Tucked away in the rugged desert landscape between St. George, Utah and Mesquite, Nevada, the Cedar Pocket Sinkhole—sometimes called the Beaver Dam Sinkhole—is one of those hidden geological surprises that makes off-roading in the Southwest so rewarding. Just off I-15 near the Virgin River Gorge, this massive depression formed through the natural dissolution of underground gypsum layers, creating a stunning feature that off-road enthusiasts can explore up close.
We staged off of Interstate 15 at Cedar Pocket Road which is just inside the Beaver Dam Wilderness Area
Location & Overview
The Cedar Pocket Sinkhole is located in northwestern Arizona, very close to the Beaver Dam Mountains Wilderness area near Littlefield. It’s easily accessed via Cedar Pocket Road, which branches off I-15 at Exit 18. Though not far from the highway, the area feels remote and wild—a perfect setting for an off-road adventure. You can also access the sinkhole from Mesquite or Littlefield
The sinkhole itself is a collapsed depression more than 200 feet wide, with steep sides and a partial rim that allows cautious descent on one side. The view from the top offers a dramatic look at the geology of the Virgin River Basin, where groundwater has dissolved soluble gypsum beneath the surface, causing the ground above to collapse over time.
Cedar Pocket Sink Hole GPS Coordinates: 36.97314, -113.87361
Cedar Pocket Sink Hole
Geological Background
Unlike the classic limestone sinkholes found in Florida or the Ozarks, the Cedar Pocket Sinkhole formed through the dissolution of gypsum, a much more soluble mineral found in the arid Southwest. Over time, groundwater slowly ate away at the gypsum layers below, creating voids that eventually caused the surface to collapse. The result is an impressive, bowl-shaped depression that continues to evolve as erosion and groundwater processes shape it further.
The collapsed rim on one side makes it possible to enter partway into the sinkhole, but extreme caution is advised—loose soil and steep slopes make footing unstable.
Plan Your Ride
Combine a visit to the Cedar Pocket Sinkhole with nearby UTV routes in the Beaver Dam Mountains or the Virgin River Gorge Recreation Area for a full day of adventure. The region’s mix of red cliffs, gypsum hills, and remote desert roads make it one of the most underrated off-roading areas in the Southwest.
Our Vehicle for this Ride
2025 Yamaha RMAX4 Limited
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