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.

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.