Expect spotty cell reception on the gorge islands.

Yes, you’ll find coverage in some spots, but it drops out constantly because of the steep canyon walls. The geography blocks signals hard — a few hundred feet of elevation change can mean the difference between full bars and nothing.

Verizon tends to hold up better than T-Mobile or AT&T in the gorge, but even then, don’t depend on it. If you’re on a popular island near a town or a scenic overlook, you might get a bar or two. Deeper in the canyon or behind a cliff? Dead zone.

Data speeds will be slow if you get anything at all. Texts go through more reliably than calls.

Plan as if you’ll have zero service. If you get a bar, treat it as a bonus, not a promise.