‘Blooming in the Desert’: Escape the summer heat with the kids on a float down the Virgin River

FEATURE — A lazy float down the river in an inflatable tube is a great way to break the heat of a summer day while giving the kids an opportunity to explore the beauty of the desert landscape.

Screenshot from “Blooming in the Desert,” date not specified, Virgin River, Utah, St. George News

In this episode of “Blooming in the Desert,” Caitlin Maurine Skillings and Brittney Lelli Callister head out with the kiddos for adventure and fun on the Virgin River.

Learn some tips for a safe and fun float down the Virgin River with the moms of “Blooming in the Desert” in the media player above

Falls Park, also known as Sheep Bridge Park, is located in Virgin, Utah, and is a favorite spot among locals to beat the summer heat. It is also one of the few spots in Southern Utah to spend a day floating down the river.

Tubing expert Dakota Rogers of Zion Tubing says floaters can expect “mostly calm moving waters,” and the river is safe for young kids to enjoy. His company regularly takes out children age 4 and older.

“There are few small rapids in between. Nothing crazy or steep,” Rogers said. “You may bump into a few rocks and sticks, but its all part of the fun fun of the natural river.”

He said the entire float is 2.3 miles long and takes almost two hours to complete.

Callister recommends bringing closed-toe shoes and a thicker raft with a net bottom while floating in the Zion National Park area or anywhere above the city of Virgin because the river tends to be much rockier.

However, from Virgin to St. George, “it’s not so rocky,” and Skillings says open-toe shoes like a pair of Teva sandals with straps that hold on to your feet would work great.

Make sure to check the water levels before you venture out. Typically the floating season ends in mid-July. Also, be prepared and know when you will be getting in and out of the river.

“On these adventures remember to respect nature and the wildlife,” Callister said. “Leave no trace and always leave it better than you found it.”

Find out more tips for a fun day on the water on this week’s episode of “Blooming in the Desert” in the media player above.

Get outside!

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