When you leave St. George and finally exit out of the VIrgin River gorge, you cross into a whole new ecosystem. I love the pungent smell from the creosote plants after a rainstorm that smack you in the face after coming out of the gorge. You don't smell them anywhere in Utah, and I find that folks that live in Arizona don't smell them so much, because they are desensitized. Some people are turned off by the aroma--but for me, it always brings back fond memories of my grandparents dragging me down to their snowbird retreat in SoCal every winter. I thought they were crazy back then, but now I find myself longing to do the same thing when I retire. Thanks for the great video, Russ.
I CANNOT BELIEVE HOW MUCH THIS AREA HAS GROWN IN THE LAST 15 YEARS. THE VIRGIN RIVER CANYON WAS ALWAYS A FAVOURITE OF MINE. IT IS SO BEAUTIFUL. MY AUNT LIVED IN A LITTLE SETTLEMENT OUTSIDE OF MESQUITE WHICH SHE WAS INTRUMENTAL IN HAVING IT OFFICIALLY NAMED SCENIC.
Whilst on vacation from Australia a few years ago I drove through here to visit friends in Cedar City, Utah. Scenery is spectacular and Utah has some of the best national parks.
My family and I took a trip from San Diego to McCall Idaho in 1973. I'd just gotten out of the Army and my father had just heard from his son from a previous marriage, and my half-brother and he wanted to go up to Idaho to visit him as he hadn't seen his son in 30 some years. Back then Interstate 15 was not completed, and one of the areas that was not completed was the Arizona section thru the Virgin river gorge. The way you had to go to get to St George and further north on I15 was you got off the 15 freeway that was done up to the town of Littlefield Arizona, and take the US91 up north then to the east and then down south to St George. I15 began again at St George, but between St George and SLC, there were a LOT of the freeway still under construction. It was pretty much finished north of SLC.
Hey Russ!!! I have really enjoyed every inch of your amazing trip this summer! You do such a incredible job with the camera and narration. With out question you are the king of RVers!!
WOW ~ wonderful footage of your trip thru the 15 and down into Mesquite . You said , sit back and enjoy the ride ~ well , I am one of MANY who enjoy the ride along ! Thank you Sir , for sharing your journey !! ⭐️
Yes indeed that area is Spectacular! I was just in that area for the holidays. I wanted to enjoy the scenery so I rode on the Salt Lake Shuttle Bus. Very nice shuttle company. Thank you for sharing this video.
I've traveled through this area alone a number of times years ago... not traveling anymore, but thank you for the memories! It is lovely traveling with you! THANK YOU!
When I was trucking. I drove through there a few times. Absolutely the most beautiful place I've ever seen. I lived in Phoenix for a few years. I miss Arizona and the desert everyday.
I remember when this section of I-15 first opened almost 50 years ago. It was amazing that it took 1 hour off the trip between Las Vegas and St. George. This was a.huge project. There were many bridges that had to be built. Lots of blasting was also required. When you enter the gorge from the south, you can see where the drilling and blasting occurred. The old US-91 that it replaced was a winding road over the mountains. Lots of curves. Accidents were common. You can still drive it if you wish. It takes off to the North from Littlefield, AZ and enters St George from the northwest. Thanks for the video.
Oh my gosh you feel like you're headed to my home! I love seeing all that! 💞💞 Unfortunately my path has meant that I've reluctantly been in Oregon for the last few years, but by gum and golly, I'm going to get South! I truly, truly adore viewing the swaths of land and sky that open up as we ride down the highway with you!!
This has to be one of the most stunningly beautiful drives anywhere!!! This video takes me back to the first time I saw it, I could not believe the fantastic mountain formations in that area .... and then .... descend into total flatland!! Great Video!!!
Happy Trails - United States America - Russ - RVerTV Fans. Thank you Russ for your 2021 Journey Thru U.S.A. We Love RVerTV - Grand Journey - Grand Videos - Grand Music.
Their is another way to avoid driving thru the Virgin River Gorge. About 6 mile north of St George is Santa Clara that take you to Littlefield AZ via the Old US Highway 91. It only 15 to 20 miles longer then going thru the Gorge and the road is fairly good shape
We call it the "old road" and it was the way to enter Utah from Las Vegas before the early '70's. Going opposite direction from yours: Just into Arizona, a traveller would leave I15 at Littlefield / Beaver Dam (exit 8). Then, north all the way crossing another Arizona/Utah line through Shiwits and bending south-east down past Ivins and through Santa Clara to enter Saint George from the north-west. That little two-lane road was the way we entered Utah before they cut the Virgin River Gorge in the early 1970's. Sometime in 1974 we could drive on the new paved surface!
