Squeeze through a slot canyon to Kanarraville Falls

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Hiking Kanarra Creek Trail in 2023

This sweet half-day hike along the Kanarra Creek Canyon Trail through some pretty rad Utah slot canyons to the playful Kanarra Falls (aka Kanarraville Falls) used to be somewhat of a hidden gem.

While the word is out, a half day’s stop to hike to Kanarra Falls is still well worth your family’s time and planning.

Access this hike from the small town of Kanarraville, which happens to not be too far from Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park.

Here’s what you should know about taking this Utah waterfall hike.

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What is Kanarra Falls?

Kanarra Falls is a natural wonder located in Utah that offers visitors a unique and unforgettable outdoor adventure.

It features a series of narrow slot canyons and cool streams that are perfect for hiking and wading.

This destination is a must-visit for any outdoor enthusiast looking for a breathtaking experience.

What is a slot Canyon?

Slot canyons are narrow gorges in soft rocks like Utah’s sedimentary layers.

They get their name from their narrow width, as they often squeeze down to a sliver of an opening.

Utah slot canyons are some of most concentrated in one region in the world, and you can get to most of them.

RELATED: Guided Canyoneering in Zion National Park with Kids

What to expect during your hike to Kanarra Falls

A moderate 4 mile hike with steep inclines and rocky terrain, our kids say the Kanarra Falls hike is one of their top highlights of our California road trip. And we weren’t in California. 

Gradually hiking up from the Kanarra Creek Trailhead, the water guides you the entire way. Follow the creek and you can't lose the trail. 

You'll cross back and forth over the creek and hike through it several times. The creek generally stays shallow, ankle high mostly to mid-calf at times.

Along the way, you'll pass through a beautiful slot canyon as you cross a stream several times.

The highlight of the hike is reaching the stunning waterfall, where you can cool off in the refreshing water and take in the breathtaking scenery.

Be sure to bring a camera to capture the beauty of this unique destination.

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Strap on your water sandals 

Chacos or other water sandals are preferred to tennis shoes or hiking boots on thi Utah waterfall hike.

My daughter and I are started off wearing tennis shoes, but within a few minutes we were strapping on our Chacos.

Enjoy the shade trees, foliage, and the towering mountains.  Plenty of places to stop and rest, take in the beauty.  Soon, you'll find yourself sliding into this Utah slot canyon.

Kanarraville Falls Hike

Holding hands and mouths gaping wide, we reached the mouth of the canyon. Sunlight dances on the canyon walls. Don’t forget your camera.

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Kanarra Falls ladders

When we hiked farther up Kanarra Creek Trail through this Utah slot canyon, we reached a crude ladder going up the falls. It was basically a large log with metal rungs and a rope railing along the canyon wall to help guide you towards the top.  

NEW in 2021! A brand new sturdy ladder was put in place on the first set of falls on this popular Utah waterfall hike. Some folks have mixed feelings about the newer bridge, but it does make the way up safer.

Helping each other, we carefully climbed up the 12 foot ladder and farther in. Honestly, I was a tad nervous for my younger two that were ages 8 and 11 at the time.

We were thankful for the lending hands of fellow hikers. Safety is paramount.

The new ladder will be super helpful, but safety is still key!

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Rock sliding

Hiking up the canyon further, you'll tediously make your way up a second set of small falls, this time without a ladder. Just tree branches and boulders helping you up.

Then, the canyon widens again. We made our way up to another waterfall where we sat and ate our picnic lunch.

There, Kanarra Creek cascaded over huge, mossy rocks into a pool of water, making it a natural playground. We took our turns sliding down the rocks.  

Soaking wet, we dried quickly in the abundant sunshine.

Hiking back down the canyon was just as fun, and we were wonderfully tired and in search of ice cream.

FAQs about this Utah Waterfall Hike

Do You Need a Permit to hike to Kanarraville Falls?

YES! A permit is required to hike Kanarra Falls. There are only 150 spots available per day.

Reservations to hike to this Utah waterfall can fill up more than two weeks in advance, so please plan ahead as you may not be able to be as spontaneous as you wish.

The NON-REFUNDABLE permit fee is $12.00 PER PERSON (children ages 3* and under are free) and includes your free parking at the trailhead.

If the daily limit of 150 hikers has not been reached, hiking permits can still be purchased at the trailhead and credit/debit cards are preferred.

Remember, the hike to Kanarraville Falls is limited to 150 people per day. Once the daily limit is reached, no further tickets will be sold.

We advise you to plan and head by reserving Kanarra Falls permits online in advance. Weekends during the spring and summer are very busy and are likely to be sold out several weeks in advance.

Be sure to bring your permit with you the day of the hike. Unused tickets due to weather closures may be used on a future date.

*Can we hike it with small children?

Parents, you should know this is a moderate, wet, slick hike along Kanarra Creek Trail. We saw moms and dads with little ones strapped to their chest, climbing up the ladders and the falls.

