Virgin River Gorge, Canyon in Mohave County and Washington County, United States.

Virgin River Gorge is a long canyon in northwest Arizona carved by the Virgin River, with bare layered rock walls in tan, beige, gray and reddish-brown rising on both sides. Diagonal bands and ledges cross the steep faces, which descend to a narrow floor where Interstate 15, edged by a metal guardrail, curves through the gorge.

The Virgin River carved this canyon in northwest Arizona; the same river formed the topography of Zion National Park. Interstate 15 was later routed through the gorge, crossing the river several times, and this section became one of the most expensive stretches of Interstate highway ever built.

The gorge takes its name from the Virgin River, which carved it and which Interstate 15 crosses several times on its way through the canyon. The canyon's Mojave Desert setting draws rock climbers, hikers and campers; in 1997 Chris Sharma climbed Necessary Evil here, the first 8c+ (5.14c) sport route in America.

Access is easiest via Interstate 15, which runs directly through the gorge and provides pullouts and viewing areas along the way. Plan time to explore the hiking trails on foot, and watch for weather changes, especially during the hottest months.

In 1997, American climber Chris Sharma made the first ascent of Necessary Evil in the gorge, graded 8c+ (5.14c) and reported as the first route of that grade in the United States. The canyon's walls are popular with rock climbers, hikers and campers.