Virgin
05. Lower Gorge: I-15 at Cedar Pockets Rest Area to Littlefield
| Difficulty | IV |
| Length | 8 mi |
| Avg Gradient | 30 fpm |
| Gauge | Virgin River Near St. George, Ut |
| Flow Rate as of 59 minutes | 27 cfsbelow recommended |
| Reach Info Last Updated | July 15, 2017 |
River Description
The Virgin River 'Flows through spectacular Virgin Canyon with distinct rock stratification; contains one of least disturbed and most unique aquatic and riparian ecosystems in Colorado River System; unusual blending of bird species; diverse mammalian fauna, especially bats; large numbers of reptilian species and the presence of rare, threatened and endangered species.' ( NPS Rivers and Trails Program.) The river shares the canyon with interstate highway I-15, which offers motorists spectacular views of the canyon and intriguing views of the river. A Dept. of Transportation document states: 'I-15 through the Virgin River Gorge is a scenic wonder through a 500 million-year-old gorge. Construction of I-15, which opened in 1973, included re-channeling the Virgin River 12 times.' The rock strata visible in the gorge are from the Late Cambrian through Middle Permian periods.
Put-in: Cedar Pockets Rest Area - Campground, elevation 2,150 ft.. There are trails leading to the river from both road loops. Most people use the west (lower) loop. This is a BLM fee area ($1/day, 2001).
Take-out: There are no legal take-outs in the gorge downstream of the rest area. Follow I-15 through the gorge. Passing Temple Bar, there is a rural pull-off exit. Take this and turn back east. Dirt tracks will continue along parallel to the freeway. Follow these tracks past one box culvert that goes under the freeway. Turn left down a road that comes out under the second box culvert. There are some side roads off this road--keep on the main track. The parking area is at a turning circle at the end of the road.
The parking area is not visible from the river. About 4(?) miles after leaving the gorge, the river will m
...River Features
Put In
Take Out
Trip Reports
Log in to add a reportSuper fun at this level. Big waves and big holes. Great for all boat types including small rafts and small catarafts. The lines are the same as in low water. Fish dam is running well off the right side closest to shore. Paddle time is approximately 1.5 hours at this water level to take out. currently there is wood in door number one and two of whore house rapid. With water temp being so cold a farmer john wet suit really helped even though it was 98 degrees outside.
Ran the V George from Man o War Bridge in St George to Littlefield. It took 5.5 hours. The flow varied from 416 to 460 according to the gauge in St George.
We did it in duckies and it one person catarafts with Oar rigs. Jacks Plastic Culebras.
The flow was good and just a little bony in the V George. The Class IV rapids were not a problem. Only the far left door was open on whorehouse rapid and this will only fit kayaks.. But it was a super easy portage for anything larger than a kayak on the right. The fish dam in the canyon was run on the left going into the V right above the downstream end of the V. All the duckies made it down this without incident.
At this water level look for the fish dam between St George and just at the start of the canyon as you go under the Power lines. This took approx 1.5 hours to get there from the man o war bridge.
We got out around 10 feet in front of the dam and let the boats down on the left. Sand has built up on the sides of the fish dam. I have never seen people run this but I am sure at higher flows than this it could. The water just went crashing down onto the cement. It would not be smooth even with a perfect boof stroke.
Overall a great day but just a few rocks here and there.
I was not able to see any picture, It seems that you are talking about the fish dam not far below the 2nd I 15 bridge. The virginriver.org site has pictures at a few different levels. I'm glad you and your wife are ok. How was that ride, did you flip and swim. My fiancee and I scouted that section at around 800 - 900 cfs and it looked mean.