The Deep Green Gorge In Arizona That Feels Like Something Straight Out Of A Fairy Tale
By Katie Lawrence|Published June 27, 2019
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Katie Lawrence
Author
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015.
Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).
Here in Arizona, there’s a deep green gorge that looks like a scene from your favorite childhood storybook. Along a stretch of I-15 near the Utah border, Virgin River Gorge breaks up the monotony of highway driving. Marvel at the awe-inspiring scenery through your windshield, or park at the rest area and spend some time exploring. This amazing natural wonder definitely deserves a spot on everyone’s outdoor adventure bucket list.
Straddling the Utah border, Virgin River Gorge is a breathtaking geological wonder that every Arizonan should visit at least once. Its topography is similar to the extraterrestrial Zion National Park, with ancient red rock formations winding their way through the desert landscape.
Perhaps more famed than the gorge itself is the highway leading through it. Widely regarded as one of the most treacherous thoroughfares in Arizona, this portion of I-15 takes some serious skill to navigate safely.
Talk about a bucket list windshield view! On either side of the road, towering canyons stretch up to the heavens and wrap passing vehicles in their mystic embrace. Slowing down is kind of obligatory given all the twists and turns, so at least the view is enjoyable!
A rest stop offers easy river access and an interpretive trail leading straight through the gorge. Try to time your visit after decent rainfall if possible, as several waterfalls will be visible.
Lush greenery, red rocks, and sapphire water all converge in a picturesque, awe-inspiring scene. Close your eyes and listen to the current gently trickling downstream, accompanied by an almost meditative rustle of the trees. What a blissful experience, all thanks to Mother Nature's innate ability to rejuvenate the mind, body, and soul.
For future reference, the Virgin River Canyon Campground allows gorge visitors to extend their stay overnight. It's closed for renovations through August 31; however, once it reopens, guests can enjoy drinking water, flush toilets, picnic tables, grills, and parking spaces for both vehicles and RVs. Address: Cedar Pocket, Littlefield, AZ, 86432.
For more information about Virgin River Canyon Campground, you can visit the website.
Have you ever visited Virgin River Gorge or stayed in the campground? If so, let us know how you liked the experience! Check out our previous article to learn about another absolutely out-of-this-world landscape: One Of The Oddest Geological Wonders Is Located Right Here In Arizona.
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