I lived in Mesquite, NV and Beaver Dam, AZ back in 1988... OMG it has grown, we did not have a grocery store to speak of, so we went to St. George once a month, it was easier then going to Las Vegas. I honestly hated going through the Arizona Gorge. Especially if they had to close it due to high winds. The old highway to St. George is through Mesquite, I had gone it many times back in the 80's just the road is not maintained so was rough going even back then. Even that gas station you got gas has gotten huge, it use to have 4 pumps and nothing for truckers.. lol The big Casino when you came off the interstate was named Peppermill Casino. I was underage but was in there every weekend to play slots... God the memories. Thank you!
St George to las Vegas is my favorite drive of all time I love it so beautiful day or night the skies get very bright with stars at night. Think this video is recommended because I'm house hunting in mesquite and little field az. Very beautiful areas
Have made this drive a few times but not in a long while - thanks for the memories. And I suspect you are getting close enough to home to affect how heavy your foot is on the gas :)
About 30 years ago I spent a little time around Mesquite and St. George. I found a back road that led out of St. George and down in Mesquite. It was long, slow and scenic, and it avoided I-15.
Nice, nice video, enjoyed. That was a really beautiful drive through the gorge. Amazing going from that to the desert, which has its own beauty too. Won't be long til you're home now. Thank you for the summer adventures. Be safe. 😊👍
Just happened across your videos. I live in Yulee, Fl and my sister lives in Mesquite, NV. She has sent me some pics and I have wanted to drive there and see the country. Had no idea how beautiful it is. Thanks for the video.
The dispersed camping is on Beaver Dam and on the exit on Cedar Pocket. One of the videos I saw showed a Spanish Trail old highway that is an alternative to the 15. Past that gorge on the left is Valley of Fire. Dispersed camping available too on a Mesa outside of Valley of Fire.
St. George turned out to be a great city. They sure know how to make use of their stunningly beautiful outdoors with parks and public facilities. Spent most of Jan. 2021 boondocking right there on blm at Black Rock rd, just before the highway dips down into the gorge. So anxious to return.
In 2020 I took a road trip from my house in West Texas to southern Arizona to Las Vegas through the virgin river gorge up to arches NP. Then went through Idaho to Yellowstone NP then down to Colorado then back home. The Virgin River Gorge awwwed me as I drove north through it. As a kid my dad pulling his Fifth-wheel rv drove through the gorge. I just can’t remember as a kid going through it though
Good evening. Just started watching your channel, for about 2 weeks now. Sir, you have driven through some of the nicest areas in Our Great Nation, & it has been truly a blessing to ride along. Thank you for your cinematic representations of your journeys, & you're willingness to share them. 😎🕆🇺🇸 GodSpeed.
Beautiful Area... Went through there once during a thunderstorm, WOWZA! Been there B4 and after that flood you speak of. Nothing like it here in Florida. (except the everglades and the keys)
I have also driven through here in many different rigs. But the most memorable was when the rig in front of me left hid utility light on and directly in my face it I tried to use the open left lane. It was open, but when I tried to pass the rig with a blinding light with many curves, I found it safer to go the very slow speed of a heavily loaded truck.
My wife and I have driven through the gorge many times and have never grown tired of it.
When you leave St. George and finally exit out of the VIrgin River gorge, you cross into a whole new ecosystem. I love the pungent smell from the creosote plants after a rainstorm that smack you in the face after coming out of the gorge. You don't smell them anywhere in Utah, and I find that folks that live in Arizona don't smell them so much, because they are desensitized. Some people are turned off by the aroma--but for me, it always brings back fond memories of my grandparents dragging me down to their snowbird retreat in SoCal every winter. I thought they were crazy back then, but now I find myself longing to do the same thing when I retire. Thanks for the great video, Russ.
looks like Egypt some areas---any dinosaur bones
I like seeing the Alluvial Fan geology to the south-east or left.
I'm wondering where they snowbird at? My home town was a major snowbird destination
Bravo. Stumbled on your video. enjoyed the scenery commentary Tunes
The scenery along I-15 through the gorge is ABSOLUTELY SPECTACULAR! I really enjoyed watching all of your video's Russ👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍.
