Kanarra Falls
Adventure Destination

Kanarra Falls

Explore this scenic hike to Kanarra Falls near Cedar City, Utah. The route features stunning slot canyons and a beautiful waterfall. It's popular for photography and adventure seekers, and has a moderate visitor level in peak seasons.

Hiking8.5/10Moderate
Photo Gallery

Category

Hiking

Typical Duration

2-4 hours

Difficulty

Moderate

About This Adventure Destination

Kanarra Falls, located in the small town of Kanarraville in southern Utah, is a striking natural destination famous for its narrow slot canyon and cascading waterfalls. This unique landmark offers visitors a refreshing blend of geology and adventure, distinguished by towering red Navajo sandstone walls that frame clear streams tumbling through a series of waterfalls. The falls create a serene setting uncommon in such an arid region, providing a cool contrast to the surrounding desert landscape. The hike to the falls is about 2 miles round trip, guiding visitors along a creek with shallow water crossings, surrounded by lush patches of cottonwood trees and desert flora. The path culminates at a narrow canyon where water crashes over multiple cliffs, with some waterfalls requiring light scrambling or climbing ladders to reach higher pools, rewarding visitors with stunning photo opportunities and peaceful spots for rest.

Kanarra Falls is notable not just for its natural beauty but also for its accessibility relative to the nearby Zion National Park. While drawing smaller crowds, it delivers a comparable sense of awe and raw wilderness. This location also has a cultural side: the area was once a route for pioneers and Native American tribes, adding a layer of historical appreciation to the experience. Kanarra Falls requires a reservation system to help preserve the fragile environment, enhancing visitor safety and maintaining the site’s pristine condition.

Whether admired for its towering canyon walls, refreshing waterfalls, or peaceful creekbed trail, Kanarra Falls stands out as an exceptional natural gem in Utah’s scenic landscape.

Editorial Assessment

Kanarra Falls gets an impressive score of 85 due to its striking natural beauty and accessibility. Although less known than some iconic national parks, it still provides a spectacular and intimate nature experience that captures the hearts of those who visit.#Canyoneering #Utah #Waterfalls #Adventure #Hiking

Kanarra Falls

Adventure Guide to Kanarra Falls

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1. Kanarra Falls Hike

  • What makes it special:

    A 2-mile round-trip hike wading through shallow water and slot canyons with smooth sandstone and ladders for climbing near waterfalls.

  • Key features:

    Narrow canyon walls, multiple waterfalls, creek crossings, and stunning sandstone cliffs.

  • Local insights:

    Hike resembles Zion National Park scenery with fewer visitors, ideal for families and moderately fit hikers.

  • Visitor tips:

    Bring water shoes or hiking sandals, consider trekking poles for balance, and start early to avoid crowds and heat.

  • Best time:

    Late spring through early fall; winter hiking requires caution due to icy creek sections.

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2. Waterfall Climbing

  • What makes it special:

    Slight rock scrambling and ladder climbs near cascading falls allow close-up views of natural water slides and serene pools.

  • Key features:

    Wooden ladders fixed against canyon walls, cool plunge pools, photo-worthy slots with filtered light.

  • Local insights:

    Careful footing needed as wet rocks are slippery; no dogs allowed for environmental protection.

  • Visitor tips:

    Avoid after heavy rain due to flash flood risk; waterproof footwear is essential.

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3. Kanarraville Town Experience

  • What makes it special:

    Charming small-town atmosphere with local eateries and shops just minutes from the trailhead.

  • Key features:

    Quaint cafes, friendly locals, and Fire + Smoke BBQ, praised for its hearty meals after the hike.

  • Local insights:

    Supporting Kanarraville businesses enriches your visit and respects the local community.

  • Visitor tips:

    Plan a meal or refreshments in town post-hike to refuel; parking near the trailhead requires a small fee supporting conservation.

4

Directions & Access

  • Getting there:

    Kanarra Falls is approximately a 20-minute drive south from Cedar City, Utah via Interstate 15.

  • Parking:

    Available at the trailhead; reservations are required and parking fees support maintenance.

  • Additional tips:

    Download the trail map before arrival, bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a change of clothes for comfort. Kanarra Falls combines a fresh water adventure with scenic beauty for visitors eager to experience Utah’s rugged inland canyons and waterfalls in a manageable day trip.

Reviews

N
Nomad Life2 weeks ago

Even though we weren't able to make it to the boulder because of the creek being iced over and someone actually partially fell through and scraped his shin pretty bad, it was still a beautiful hike for what we did see. If you do go during the winter, please be cautious. We brought rainboots to keep the water from going in our boots, which worked out in our favor. Also hiking poles helped us keep our balance when we traversed the creek crossings. There is elevation at the beginning of the hike. We wish there were more signs to show the way, but we luckily figured it out. However, we felt like you could easily go the wrong way. Be careful, mind your surroundings, and enjoy the beauty. P.S. no dogs allowed. Finish your hike by eating at Fire + Smoke BBQ in town. It's so good!

C
Chris Altamirano4 weeks ago

Great destination! Enjoyed the open trail and peaceful outdoor atmosphere.

D
Devonay Goodmana month ago

Beautiful views and rigorous hike. Loved every minute. Bring walking sticks.

F
Francisco Leonardo Chox Rajpopa month ago

Great destination! Enjoyed the open trail and peaceful outdoor atmosphere.

M
Matt Singleton2 weeks ago

I did this hike in late January and it was amazing. If you're planning on doing the hike in the winter, I would definitely recommend trekking poles, water proof boots, and some micro spikes for the ice. Speaking of the ice, as much of the walk involves walking in the river, most of it had iced over while I was there. BE CAREFUL! The ice is incredibly thin in certain places. I broke through in one spot and dropped a good two or two and a half feet resulting in a pretty good gash to my shin. All in all I was lucky as this could have easily resulted in a broken ankle or worse. That little mishap aside, this trail is beautiful and a lot of fun to walk. I'm definitely looking forward to doing it again in warmer weather and bringing my family along.

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