Kanarra Falls is the water hike for people who find The Narrows too crowded, too long or too hard to plan. It follows Kanarra Creek up a narrow, red-walled canyon above the small town of Kanarraville, about 20 minutes south of Cedar City and a short drive from the Kolob Canyons end of Zion. The route begins on an old access road for roughly 0.8 miles, then drops into the creek and stays there. Within about half a mile of the slot you meet the first waterfall, a rock-jam cascade of about 15 feet. At around 1.5 miles a 20-foot aluminum ladder lifts you up the first major waterfall, and further on, near the two-mile mark, a natural waterslide makes a favorite snack stop. The route is about 4 miles round trip and takes up to four hours at an average hiking pace. Roughly two miles of it is spent walking in ankle- to knee-deep water, so you will get wet, and water shoes are strongly recommended. This is not a free trail. A portion crosses land leased to the county and the town, which operate a permit system, and the admission page says permits are required. Adults and children 8 and older pay a modest fee, children 7 and under are free, and general admission is limited to 200 tickets per day; booking is through an online calendar, and buying ahead is wise on weekends and holidays. Dogs are not allowed. The trailhead address is 40 S Main St in Kanarraville.
Conditions to respect. Kanarra Creek is a slot canyon, which means flash floods are possible any time of year and most likely in July, August and September. Do not hike if it is raining or if heavy rain is forecast anywhere in the area. In mid-April through the end of May, snowmelt can raise the water quickly and make it cold and deep, so take extra care with small children or anyone not in good physical shape.
The ladder can be wet, icy and slippery. The local guidance is to turn around at the second waterfall, around 2.5 miles in, where the water gets deeper; do not go beyond that point.
What to wear and bring. Closed-toe water shoes or old sneakers with good grip are better than sandals, which tend to come off in the creek bed. Quick-drying clothes, a dry bag for your phone and keys, a towel and a change of socks for the drive are all worth packing.
Carry water and a snack, and follow the trailhead's guidance on washing off after the hike rather than tracking mud into the town. Summer is the most comfortable season for wet feet; spring and fall can be chilly, and winter is cold enough to make the creek miserable without proper gear.
Fitting it in. Kanarraville sits close to I-15, so the hike works best as a half-day on the way between Zion and Cedar City, Cedar Breaks or Bryce, or as a morning outing when the Zion Canyon shuttle is crowded. Arrive early, because the daily cap means busy days sell out.
Pair it with a visit to the Kolob Canyons scenic drive, which is a short drive away, then enjoy lunch in Cedar City. It is a fun, family-friendly adventure for older children who like getting wet, though very young children and anyone nervous on ladders may prefer to stop before the main climb.
What to expect
The experience
A 4-mile round-trip creek hike with about two miles of ankle- to knee-deep wading, two waterfalls, a 20-foot ladder and a natural waterslide; a permit is required.
Best time
Summer and early fall for comfortable water; avoid mid-April to May snowmelt and any day with rain in the forecast.
How long
Up to four hours at an average pace, plus time at the waterslide.
Tips
Book a permit ahead, wear water shoes, bring dry clothes and a dry bag, and turn around at the second waterfall. Leave dogs at home.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Adventurous hikers who want slot-canyon water scenery with less planning than The Narrows.
- Families
- Good for older kids who enjoy wading; the ladder and cold water are hard for little ones.
- Couples
- A playful, wet adventure with a waterslide stop.
- Pair with
- The Kolob Canyons scenic drive and lunch in Cedar City.
- Time needed
- Half a day.
Good questions
Do I need a permit for Kanarra Falls?+
Yes. Permits are required and are sold through the trail operator's online booking calendar, with general admission capped at 200 tickets a day.
How long is the hike?+
About 4 miles round trip, taking up to four hours. Roughly two miles are in water that is ankle to knee deep.
Are dogs allowed?+
No. Pets are not permitted on the trail.
When is it unsafe to hike?+
Do not go if it is raining or heavy rain is forecast. Flash floods can happen all year and are most common in July, August and September.
Where does the hike start?+
In Kanarraville, at 40 S Main St, about 20 minutes south of Cedar City and near the Kolob Canyons entrance to Zion.
