Virgin River Paddle Report

Summary

The ideal streamflow range for the Virgin River is between 200 and 800 cubic feet per second (cfs), with the best season for optimal water flow being late spring to early summer. The river is classified as a class III to IV, which means that it has moderate to difficult rapids with complex maneuvers required to navigate through them.

The segment mileage of the Virgin River run is approximately 16 miles, starting at the town of Virgin and ending at the town of Littlefield, Arizona. Some of the specific river rapids and obstacles that kayakers and rafters can expect to encounter include the Rock Garden, a class IV rapid that requires precise navigation through narrow channels, and the drops at the Confluence, where the Virgin River meets the Littlefield River and creates a series of class III rapids.

There are specific regulations that kayakers and rafters must adhere to while navigating the Virgin River. For example, all boaters must wear a personal flotation device and helmets, and all rafts must have a spare oar or paddle. Additionally, boaters must obtain a permit from the Bureau of Land Management before embarking on their journey down the river.

Overall, the Virgin River is a challenging and exciting whitewater river run with a variety of rapids and obstacles to challenge experienced kayakers and rafters. Safety regulations are in place to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all who venture down its waters.