Virgin River Gorge Overlook 2

Virgin River Gorge Overlook 2 is a short, scenic spur trail designed for four-wheel-drive enthusiasts looking to capture sweeping, elevated views of the rugged Virgin River Gorge and the winding river below. Spanning roughly 0.7 miles each way with a modest drop in elevation from 2,825 feet down to 2,654 feet, this out-and-back route offers a slightly more demanding drive than its neighbor, Virgin River Gorge Overlook 1. The trail is primarily comprised of a dirt surface, but drivers will navigate less-defined tracks and loose rocky patches as they descend toward the overlook point. High-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicles, SxSs, and capable OHVs will easily handle the technical rating of 3, though stock vehicles should proceed with mindfulness of the uneven footing. As the trail winds southeast toward the gorge, it passes through arid desert terrain marked by low-lying brush and stunning canyon vistas. While a clear turnaround spot is located at the top of the hill overlooking the river, adventurous drivers may notice the track attempting to drop further down toward the water; however, this lower descent is significantly steeper, looser, and exceeds the standard difficulty rating of this route. The trail is best run during the cooler months of fall, winter, and spring, as summer temperatures in this region can easily exceed triple digits. This short trek makes for an excellent quick addition to a longer day of exploring the expansive trail systems surrounding the Arizona Strip and southwestern Utah border.