While not quite as spectacular as the previous day’s hike to The Subway in Zion, the much shorter trail to Kanarra Falls still offers some impressive slot canyon scenery. Another of the many trails popularised by social media, it went from being virtually unknown in the 2000s to becoming completely over-run by tourists, which resulted in a permit system being implemented in the 2010s. The Kanarra Falls hike is now limited to 200 people per day, and often sells out weeks in advance.
From the large parking lot, the trail is initially a little uninspiring as it follows an old road past the “permit station” (prior to the permit system being implemented, you could drive along this road).
After about 0.3 miles (600m) the road descends slightly to cross Kanarra Creek; you can get across without getting wet feet – but there isn’t much point, as you’ll eventually end up hiking in the creek. Kanarra Creek originates from multiple springs on the slopes of Kanarra Mountain and sits within a steep drainage basin that is highly prone to flash floods; the water levels also fluctuate and are generally highest in early Spring from snowmelt. Even in late Spring, the water is very cold.
From the first creek crossing, the trail roughly follows the creek as it ascends into the Hurricane Cliffs (a 135-mile red limestone geographic feature in southwest Utah and northwest Arizona).
The road ends after about a mile (1.6km) and continues as a hiking trail, which is a lot more pleasant (and also a little more shaded).
The hiking trail now criss-crosses the creek, and occasionally the creek is the trail.
A small cascades marks the start of the most interesting section of the Kanarra Falls hike.
Although there are often social trails on both sides of the creek, it’s just as easy to walk in the shallow creek.
The cliffs on both sides of Kanarra Creek get narrower, and eventually form a very picturesque slot canyon; this section of the Kanarra Falls hike has been compared to a mini Zion Narrows.
A ladder is near the end of this first slot canyon; the previous slightly precarious wooden ladder (a log with wooden rungs) was washed away by a flash flood in August 2021 and replaced in 2024 with a much sturdier steel staircase: “a visually appealing ladder made from Corten Steel that will rust and blend seamlessly into the red sandstone walls”.
Just above the waterfall is another small cascade, with a short scramble on the right providing access around it.
The canyon continues a bit further, before opening up again.
It’s easy walking up the shaded Kanarra Creek, and past a very small cascade.
An easy scramble is required to pass the next small – but very picturesque – waterfall.
Soon after this waterfall is the second, and even more spectacular slot canyon. The Kanarra Falls hike ends at a small waterfall that would be hard to climb up without a rope. Years ago there was another ladder here, which was washed away in 2019 and not replaced due to private property access issues (a group was rescued here in 2019 and the landowner threatened to sue anyone entering this upper canyon).
It’s a shame you can’t continue further up the Kanarra Creek canyon – but both short slot canyons are very picturesque, and even on a warm afternoon it’s very pleasant walking along the creek.
Getting to the Kanarra Falls hike
The Kanarra Falls hike is in Kanarraville, Utah, about 10 miles / 16km south of Cedar City. The large, free public parking lot and trailhead is at the end of E 100 N St.
More information
- Kanarra Falls – purchase tickets here
- Cedar City News – Helicopter and welders: The story of how Kanarra Falls gained its ‘beautiful’ new stairs
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