Hiking to Kanarra Falls is a great Utah waterfall hike. You get to hike in a very accessible and beautiful slot canyon, a chance to walk in the river on a hot day, and see several gorgeous waterfalls.
About
One of the main challenges of hiking Kanarra Falls is the crowds, which have become a growing concern in the past year (you can read more about the issue here). Thankfully, a new reservation system has been introduced to help manage these crowds. Tickets can be purchased up to one day in advance, but it’s best to plan ahead—Kanarra Falls tickets tend to sell out quickly, especially during the summer months.
I was able to snag tickets for a Tuesday in March with no issues, and on the day of our hike, we had the entire trail and waterfall all to ourselves! If you time your visit right, you can enjoy the beauty with minimal crowds. However, during summer, expect up to 200 people, the maximum allowed per day.
This hike is also perfect for families. With a duration of just 2-3 hours, no special equipment or advanced hiking skills are required. Even the kids will love it! Just be sure to wear sturdy water shoes, as most of the hike involves wading through the river.
**Warning: Do not hike this trail if is is raining, or there is nearby rain due to flash flooding**
UPDATED 2018 – DOGS ARE NO LONGER ALLOWED ON THIS TRAIL!
Directions
Head south on I-15 past Cedar City, UT. Take exit 51 towards Kanarraville, UT. Turn left onto E 100 N St. Follow this road to the very end (about 2-3 blocks), and turn left into the parking area. Here is a map link.
Trail Info
Distance: 3.5 mi to 1st waterfall, 3.7 mi to 2nd waterfall, & 4.4 miles (all round trip) to the turnaround
Elevation gain: 700 ft
Time: 2-3 hours
Dog friendly? No. As of 2018, dogs are not allowed on this trail!
Kid friendly? Yes!
Permits: Yes, a reserved ticket is needed prior to hiking
This is the trailhead and parking area. Restrooms and trash cans are available. Parking is included in your ticket. By that I only mean you don’t have to pay extra, there’s no guarantee you will be able to park in this lot.
First, you will need to stop at the check-in station. They will ask for your name, and then check the reservations list. They will also provide you a small map and info about the trail.
Walk up the hill, and past these water tanks.
First stream crossing! The water was low enough we were able to rock-hop here.
I recommend wearing clothes you don’t mind getting wet and/or tearing. I got these crazy tights at the thrift store for $3! You will also want quick-drying material. It was cold when we started but of course we warmed up as we continued to hike.
Stay left at the split. Going right is the old jeep road, and while it does connect, stay on the trail.
I hiked in my Chacos and waterproof/neoprene socks.
The next creek crossing required more effort to stay dry, but I did it.
Finally you will see the entrance sign. Now the fun begins!
Last spo for cell service for an SOS.
The canyon begins to narrow and you will now be hiking along the creek. However, we were able to stay dry for the first 1.3 miles.
At 1.5 miles you will enter the slot canyon! If your feet aren’t wet yet, they will be now.
What a beautiful spot with amazing lighting!
Kanarra Falls is one of the most photographed waterfalls in Southern Utah, and one of my favorite spots in Utah. It’s so beautiful!
The stairs have been upgraded several times throughout the years. Flash floods have continually wiped them out so hopefully, these new steel stairs will hold up next flood.
Just above the Kanarra Falls, you will need to do a scramble up the log on the right side where my friend it. Kids may find this part difficult, and most families turn around here.
Once we climbed up we entered a whole new, snowy world. Wow, wasn’t expecting that!
This serves as a strong warning that in winter, you can never predict the conditions and must be prepared for anything.
We continued on, fully submerged in the water. Our waterproof socks soaked through, and our feet began to chill.
We couldn’t pass up these views! This is another great spot to hang out in summer and just wade in the water. Can you spot my friend?
One more small stretch.
We reached “the end”. Is it really the end? No, you could keep going. Following that, without technical gear it is very difficult to climb up these falls due to no hand holds and slippery rock.
Whew what a cold, wet but super fun experience! Did you notice no one else was in my pictures? That is the plus side of going in winter. No people!
In 2015, a ladder was once present at Kanarra Falls when I first hiked the trail. However, it has since been removed.
Trail Map
Nearby Hike
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