Quick FactsOverview
Overview
Pah Tempe Hot Springs, also known as La Verkin or Dixie Hot Springs, sits along the Virgin River at the mouth of Timpoweap Canyon between Hurricane and La Verkin. The spring area is known for warm, mineral rich water emerging from fractured limestone and depositing light colored travertine. In the past, visitors soaked in a series of small riverside pools where hot water mixed with cooler river water. Conditions at this site are changeable because river flow, sediment, and bank stability can reshape the pools and the approach.
Public soaking access has been restricted for many years, with reports of gates and posted no trespassing signs. Because ownership and management have changed over time, you should treat access as uncertain and confirm the current status before planning a visit. If you are looking for a guaranteed soak in the St. George area, a developed pool facility is usually the safer choice. If you are researching the site for future access, focus on staying within legal boundaries, respecting posted signs, and avoiding assumptions based on older trip reports.
Location & Access
Location and access
The springs are along the Virgin River near the mouth of Timpoweap Canyon, east of the Virgin River bridge and north of La Verkin and Hurricane. Use the coordinates on this page to orient yourself to the river reach where the springs discharge. Do not assume that the pin represents a public trailhead. Access points in this corridor can include private parcels, fenced utility land, and areas with restricted entry. If you arrive and see gates, posted signs, or barriers, do not cross them.
For trip planning, start by checking official information from local land managers and the property or district currently overseeing the site. If there is a legal public access route, it is typically a short walk from a nearby parking area to the riverbank, with uneven dirt, loose rock, and potential mud near the water. After storms, the river can run high and the bank can be undercut, making the approach unsafe. Cell service can be patchy in the canyon, so download offline maps and keep your vehicle fueled before leaving town.
If you are only visiting the area to view the canyon, consider using established viewpoints and trails in nearby public recreation areas instead of trying to reach the springs. Always pack out trash, keep to durable surfaces, and avoid creating new social paths on the riverbank.
Suitability & Accessibility
Suitability and accessibility
This site is best suited to experienced visitors who are comfortable assessing riverbank hazards and who can accept that access may not be allowed. Even when soaking was possible, the pools were informal and depended on natural mixing with the Virgin River. That means footing could be slick, edges could be unstable, and water temperatures could vary within a few feet. If you need predictable pool depth, clean deck surfaces, or controlled entry, choose a developed hot springs pool instead.
Wheelchair access is not reliable. The setting is a natural riverbank with uneven ground, soft sand or mud, and no ramps or handrails. Reaching any pool area would likely require stepping over rocks and navigating a rough bank. Families should be cautious for similar reasons. Fast water, changing depths, and unstable banks increase the risk for children, and supervision would need to be constant and close. Pets add risk around the river and should be kept under control and out of the water.
If you are evaluating the location for a future trip, plan for simple gear: sturdy sandals or water shoes, drinking water, sun protection, and a way to carry out all trash. Avoid bringing valuables you cannot keep with you. Because of the uncertain legal status, treat this as a research stop, not a guaranteed soak.
Safety & Etiquette
Safety and etiquette
Safety at Pah Tempe is driven by three issues: legality, river hazards, and unstable ground. First, respect access restrictions. If the area is posted or gated, do not enter. Trespassing can lead to citations and can jeopardize future public access discussions. Second, treat the Virgin River with caution. River level and current can change quickly with storms, upstream releases, and seasonal runoff. Do not wade or cross the river to reach a pool. If water is high, fast, or cold, leave the shoreline and choose another activity.
Third, be careful on travertine and wet rock. Mineral deposits can be slick, and the bank can crumble near the edge. Step slowly, keep three points of contact when moving, and avoid jumping between rocks. Test water before sitting, and avoid placing skin directly in very hot inflow areas if any are present. Do not submerge your head and do not drink spring or river water. Limit soak time if you are not used to hot water and get out if you feel lightheaded.
Etiquette is simple and practical. Wear a swimsuit, keep voices low, and share space if soaking is allowed. Never use soap, shampoo, or oils in the water. Do not dig or build new berms, and do not move rocks to reshape pools, since that can damage the riverbank and increase erosion. Pack out everything you bring, including small items like cigarette butts and food scraps. If you see trash, picking up a small amount helps protect the site. Finally, be considerate of wildlife and other river users, and stay on durable surfaces to reduce damage to vegetation along the bank.
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