Without you putting your trips on TH-cam I would miss out on so much!!
Thank You Russ🤩
Another great video Russ. You are going to be in Quartzsite in no time.
You best be high-tailing south with the snow coming. Thank you so much for taking us along on this beautiful U.S. summer trip. 😊
I CANNOT BELIEVE HOW MUCH THIS AREA HAS GROWN IN THE LAST 15 YEARS. THE VIRGIN RIVER CANYON WAS ALWAYS A FAVOURITE OF MINE. IT IS SO BEAUTIFUL. MY AUNT LIVED IN A LITTLE SETTLEMENT OUTSIDE OF MESQUITE WHICH SHE WAS INTRUMENTAL IN HAVING IT OFFICIALLY NAMED SCENIC.
Thanks Russ, great work.
I appreciate your attention to detail. Actually you care. Greg and Cody my manx cat
Thanks Russ for showing the Gorge. Every time I have driven through I need to keep my eyes on the road, especially going South.
Whilst on vacation from Australia a few years ago I drove through here to visit friends in Cedar City, Utah. Scenery is spectacular and Utah has some of the best national parks.
She'll be right Mate!
My family and I took a trip from San Diego to McCall Idaho in 1973. I'd just gotten out of the Army and my father had just heard from his son from a previous marriage, and my half-brother and he wanted to go up to Idaho to visit him as he hadn't seen his son in 30 some years. Back then Interstate 15 was not completed, and one of the areas that was not completed was the Arizona section thru the Virgin river gorge. The way you had to go to get to St George and further north on I15 was you got off the 15 freeway that was done up to the town of Littlefield Arizona, and take the US91 up north then to the east and then down south to St George. I15 began again at St George, but between St George and SLC, there were a LOT of the freeway still under construction. It was pretty much finished north of SLC.
Mesquite NV is “ Heaven on Earth” ❤️❤️
Hey Russ!!!
I have really enjoyed every inch of your amazing trip this summer! You do such a incredible job with the camera and narration. With out question you are the king of RVers!!
Hey Russ!!! "GETTING" Closer to "HOME"!!! Be Safe!!!
Russ... I think this was one of the best videos yet... and you were correct... the Virgin River gorge was amazing.....
i loved the ride today. The Mountains look great. Your the best.... thanks..
One of my favorite drives. As great as your video is, it doesn't do it justice. It is absolutely breath taking in person.
The scenery on this trip is astounding!
WOW ~ wonderful footage of your trip thru the 15 and down into Mesquite . You said , sit back and enjoy the ride ~ well , I am one of MANY who enjoy the ride along ! Thank you Sir , for sharing your journey !! ⭐️
Yes indeed that area is Spectacular! I was just in that area for the holidays. I wanted to enjoy the scenery so I rode on the Salt Lake Shuttle Bus. Very nice shuttle company. Thank you for sharing this video.
I've traveled through this area alone a number of times years ago... not traveling anymore, but thank you for the memories! It is lovely traveling with you! THANK YOU!
When I was trucking. I drove through there a few times. Absolutely the most beautiful place I've ever seen. I lived in Phoenix for a few years. I miss Arizona and the desert everyday.
I remember yrs ago driving through Mesquite and if you blinked you missed it. Thanks, Russ another great video.
I remember when this section of I-15 first opened almost 50 years ago. It was amazing that it took 1 hour off the trip between Las Vegas and St. George. This was a.huge project. There were many bridges that had to be built. Lots of blasting was also required. When you enter the gorge from the south, you can see where the drilling and blasting occurred.
The old US-91 that it replaced was a winding road over the mountains. Lots of curves. Accidents were common. You can still drive it if you wish. It takes off to the North from Littlefield, AZ and enters St George from the northwest.
Thanks for the video.
Thanks for sharing grandkids says. Hi and great video very enjoyable too watch travel well lance and family
Hi …I’m from the Uk and have done this trip 3 times can’t wait for the 4th time in February ….thanks for the memories…breathtaking 💜
Oh my gosh you feel like you're headed to my home! I love seeing all that! 💞💞 Unfortunately my path has meant that I've reluctantly been in Oregon for the last few years, but by gum and golly, I'm going to get South!
I truly, truly adore viewing the swaths of land and sky that open up as we ride down the highway with you!!
