Sometimes we aren't in the mood for a true "hike" where you have to navigate trails, climb an incline or commit to a strenuous activity. There are times when we prefer a leisurely stroll, likely at the end of a dog leash, and the Virgin River Trail is just perfect for that! There's ample parking and restrooms at the park, then you can hop on the trail in a variety of directions. The path is paved and very clearly marked, so you know where to go. There are even signs along the way directing to different trails as well as information about the length. I especially like the bridges over the Virgin River-they make for a nice photo. Not a lot of shade, so if you're walking in the summer months, prepare for that. read more

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I had an idyllic escape to St. George, UT during my spring break staycation back in March. After arriving in St. George, I beelined to Confluence Park to bike the Virgin River Trail, which parallels the Virgin River for nearly 12 miles. The trail is well-maintained, extremely scenic, passes through diverse Southwestern landscapes, and is relatively flat (with the exception of the detour I took through picturesque Cottonwood Canyon on the Hell Hole Trail). Biking the Virgin River North Trail out and back from Confluence Park is roughly 18.2 miles. I did an extra seven miles on the Hell Hole & Virgin River South Trails to get me closer to 25 miles total. During my bike ride, I encountered photographers, runners, hikers, other bicyclists, and families/groups of people out on leisurely strolls. I would rate the Virgin River Trail as easy and suitable for all fitness levels. I found Cottonwood Canyon and the steep Hell Hole Trail hard/difficult as a novice biker, but well worth the effort! After my bike ride and lunch in St. George, the adventure continued with a scenic drive back home through the Virgin River Gorge (AZ), Moapa Valley (NV), and Lake Mead National Recreation Area (NV). read more

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What a nice trail. Went off the path down to the river. My dog had a blast running around like a madman. The trail has dog poop bags even spots to fill up your bike with air in the tires. read more

Virgin River Trail - Hiking Near Me - St. George, Utah

Previous reviews mention the larger trail, in which many bike on, with no real beginning or end-just enjoying & following the expansive river side. For our experience, we parked near a trailhead, descending down a hillside path, towards the water edge. As we walked, there were gorgeous sunset views of the mountains and river below. There were large patches of volcanic rocks, which can be nice for just viewing, but we enjoyed climbing up them to obtain higher views. There was a portion of the trail covered in what appeared to be prior historical flood landslide garbage & broken glass, so be weary when walking-especially with pets- but it was only a short portion. We didn't make it all the way down to the river, as we went later in the evening, we merely enjoyed finding a high point to watch the sunset. The decline, then return uphill, wasn't too steep making this an easy enjoyable walk. read more

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Cheers to St. George for embracing the river and making a point to dedicate some dollars to creating a trail. It's been around a while, but this part of the city (near the convention center) has really been blowing up lately and it's heartening to know that the trail was here first, and that development can accommodate the open space thanks to forward thinking. There's no real beginning and end to this trail, and you can sort of choose your own adventure. I was here last December and it was bustling with people. I hopped on across from the convention center and went all the way up to the northeast where the bridge crosses, then back down the far side, and across the other bridge near the freeway. It was a multi-hour loop for us and the old pup, but it was really wonderful. We've been talking about getting bikes for a long while now, but apparently we're not the only ones as the whole world bought bikes last year, so it hasn't happened. But this would be the perfect place to pedal. It's paved, and plenty of people on bikes make it look like a breeze. You can hop off and get down to the water at a few points, and there's a park (or two? or a few?) along the way. Check out a map and plot your course, and just realize that the river is long and wide and if you cross, you need to plan where you'll cross back. We had the time for a nice long walk, but it was much longer than we had anticipated. read more

Love this trail. Easy with minor hills and very scenic. So well maintained it really is a must if you're in the area and want to go for a scenic bike ride. We didn't really experience a congested trailer at all, and there are many beautiful parks along the way not to mention the river. read more

