Virgin River Landing ~ Gold Butte National Monument

Virgin River Landing is a scenic area that is well worth checking out when doing a tour of Gold Butte National Monument. The 10 mile long dirt road that goes downhill to the Fishermans Cove and Virgin River Landing intersection is fairly smooth, but from this point on a high ground clearance 4x4 is recommended. The Fishermans Cove dirt road is very rough and it will take a rugged 4x4 vehicle to get to the end of the line at the river just a short distance north of Lake Mead. The alternate route to Virgin River Landing is much smoother and practically any high ground clearance SUV can get to this picturesque destination.

The entire dirt road travel route to Virgin River Landing runs downhill through a series of big dry wash ravines, which is an interesting study in its own right. The dry wash captures just enough water to ensure prolific wildflower blooms, which is something to keep in mind during the spring season. The towering ancient mud hills toward the river are covered with patches of Beavertail and Barrel Cactus, so this desolate spot can be very colorful after a wet winter. 

Virgin River Landing Road actually goes up and over the ancient mud hills before getting to the water and this is where the best panoramic views can be found. The Virgin Mountains stretch down to the water on the Gold Butte side of the lake and the maze of dry wash ravines are revealed. Stewarts Point and Echo Bay can be seen far in the distance on the shoreline of Lake Mead. The old Overton Beach facility that was closed because of water depletion can also be seen across the river and this is where the alternate Fishermans Cove destination can be found. Looking west to the horizon the Virgin River Basin, Muddy River Confluence, Valley Of Fire, Poverty Flats and endless mountain ranges appear far in the distance. The hills over looking the river are definitely a good spot to view a blazing western sunset, especially just after a windy dust storm!

The dirt road does wind its way down to the river, but care must be taken because it is easy to get stuck in the silt in this area. There are foot trails that go to the river bank, but the overgrown vegetation is not easy to overcome. Wildlife can sometimes be spotted by the river in the morning hours and there are several raptor species that hunt in this place.

Both Fishermans Cove and Virgin River Landing actually are located inside the borders of the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, so dispersed camping rules do apply. The cool weather seasons are best for a Virgin River Landing venture, because the summer temperatures can be deep in the triple digit range. This is a great spot for looking at spring season desert wildflowers and the views from the high ground simply cannot be beat!
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