1000 Creek Gorge
A Crack in the Earth
From 600 to 1000 feet deep, this mile-long crack in the earth is hikeable during low water, usually from mid to late summer. Wetter summers can flood the gorge, making it impossible to traverse end to end. It's less than 100 feet across in many places and not much wider in others.
1000 Creek Gorge was home to local indigenous peoples for hundreds of years, as was the rest of the Virgin Valley and surrounding lands. Signs still exist in the gorge. It's also home to many animals, including pack rats, various fowl, and rattle snakes.
What to Bring
Wear solid boots or comfortable tennis shoes with solid soles. You'll climb over rocks in some areas. Bring gloves in case you need to climb some rocky areas. A hiking stick is useful. Bring plenty of water. Do not drink the creek water.
What to Look For
Watch for birds flying the canyon and nesting in the walls. Especially watch for signs of bird droppings on cliffsides to spot nests.
Check out the hollowed out areas of the cave walls at ground level for signs of early inhabitants or for pack rat middens.
Watch for snakes and steer clear of them if you see them. They are as frightened of you as you might be of them. Snakes don't hear well. They 'taste' the air and 'feel' the vibrations in the ground as you approach. There are both venomous and non-venomous snakes in the Virgin Valley and surrounding areas.