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Toquerville Falls by UTV: The Road, Swimming & Tips
Toquerville Falls is a desert surprise: a string of small waterfalls and swimming pools on La Verkin Creek, tucked into red and white sandstone hills above Toquerville, on the way to Zion. The catch is the road, a rough, rocky track that stops most cars. In a side-by-side, that road is half the fun. Here’s how to get there and what to expect.
Toquerville Falls at a glance
| Where | BLM land on La Verkin Creek, north of Toquerville, Utah, near I-15 and the road to Zion |
|---|---|
| Main route | Spring Drive from Toquerville, then about 5 to 6 miles of rough dirt road |
| Drive time | About 45 minutes each way on the dirt section |
| Difficulty | Moderate: rocky ledges and washouts early, smoother graded road later |
| Harder route | Along La Verkin Creek via Rattlesnake Gulch, with many water crossings |
| Fees | None |
| Services | None: no restrooms, water or shade structures |
| Best for | Swimming, picnics and an adventurous half-day ride |
The road in
From I-15, take Exit 27 and follow State Route 17 into Toquerville. Just past the bridge over Ash Creek, turn east onto Spring Drive. The pavement gives way to dirt, and a sign at the start warns of an extremely rough road where four-wheel drive is recommended. Believe it: the first mile and a half or so is the toughest, with rocky ledges and washouts that change after every storm. After that the road smooths out into graded dirt. Stay right at the forks, and you’ll see the falls from the hillside before you drop down to the creek.
At the falls
The creek spills over a couple of sandstone ledges into a chain of pools. It’s louder than you’d expect, even when the creek is low, and the pools are a favorite for swimming and cooling off on hot days. The area is open BLM land, so there are no developed facilities, and dispersed camping follows standard BLM rules. Pack out everything you bring in.
Algal blooms have been found in La Verkin Creek and other parts of the Virgin River system. Check Utah’s water-quality advisories before you swim, and keep dogs out of the water if there’s a warning.
The hard way: La Verkin Creek
For experienced drivers, there’s a longer, more technical approach that follows the canyon along La Verkin Creek, often starting near the La Verkin shooting range off State Route 9 and running through Rattlesnake Gulch. Expect rocks, sand and many water crossings. It’s a great adventure with a guide, but not one to try blind.
When to go
Spring brings the strongest flow and comfortable temperatures. Summer is the most popular time to swim, but the dirt road bakes in the afternoon, so go early. Flow drops in late summer and fall, and storms can wash out the road; check conditions after heavy rain.
Tips for the ride
- Take it slow on the rocks. Pick your line over the ledges, and let some air out of the tires for a smoother ride.
- Bring swim gear and water shoes. The rock and creek bottom can be slick.
- Carry water and shade. There’s no shade structure at the falls.
- Respect private property along Spring Drive in town, and keep speeds low on the residential stretch.
- Leave no trace. Popular spots like this stay open when visitors take care of them.
Ride to the falls with us
A side-by-side is the perfect machine for the Toquerville Falls road, and ours are street legal, so you can drive the town streets to the dirt. We rent Can-Am side-by-sides and ATVs, from single-rider ATVs to six-seat machines. Add a guide if you’d like to try the La Verkin Creek route or want someone who knows the best swimming holes.
Planning a waterfall ride? We rent UTVs and ATVs, and a guide can join any ride. Open every day, 7am to 10pm.
Drivers must be 18 or older with a valid driver’s license.
More rides near Zion
See where you can ride near Zion National Park, explore Sand Hollow’s West Rim Trail, or take the easy Joshua Tree Road west of St. George.