Dense and large scale Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) require strategies for data gathering with efficient, scalable, robust, large area coverage, and extended network lifetime attributes. We propose a novel and efficient data gathering algorithm, EDGS, to collect data in these challenging WSNs. EDGS creates virtual network backbone based on regular graph structure called the Gray Cube. Several short multi-hop data collection paths are embedded in the cube's communication tree. The backbone nodes are subset of the WSN nodes and act as access points for other nodes.