still will be hundreds of times better than highway 9. Enjoy
At the park
Floated this end of March 2017. Flow was 380 CFS. Put in below Hwy Bridge at confluence park trailhead and took out at Quail lake Bridge. Beautiful area. Started off with a couple short III class moves and the rest of the float was Class II with a couple short class III sections. Only had to scout one spot towards the end 2 miles before the take out. Perfect flow.
Virgin River