La Verkin

Settled in 1897 La Verkin, Utah, sits at a convenient crossroads for access to and from Interstate 15 and Zion National Park, one of the primer Utah national parks. The Zion Canyon Scenic Byway (SR-9) passes through La Verkin and also connects with SR 17 which offers a northern connection to I-15. The city is adjoined to Toquerville on the north and Hurricane on the south.

With hotels, vacation rentals, restaurants, groceries and fuel, and unique attractions, this small town of approximately 5,000 people can be a great home-base for experiencing southwestern Utah.

One theory on the origin of the city's name is that it may be an English alteration of the Spanish name for the nearby Virgin River, La Virgen. Say it a few times and it will grow on you.

While La Verkin may be small in size, it has a strong community spirit and is home to several local events and festivals throughout the year. These include the annual Apple Festival, which celebrates the city's agricultural roots, and the Cowboy Christmas event which showcases western culture.

In addition to being a convenient stop for travelers on their way to Zion National Park, La Verkin also offers its own unique attractions. The Confluence Park is a popular spot for hiking and biking trails along the Virgin River, while Hurricane Valley Heritage Park features historic buildings and artifacts from the area's pioneer past.

For outdoor enthusiasts, nearby Kolob Canyon offers stunning views and hiking opportunities away from the crowds of Zion National Park. For those seeking even more adventure, Sky Mountain Golf Course offers a challenging course with breathtaking views.

This 344 acre natural park is where Ash Creek, La Verkin Creek, and the Virgin River all come together. Wildlife such as falcons, vultures, hawks, deer, beaver, porcupines and raccoons inhabit this area, which offers a more lush environment than the surrounding desert landscape. Walking trails criss-cross the area and there is also a picnic area. Access to the park is from three locations (see google map links next): A- 300 South State B- 600 W. Center St. C- W. 900 N.

This waterway, which is also partially responsible for the formation of Zion National Park, passes along the southern edge of La Verkin in the depths of a lava filled canyon.

This waterway, which is also partially responsible for the formation of Zion National Park, passes along the southern edge of La Verkin in the depths of a lava filled canyon.

James Bond (or his stunt pilot double) famously flew a plane under this bridge while filming the Bond classic Octopussy. The bridge spans a high lava canyon and connects La Verkin and Hurricane along the Zion Canyon Scenic Byway (SR-9).

This historic volcanic sulfur hot spring in Utah sits on the edge of Virgin River, just east of the Virgin River Bridge. For many years visitors were able to access these hot springs but some seismic activity changed the water flow and there is not currently access to this area. Developers continue to work on plans to bring this hot spring in Utah access back to the general public.