The Virgin River has cut an impressive gorge as it flows through the mountains between St. George and Mesquite, exposing a tremendous variety of geological layers. Collage classes actually drive into The Gorge to study the rocks. Many of the rock layers contain fossils.
I was hiking a trail above the river, looking for ancient petroglyphs, when I found the rocks in my photos. I was in the upper end of The Gorge, where rocks are mostly mudstone, limestone, and sandstone, and contain fossils from various marine and terrestrial plants and animals. Shells and horn corals can be seen with a little searching.
I did find the petroglyphs, and they were fantastic.
The Virgin River Canyon Recreation Area is a good place to start if you want to explore this area. It offers a picnic area, campground, and trails, including one leading down to the river. Joshua trees grow here, and it is quite scenic.
I looked for access to points upstream, away from the beaten paths, and was rewarded with a great outing.
This is dry, hot desert country. Summers are very hot. (The river is inviting during summer. Hike down and jump in.) I enjoy hiking here from late fall through early spring. In the dead of winter, daytime temps often climb into the 50s, making hiking pleasant. Winter nights can be chilly.
Dave Webb, January, 2026