And it made me very nervous. Please care about your kids’ safety.

We do NOT recommend this hike for small children or for those with physical limitations. Remember, there is a 12 foot high, crude, slick ladder.

Fit tweens and teens can handle this hike. Our youngest was 8 years old when we did the hike. Please know your abilities and limitations.

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The first ladder up to Kanarra Falls back in 2017. A new ladder has since been installed.

Tips for Hiking to Kanarra Falls

While Kanarra Falls is a beautiful destination, it's important to enjoy it safely and responsibly.

Here are some tips to keep in mind during your visit:

• Wear sturdy hiking shoes/sandals with good traction; Chacos are actually ideal on this trail.

• Wear sunscreen and a hat.

• Tell someone where you are going and when you plan to return.

• Bring plenty of water and snacks, stay on designated trails, and pack out all trash.

• Be aware of weather conditions and flash flood warnings, as the slot canyon can be dangerous during heavy rain.

Flash Flooding

Remember, Kanarra Creek is a slot canyon and there is a very real danger from flash flooding and rockslides. 

Flash floods can happen any time, but are most likely during thunderstorms in July, August, and September.

The day of your hike Kanarra Falls hike, check the local weather forecast and enter the canyon at your own risk.

Know your escape routes, and watch for rising water levels, stronger currents and sudden changes.

Do campervans truly live up to the hype?

We got off the grid in one ourselves. You might be surprised at what we found.

An honest Outdoorsy Review

No Dogs Allowed

This creek helps provide drinking and irrigation water for Kanarraville, so animal feces would contaminate it and that’s just gross.

Speaking of Bathrooms

There is a bathroom Kanarraville Falls parking lot, and one more near the trailhead. Go potty before you start your hike and pack out everything you start with — all trash must leave the trail with you.

Your Cell Phone May Not Have Service

Coverage is spotty along the trail. Do not hike this trail alone and tell friends and relatives about your hike before you hit the trail. It could

Make your hike more enjoyable

• Osprey Day Pack

• Platypus Water Reservoir

• Chacos

• Hiking Trekking Poles

• Full Brimmed Sun Hat

More UTah Slot Canyons

The World Travel Guy lists these 15 best slot canyons in Utah (permits required in some):

1. Red Hollow Slot Canyon

2. Buckskin Gulch

3. Wire Pass Slot Canyon

4. Zion Narrows

5. Kanarra Creek (this one here!)

6. Spring Creek Canyon

7. Willis Creek Slot Canyon

8. Zebra Slot Canyon

9. Peekaboo Slot Canyon

10. Spooky Slot Canyon

11. Dry Fork Narrows

12. Little Wild Horse Canyon

13. Ding & Dang Canyons

14. Moonshine Wash

15. Antelope Canyon

More Utah Hikes

There are so many other great hikes nearby in southern Utah, without the crowds.

For example, get all the details about hiking Ashdown Gorge in Cedar Canyon.

Arika with Zion Adventure Photog shares all of her favorite local outdoor adventure spots in the Zion area.

Other Nearby attractions to visit in the area

While Kanarra Falls is a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts, there are also other nearby attractions to explore while in the area.

Just a short drive away is Zion National Park, known for its stunning red rock formations and hiking trails.

Another nearby attraction is Cedar Breaks National Monument, which offers breathtaking views of colorful rock formations and a variety of outdoor activities.

Additionally, the town of Kanab is a charming destination with a rich history and plenty of shops and restaurants to explore.

Brian Head, Utah is 44 miles, or 50 minutes drive and folks love outdoor adventures here year-round.

Kanarraville Falls hike is in Kanarraville, Utah (just south of Cedar City, Utah off of I-15 via Old U.S. 91, or just 40 miles north of St. George, Utah).  

The address of the trailhead is 375 E. 100 North St, Kanarraville, UT 84742.  

You can find places to camp near Kanarraville.

Stay in nearby Cedar City

We stayed in a lovely Best Western Plus Cedar City and would stay there again in a heartbeat.

Cedar City, Utah is great place for outdoor adventure folks looking for a vacation cabin to enjoy. There are lots of things to do in Cedar City, Utah.

Away from the hot desert, Cedar City offers hiking, biking, and climbing in the warmer months, plus all kinds of winter sports.

Nearby Brian Head and Eagle Point are two of Utah’s very best nearby ski resorts.

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Nearby national parks and outdoor adventures

Zion National Park is roughly 50 miles, or only about an hour away.  Spend at least 3 days in Zion.

Bryce National Park is about 100 miles, or 1 hour 40 minutes away.  You’ll love an overnight in Bryce.  Dying to get back there.

Cedar Breaks National Monument is 33 miles, or 47 minutes away.

We love Utah!

Honestly, we could spend a week or more just exploring and hiking in Utah.  So much to see and do!  We're already talking with California friends about meeting up here.  What's next on your list?

Have you explored southern Utah?  What are some tips or faves you'd like to share? Feel free to pass this post on to a friend. Thanks!