Ultimate Guide to the Kanarra Falls Hike

Kanarra Falls (also known as Kanarra Creek or Kanarraville Falls) is a slot canyon located just outside of Kanarraville in southern Utah, north of Zion National Park and southwest of Bryce Canyon National Park.

Kanarra Falls reminds us of a mini-version of the Zion Narrows. The hike requires walking through a stream that leads into a beautiful slot canyon with several waterfalls and pools of water. Compared to the Zion Narrows, you can expect lower water levels (typically not above ankle-deep) and fewer crowds!

Although the hike has been growing in popularity in recent years, you can still expect to find some solitude along the route. Permits are required with a limit of 150 hikers per day. This 4-mile roundtrip trek follows Kanarra Creek upstream into a beautiful slot canyon with two waterfalls and includes some moderate rock scrambling, a climb up a ladder, and hiking through ankle-deep water.

In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about hiking to Kanarra Falls, including how to get permits, the best time to go, and what to expect on the trail.

Kanarra Falls Hike

Permits for the Kanarra Falls hike

Permits are required to hike Kanarra Falls, and due to a recent increase in popularity, permits often sell out in advance, especially on weekends during the spring through fall.

The permits are bit pricey (at $12 per person) for a shorter day hike, but with only 150 hikers allowed each day, the permitting system is successful in managing the crowds.

If you purchase your permit in advance, make sure you have it screen-shotted or printed before you go. You will need to show it to an attendant at a kiosk next to the trailhead and service is spotty.

Reserve your ticket | Permits for Kanarra Falls may be purchased in advance or at the trailhead. I’d highly recommend purchasing in advance because they will sell out during peak season. 

Kanarra Falls | Hike Guide

My experience

I hiked Kanarra Falls solo on a spring afternoon in April. The trail was not crowded and I passed just a handful of other hikers.  This was my second attempt at hiking Kanarra Falls. The first time I bought permits it ended up raining so I made the decision not to go.

Especially since I was hiking alone, I was a little nervous about the scrambling and sketchy ladder. However, I thought the hike ended up being a ton of fun and the obstacles along the way were a nice challenge, without being too scary or dangerous. 

Parking and getting to the trailhead

The Kanarra Falls hike starts from the Kanarra Creek Trailhead, located in the town of Kanarraville, Utah. The trailhead is just a few minutes off I85, about 20 minutes from Cedar City, 45 minutes from St. George, and 1 hour from Zion National Park. 

The parking lot and road to the trailhead are paved, making it easily accessible for any vehicle. The parking lot does not have spaces suitable for large RV’s.

Starting the hike

When you arrive at the parking lot, first visit the kiosk near the trailhead to either purchase permits or show your pre-purchased tickets to the attendant. They will give you a map of the trail, marking the location of the two waterfalls. 

The hike starts out along a gravel road with a moderate incline.

Kanarra Creek

At about 1 mile into the hike, the trail once again intersects Kanarra Creek and then continues along the water. At this point, it’s easier to walk through the stream than to try to stay dry. I changed into my Chacos here and embraced the chilly water!

If you choose not to walk through the creek, make sure to stay on the trail to avoid further erosion of the banks. 

Entering the Slot Canyon

As you walk upstream, the canyon walls start to slowly get narrower. A mile and a half into the hike, you will round a bend and enter the slot canyon.

The rippling orange canyon walls and crystal clear stream make for an incredible sight! I thought this was the most beautiful part of the hike.

First Waterfall

Shortly after entering the slot canyon, you will come upon the first waterfall. The falls tumble roughly 20 feet over the rock wall and the ladder sits to the right of the falls.

This section used to involve climbing up a slippery, rickety set of ladder rungs attached to a log. However, the ladder has recently been replaced with a new, more sturdy, and admittedly less picturesque ladder. It’s more like a metal staircase than a ladder!

I haven’t done the hike since the new “ladder” was installed, but take a quick look at photos on AllTrails and you will see what I mean! Despite being less picturesque, the new ladder certainly looks easier to navigate, and shouldn’t pose much trouble for you to pass.

Rock scramble

After climbing the ladder beside the first waterfall, the next obstacle is a moderate rock scramble to the right of a massive boulder in the middle of the canyon. In the photo above, you can see the logs to the right of the boulder that lead you up and around the large boulder.

The climb isn’t too high, but the slippery rock makes it a bit tough. A pair of shoes with good traction will definitely be helpful here.

Second Waterfall

The canyon narrows again and you will come upon the second waterfall, located about 2 miles into the hike. The second waterfall marks the end of the hike and the turn-around point. Although some people will try to continue past this point, there is no clear safe way to climb up.

At this point, it is time to turn around and head back down the creek through the slot canyon and to your car.

Kanarra Falls Hike | FAQs

When is the best time to hike Kanarra Falls?

The best time to hike Kanarra Falls is spring through fall (roughly April through October). During the winter, the stream often freezes which can make the trail very slick and difficult to maneuver. If you plan to hike during the winter, make sure to bring a pair of microspikes and hiking poles.

Earlier in the spring, you can expect the water to be quite cold. The hike is still doable, but it may not be as enjoyable. If you plan to hike in the early spring or late fall, we’d recommend a pair of neoprene socks to help keep your feet warm. 

Although summers in the area get very hot, much of the trail is shaded and the water is great for cooling off, making the warmer months a good time to hike. However, be aware that flash floods are most common from July through August due to summer thunderstorms. 

What should I pack for Kanarra Falls?

• Kanarra Falls permits | If you purchase permits in advance, be sure to have a screenshot saved on your phone.
• Neoprene socks | For keeping your feet warm if hiking during fall through spring.
• Hiking poles (Hers: Black Diamond Distance Z poles, His: Black Diamond Distance FLZ poles ) | Great for extra stability for stream crossings and hiking through the rocky riverbed.
• Water shoes or hiking sandals | To avoid getting your boots or tennis shoes wet. 
• Dry bag | To protect your phone and valuables in case you fall in the water (it can get very slippery!) and from mist from the waterfall as you climb up the ladder.
• If you’re bringing a camera, I’d definitely recommend bringing something to keep it safe and dry. I always use my Matador Base Layer for hiking, which includes a water resistant outer layer. 

Other Utah Resources

Planning a trip hiking in southern Utah? Check out these resources for more inspiration!

Questions or comments about the Kanarra Falls hike? Let us know in the comments below!

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