I am a bike trail enthusiast. Bike trails celebrate the local landscape and provide users with exercise and enlightening experiences. So it is inevitable that on my two most recent visits to Saint George that I spent time hiking on the Virgin River Trail. The bike trail revolution has reached the Saint George metropolitan area. The Virgin River Trail has grown with the bike trail revolution. The Virgin River Trail now travels from the northeast corner of Bloomington Drive at Man Of War Drive (southwest of I-15 Exit 4) to East Waterfront Drive (few miles south west of I-15 Exit 10). Spur trails have been built to connect the Virgin River Trail to different points of interest. And very recently, a trailhead with parking, restrooms, and picnic tables has been built off the south end of Convention Center Drive in the Shadow of Dixie Center. The Virgin River Trail celebrates the Virgin River. Throughout the totality of the trail, it follows the Virgin River. From my experience hiking on the Virgin River Trail, the most spectacular views of the Virgin River are from the bridges perpendicular from the trail. South of Dixie Center, the Virgin River Trail travels closer to the Virgin River, with more uninterrupted views. The Virgin River Trail is suitable to all hikers. The topography is relatively flat. It is also suitable to people using wheelchairs. My advice to achieving the most rewarding recreational experience on the Virgin River Trail is to park at the new Convention Center Drive Trailhead. It is in close proximity to restaurants and a gift shop in the Dixie Convention Center. Generally speaking this is the middle of the trail. I recommend, doing one hike north toward Waterfront Drive, and a second hike southwest toward Man of War Drive. Preferably on two separate days. Before closing this review, I must address that segments of the trail might be closed north of River Road. A couple of years ago, the Virgin River flooded segments of the trail north of River Road. Last year when we hiked toward Waterfront Drive, we had the nice surprise of reaching a "Trail Closed" sign. Please note this review is based on two hikes on the Virgin River Trail. This past Saturday we hiked from the Convention Center southwest bound and in Spring 2011 we hiked the Convention Center north bound. read more

The Virgin River Trail is easy, fun and if you have a bike a must. I pass through St George if not every week, every other week and made a promise to myself that I need to bring my bike with me more often because there are some neat biking trails in Utah. This trail certainly can be traveled by foot, which hubby and I did this first time. The trail is paved well and markers and signs are posted along the way. There were many people walking the trail and riding their bikes and every person waved, said hello or stopped to chit chat about the area. One passerby said the trail was flooded in 2010, causing portions of the trail to be closed however construction is finished and the trail is fully open again. We had some trouble at first locating a trailhead where we could start out. I got out my phone and was able to pull up these directions from the internet to the Man O' War trailhead: From I-15 take Exit 4 onto W. Brigham and go to the traffic circle; exit on Pioneer Road and head 0.6 mile to right turn on Man O' War Road. Continue another 0.7 mile to entrance, (first right after crossing Virgin River), Man O' War Road trailhead. Along the trail I noticed water fountains (winterized at the time), trash cans, benches and areas with bars just in case you want to stop and do pull-ups along your journey. As far as wildlife goes, I only saw numerous birds. The only real complaint I have is the sewage smell during some parts of the walk. It was reeky! This visit we made it as far as the pedestrian bridge and had to turn around because it was getting dark and we had no flashlights (about 1.5 hours round-trip). There is nothing strenuous about this hike and it is a great starter trail for young kids. Pack a lunch and plan to stop and have a bite to eat at one of the benches/tables along the way! read more

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This is a very nice walking/ biking trail within the city limits, but you feel like you are further in the countryside, more so on the Washington/Hurricane part of the trail. When I started out on the Bloomington side of the trail though, I was disppointed with the amount of garbage left behind from careless humans, I suspect from a construction site nearby. The other end is much prettier. I downgraded it because of garbage. read more

This is a cool trail. It is simple to walk or ride a bike on. A lot of it is paved. All ages can enjoy this trail. While walking I saw a old water pump that was interesting. Then there was part of a golf course (the old water pump used to supply the water to it) and even some residential houses. Of course the Virgin River was visible along the way. At the pedestrian bridge I got hungry seeing a billboard for In N Out Burger near the highway. Torture! At the Man O War trailhead there is a well paved parking lot and a board showing the trail and known animals/fish in the area. Dogs are allowed on leash. read more

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Nice park. Well maintained. Quiet and peaceful. It was really hot, and the walkway radiates a lot of heat, but we enjoyed it.

This is a paved path, though somewhat misleading as when we walked it (March, 2013) the river is more like a stream in most places and it really feels more like a walk in a suburban area than any sort of nature based area. (We picked it up outside a strip mallish place.) That said, it was fine for our walk. read more