Wonderful film I enjoy it a lot there a wonderful day
This has to be one of the most stunningly beautiful drives anywhere!!! This video takes me back to the first time I saw it, I could not believe the fantastic mountain formations in that area .... and then .... descend into total flatland!! Great Video!!!
Thank you for filming this. It’s my favorite part of this drive. It’s so beautiful.
Been there, done that, the gorge is gorgeous!! We were there in the 70's Mesquite has really changed!!!! Safe travels!!!!
Happy Trails - United States America - Russ - RVerTV Fans. Thank you Russ for your 2021 Journey Thru U.S.A. We Love RVerTV - Grand Journey - Grand Videos - Grand Music.
I absolutely love the drive from Mesquite, NV to St. George, Utah!!!
That is like I 70 in colarado. The area by Glenn wood springs is just breath taking .
Traveled that section in 1998. Had to find a spot to pull over and take pictures. Beautiful indeed! Thanks for sharing...........
Their is another way to avoid driving thru the Virgin River Gorge. About 6 mile north of St George is Santa Clara that take you to Littlefield AZ via the Old US Highway 91. It only 15 to 20 miles longer then going thru the Gorge and the road is fairly good shape
We call it the "old road" and it was the way to enter Utah from Las Vegas before the early '70's. Going opposite direction from yours: Just into Arizona, a traveller would leave I15 at Littlefield / Beaver Dam (exit 8). Then, north all the way crossing another Arizona/Utah line through Shiwits and bending south-east down past Ivins and through Santa Clara to enter Saint George from the north-west. That little two-lane road was the way we entered Utah before they cut the Virgin River Gorge in the early 1970's. Sometime in 1974 we could drive on the new paved surface!
13.15. My God it is BEAUTIFUL! Thank you so much for sharing your adventure with us.
Wow Russ the Virgin River Gorge is impressive! Thank you for filming it for us! There’s so much scenery on I15!😀🇺🇸🚙
I lived in Mesquite, NV and Beaver Dam, AZ back in 1988... OMG it has grown, we did not have a grocery store to speak of, so we went to St. George once a month, it was easier then going to Las Vegas. I honestly hated going through the Arizona Gorge. Especially if they had to close it due to high winds. The old highway to St. George is through Mesquite, I had gone it many times back in the 80's just the road is not maintained so was rough going even back then. Even that gas station you got gas has gotten huge, it use to have 4 pumps and nothing for truckers.. lol The big Casino when you came off the interstate was named Peppermill Casino. I was underage but was in there every weekend to play slots... God the memories. Thank you!
Awesome Russ!!
Hi Russ. Great as always. Thanks for the map inserts. I'll stick those in my "roads to travel" folder for this Spring's trip.
Can hear it in your voice, how excited you are to get back to your beloved Arizona! What a great journey this year!
Too Cool for School! Welcome back!
Russ you are like fine wine getting better and better thanks
Thank you again for the great travel videos, they allow me to see places that I will never be able to vist..
Thats where I am! St. George Utah. Leaving to go south through Mesquite. You are always there making useful videos! Thanks so much.
Lake Mead, can't wait to see. To bad low water level.
I have truly enjoyed following you on your travels this summer..thanks.....
This drive was mesmerizing- traveled it for the first time 3 weeks ago.
Wow what a beautiful drive. 😍
We use to stop at the recreational area to stretch and have a picnic but it has been closed several years now. Beautiful gorge scenery.
Sad. I was able to camp there in 2016 for like $8/ni. It was really a neat place to stay overnight.
Did it flood out?
St George to las Vegas is my favorite drive of all time I love it so beautiful day or night the skies get very bright with stars at night. Think this video is recommended because I'm house hunting in mesquite and little field az. Very beautiful areas
I LOVE this drive. Thank you so much for making a video that I can watch frequently! You ROCK!!!
Wow! Thanks for another great video Russ. The recreation area has been closed since 2019 :(
Have made this drive a few times but not in a long while - thanks for the memories. And I suspect you are getting close enough to home to affect how heavy your foot is on the gas :)
Thanks!
About 30 years ago I spent a little time around Mesquite and St. George. I found a back road that led out of St. George and down in Mesquite. It was long, slow and scenic, and it avoided I-15.
This may be the only way to travel. Thank you Mr. Chauffeur!
Great scenery looks like you'll beat the big cold storm that's coming that way watch out for the high wind that will be coming with it.
