Is Babylon Road Open? Quick Answer
No. The Bureau of Land Management's St. George Field Office said on November 3, 2026, that recent rain damaged Babylon Road near Leeds. The road is impassable for all vehicles, which cuts off access to the Virgin River and the Sand Cove Trailhead in the Red Cliffs National Conservation Area. The BLM asks visitors to avoid the area until repairs are finished. It has not announced a reopening date.
This report is based on the BLM's press release. We have not visited the site.
What Did the BLM Say?
According to the release, access to the Virgin River and Sand Cove Trailhead "has been disrupted" after rain events damaged Babylon Road. The release's photo shows a deep rut running through the center of the road. Key points:
- The damaged road is currently impassable for all vehicles.
- For public safety, the BLM asks visitors to avoid the area until repairs are complete.
- People who go in anyway do so at their own risk, and emergency response may be significantly delayed.
- The BLM is working with Washington County and the local developer to assess the damage and set an accelerated repair timeline.
The release includes a map of the affected area on the BLM press release page. It does not name the developer or estimate a repair cost.
Why Is This Happening Now?
Late October and early November brought repeated heavy rain to Washington County. Hurricane declared a local emergency on Oct. 22 after flooding there (see our Hurricane flood report), and Utah State Parks says Gunlock Reservoir is at 110% with its waterfalls running (see Gunlock Falls are flowing). Unpaved roads across desert washes are especially exposed to this kind of runoff. The draft regional hazard plan we covered in our Five County hazard mitigation report rates flooding as a likely hazard in the region.
What Should Hikers and Paddlers Do Instead?
The BLM's advice is simply to stay away until the road is repaired. If you had a Sand Cove or Virgin River outing planned, consider another trail for now. Our best hikes near St. George guide lists alternatives, and Snow Canyon State Park is open, with its own November closures to plan around. For current status, call the BLM St. George Field Office at (435) 688-3200.
What Is Not Yet Known?
- When repairs will start or finish. The BLM says only that it is working on an accelerated timeline.
- Whether foot or bike access past the damage is safe. The release asks the public to avoid the area altogether.
- Who pays for the repairs, and what the developer’s role is.
We will update this story when the BLM announces a reopening. For more local news, see our Leeds and Hurricane city guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Babylon Road closed?
Yes. The BLM said on Nov. 3, 2026, that rain damaged Babylon Road near Leeds and the road is impassable for all vehicles. It asks the public to avoid the area until repairs are complete.
Can I get to the Sand Cove Trailhead?
Not by vehicle right now. The BLM says access to the Virgin River and Sand Cove Trailhead in Red Cliffs NCA has been disrupted by the road damage.
When will Babylon Road reopen?
The BLM has not given a date. It says it is working with Washington County and the local developer on an accelerated repair timeline.
Who do I call about Babylon Road?
The BLM St. George Field Office at (435) 688-3200.
