I had vaguely heard about a canyon/gorge north of the Virgin Valley campground. I wasn’t sure how far the walk would be, so I made the sad decision to leave my old dog Rocket in the trailer. This was the first time I would leave him behind because of his age. I knew that on this trip he wouldn’t be able to go on all my walks so I reminded myself many times that it would be OK to leave him behind. I put Razzy on her leash and started to leave the trailer imagining there would be a fight by Rocket to leave too. Instead he seemed to tell me it was OK to be left behind, he jumped up onto the bed as I closed the door and Razzy and I left. Razzy and I enjoyed our walk but it seemed a bit incomplete without Rocket along.
The Thousand Creek Gorge that we found was amazing. Below are photos from the walk and then we drove to an overlook. I was amazed at the overlook. Four to five hundred feet of shear straight walls. I have never seen anything like this before. The photos don’t capture the awe from the overlook.

View from the road walked from the campground.

View from the overlook
The Facts
- To get to the Thousand Creek Gorge overlook drive north from the Virgin Valley campground towards the gorge and take the second right. Drive and at the next intersection take a left. It is about a 15 minute drive. You need a high clearance vehicle but it isn’t a technical drive. I never used 4 wheel drive and I think my old mid size truck could have made the drive.
- The Virgin Valley campground was full the both nights I was there. If you want something more remote, you should consider the Big Spring Reservoir. I drove there thinking it might be good wildlife viewing. Nope. The reservoir was dry and full of grass. But I did find good camping. The road there is in good shape, there is no problem taking a trailer in. Stay on the main reservoir road, don’t turn right where there is a sign about camping rules. The reservoir road is immediately east of a Sheldon NWR information pullout.
Those giant walls of stone! I think you captured it quite well.
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What a find…inspiring! Although with my fear of edges I’d probably have stayed back and kept Rocket company. 🙂
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How long is the gorge, and is there a trail inside you can walk?
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There is a trail in the gorge; I talked to a fellow that was walking back to the campground. But I didn’t ask him the length of the trail. Note that this not a constructed trail, it is animal trail. Be prepared to jump a creek and muddy spots. From looking at a map, it appears that the gorge is about 2.5 miles long.
I highlight recommend that you drive to the overlook if you have high clearance.
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