That was a nice ride through the mountains with that river.
Made my first drive through here oct 1… so beautiful
Thank you for the video Russ. I love your pace, commentary & short jort heh heh laugh. Keep on truckin'
Nice drone footage too.
I traveled this road many times thank for the ride
you are in my neck of the woods (Las Vegas). Really enjoy following your travels.
It never gets old going through that gorge. You are almost home. Everything looks like home to me.💟
Reminds me of my trips to Arizona as kid
We have been through there and you are correct it is breathtaking.
Awesome video Russ thank you for all your hard work.
Nice, nice video, enjoyed. That was a really beautiful drive through the gorge. Amazing going from that to the desert, which has its own beauty too. Won't be long til you're home now. Thank you for the summer adventures. Be safe. 😊👍
Russ, a GORGEous video.
The most stunning piece of road I have ever driven on !
The colors are spectacular after it rains
Simply gorge-eous followed by pancake flats. Lol. Even Hopalong C. would be amazed how built up Nevada is. Another great video Russ.👍👍🙋♂️
Amazing video. Thanks for sharing. Be Safe!
Glad to see you out west again. Would love some more footage of Lake Havasu City if you are in the area. Thanks Russ
I love your voice! Makes me think of the colorful narrations on Disneyland rides in Frontierland.
I watched your videos to bring back memories as we’re no longer able to travel much
I have been there in 2000 and it is gorgeous.
I love the desert. Thanks for the video.
I recently left Sotah for the east coast. I so miss the beauty, everywhere.
Just happened across your videos. I live in Yulee, Fl and my sister lives in Mesquite, NV. She has sent me some pics and I have wanted to drive there and see the country. Had no idea how beautiful it is. Thanks for the video.
We love that part of Utah. We go for fun in Vegas then drive up to Utah for some peace and quiet.
The dispersed camping is on Beaver Dam and on the exit on Cedar Pocket. One of the videos I saw showed a Spanish Trail old highway that is an alternative to the 15. Past that gorge on the left is Valley of Fire. Dispersed camping available too on a Mesa outside of Valley of Fire.
Beautiful!!! I love that drive 🚗
I'm sorry to repeat myself, but I can't help it.....OH HOLY MOLY WOW !!!!!
looks lovely - it's on my itinerary next time I'm in the US, whenever that might be. Thanks Russ.
I just very recently drove through here leaving St George and on my way to Valley of Fire and it's spectacular!
St. George turned out to be a great city. They sure know how to make use of their stunningly beautiful outdoors with parks and public facilities. Spent most of Jan. 2021 boondocking right there on blm at Black Rock rd, just before the highway dips down into the gorge. So anxious to return.
@13:40 Awesome view Russ. That gas tanker must be empty to be able speed up like that!
Always look forward to your video’s Russ what beautiful mountains and scenery wow!!
one of my favorite stretches of highway!
That sliver of Arizona is called The Arizona Strip.
It is famous for having some of the largest Mule Deer bucks anywhere.
love your vids russ keep up the good work my friend
OHHHHHH WOW !!!!!!! OH WOW !!!!!!
In 2020 I took a road trip from my house in West Texas to southern Arizona to Las Vegas through the virgin river gorge up to arches NP. Then went through Idaho to Yellowstone NP then down to Colorado then back home. The Virgin River Gorge awwwed me as I drove north through it. As a kid my dad pulling his Fifth-wheel rv drove through the gorge. I just can’t remember as a kid going through it though
Good evening.
Just started watching your channel, for about 2 weeks now. Sir, you have driven through some of the nicest areas in Our Great Nation, & it has been truly a blessing to ride along. Thank you for your cinematic representations of your journeys, & you're willingness to share them. 😎🕆🇺🇸
GodSpeed.
Wow! That was beautiful!
Nice to be a passenger for a change. Great leg of the journey.
Beautiful Area... Went through there once during a thunderstorm, WOWZA! Been there B4 and after that flood you speak of. Nothing like it here in Florida. (except the everglades and the keys)
I have been camping at the gorge and also staying in mesquite at the casino, beautiful out here! Kanab is my fav and Best Friends Animal Sanctuary
I have also driven through here in many different rigs. But the most memorable was when the rig in front of me left hid utility light on and directly in my face it I tried to use the open left lane. It was open, but when I tried to pass the rig with a blinding light with many curves, I found it safer to go the very slow speed of a heavily loaded truck.