Virgin River Trail

The Virgin River Trail is found in St. George, Utah and parallels the Virgin River for nearly 12 miles. Although not as scenic as hiking along the Virgin River further upstream in Zion National Park, this is still a scenic walk that is easily accessible.

The Virgin River Trail is paved and open to hikers, joggers, walkers, bicyclists, scooterists, etc. While you can certainly hike or ride the entire trail in one go, more commonly people will hike only a section.

The Virgin River Trail officially begins at the Man O’ War Trailhead. The trail follows near the river and offers scenic views of the hills off in the distance. After passing under Interstate 15 the trail then crosses over the Santa Clara River before coming to Confluence Park. This aptly named park is located at the confluence of the Santa Clara and Virgin Rivers. You’ll find restrooms and drinking water here.

Continuing along, the trail follows the Virgin River further upstream but stays close to Riverside Drive for a stretch. This section is not one of the most scenic due to nearby automobile traffic.

The next point of interest is Fossil Falls. The river here flows over a concrete structure creating a small manmade waterfall. This is a popular family swimming area during summer months.

The Virgin River Trail continues along offering scenic views and thankfully stays a little further from main roadways.

You’ll pass beside the Sullivan Virgin River Soccer Park before entering what is undoubtedly the most scenic stretch of the entire trail. A long boardwalk takes hikers through this beautiful area with steep hillsides to your left, and the Virgin River on your right.

Eventually you’ll leave the hills behind and things will flatten out. This final stretch of trail follows near the Virgin River and its increasingly flat, sandy shores. You’ll cross under South Country Way, the final road and access point along the Virgin River Trail.

If you are interested in hiking just one small section of the trail I’d highly recommend this last stretch from the Sullivan Virgin River Soccer Park to South Country Way.