Virgin River river run
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Virgin River
The Virgin River in southern Utah is a popular whitewater destination for kayakers and rafters, with a wide range of rapids and obstacles to navigate. The ideal streamflow range for the river is between 150 and 800 cubic feet per second (cfs), with higher flows in the spring and early summer and lower flows in the late summer and fall. The river is rated as a Class II-III, with some sections reaching Class IV during peak flows.
The river is broken up into several different segments, with the most popular being the 16-mile stretch from Virgin to Littlefield. This section includes rapids such as Three Pools, The Narrows, and Big Drop, which are known for their technical challenges and beautiful scenery. Other sections of the river, such as the upper and lower stretches, offer different challenges and experiences for boaters.
While the Virgin River is a popular destination for whitewater enthusiasts, it is important to note that there are specific regulations in place to protect the river and surrounding environment. For example, boaters are required to obtain a permit before launching their boats, and there are restrictions on camping and fires along the riverbanks. Additionally, boaters are encouraged to practice Leave No Trace principles and to respect the cultural and natural resources of the area.
Plan your run down to the hour
Same weather feed Snoflo's iOS app uses -- updated continuously from NOAA / yr.no. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram; rain ahead of a run typically lifts flows 12-48 hours later depending on the basin.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks -- the upstream story that drives next week's flows.
Regional streamflow levels
USGS streamgauges around Virgin River -- useful for spotting upstream pulses and gauging which tributary is contributing what.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Virgin River Ab Quail Creek Near Hurricane | 37 cfs | → |
| Virgin River Ab La Verkin Creek Nr La Verkin | 33 cfs | → |
| Virgin River Near Hurricane | 40 cfs | → |
| Leeds Creek Near Leeds | 4 cfs | → |
| Virgin River At Virgin | 54 cfs | → |
| Santa Clara River Near Pine Valley | 6 cfs | → |
Plan a longer trip
The closest boat launches, other paddle runs, and campgrounds so a day on the water can grow into a full weekend.
Boat launches
Campgrounds
- Sand Cove Primitive Camping Area
- Quail Creek State Park
- Red Cliffs Campground
- Red Cliffs
- Washington County Regional Park
- Oak Grove Road Campsite
Whitewater safety
- Check the flow before you run
- Use the linked-gauge card and Regional Flow panel above. Class ratings change with flow -- a Class III at low water can become Class IV+ at high water.
- Know your skill ceiling
- Pick runs comfortably below your ceiling. Cold-water and big-water runs raise the consequences of any mistake.
- Wear the right gear
- Helmet, PFD, drysuit / wetsuit when water is below 60°F. Throw bag, knife, and whistle on your person, not in the boat.
- Scout, set safety, and run with a team
- Scout new rapids on foot, set safety with throw bags above the consequence pool, and run with at least one other competent paddler.
- Respect the river
- Strainers, undercuts, low-head dams, and wood can kill at any class rating. When in doubt, portage.
Set push alerts in the Snoflo app
Save Virgin River as a favorite, set a discharge threshold (e.g. "alert me when flow hits 600 cfs"), and the iOS app pushes the moment the linked gauge crosses.
About Virgin River
What's the optimal flow for Virgin River?
The optimal flow depends on the section and the craft. Check the Run Details panel for the linked gauge and current status.
How fresh is the cfs reading on this page?
The linked USGS streamgauge reports continuously (every 15 minutes); Snoflo refreshes throughout the day. Hover the streamflow sparkline to read individual datapoints.
What's the whitewater class?
See the Run Details panel for the class rating Snoflo tracks for this run. Class ratings change with flow -- a Class III at low water can become Class IV in high water.
Where do I put in / take out?
Tap Directions in the hero above to open driving directions to the put-in. For shuttle planning, check the Nearby Boat Launches panel and the river run operator's site.
Can I get alerts when flows hit the optimal range?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this run, set a discharge threshold, and you'll get a push the moment the gauge crosses.
Other runs near here
Snoflo-tracked paddle runs within driving distance of Virgin River.