Virgin River Spring
A 70-degree spring flowing at 2,760 feet elevation in Washington County, barely thermal at just 5.6 degrees above the warm ambient temperature of 64.4 degrees. Recent USGS data confirms 21 degrees Celsius water temperature with chloride concentrations of 67 mg/L. The spring requires a 613-meter walk from West State Street near Hurricane.
Positioned in Utah's southwestern desert at the Virgin River's lower elevations, the spring emerges in terrain receiving minimal precipitation—just 8.2 inches annually with 9 inches of snow. The low elevation and southern latitude create one of Utah's hottest climates where average annual air temperature reaches 64.4 degrees. Red Navajo Sandstone dominates the geology, with the spring flowing in territory shaped by the Virgin River's downcutting through layered sedimentary rocks. Desert vegetation includes creosote, blackbrush, and scattered Joshua trees.
Best visited October through April when desert temperatures moderate; summer heat frequently exceeds 100 degrees. The short walk from the road requires no special equipment but brings water and sun protection year-round. Red Cliffs Campground, 7.1 kilometers away, provides developed camping in a National Conservation Area featuring dinosaur tracks, Ancestral Puebloan sites, and excellent hiking through red sandstone canyons.
The spring's name references the Virgin River, named by Jedediah Smith in 1826 for Thomas Virgin, a member of his expedition. The river valley supported Ancestral Puebloan populations from approximately 300-1250 CE, with archaeological evidence throughout the region. Mormon pioneers settled Hurricane in 1896, developing irrigation systems from the Virgin River and its tributaries. This spring's marginal temperature suggests it may have been less significant historically than truly hot springs in the area.
The water at Virgin River Spring contains 988 mg/L total dissolved solids.
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Overview Red Cliffs Recreation Area includes a campground, day use areas, a non-motorized trail system, and interpreted public use sites. Dinosaurs left their footprints, now visible in the sandstone. Ancestral Puebloans lived here in the 10th century, growing corn, beans, and squash along Quail and Leeds Creek. Mid-19th century pioneers farmed here, supplying the area’s silver miners with food. Located within the Red Cliffs National Conservation Area, the Recreation Area is managed to cons...
Virgin River Spring is road-accessible, so you can bring more gear.
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