Kanarraville Falls Hiking Guide

Contents

Overview

Kanarraville Falls is a picturesque waterfall set in a slot canyon near the sleepy town of Kanarraville, Utah. Although many hikers turn around once they reach the iconic Kanarraville Falls, there is another significant waterfall above it and several more cascades.

Part of what makes both falls so intriguing are the ladders that have been built next to them. I imagine local townsfolk constructed them some time ago. They are fashioned from fallen tree logs with metal rungs bolted to them and make it possible to journey up Kanarra Creek Canyon without technical gear.

Even so, please proceed with caution as the ladders are slippery. Also, do not enter the canyon if there is a chance of rain in the forecast, especially during late summer (July – September).

Over the past decade, Kanarraville Falls has experienced a huge surge in popularity and Kanarraville officials have struggled to keep up with the challenges this has created for their township.

The canyon itself is managed by the Bureau of Land Management, but the parking lot, trailhead, and first mile of trail are in town. Furthermore, Kanarraville gets its drinking water from Kanarra Creek. Please consider this during your visit, follow all rules, and use the restroom before hitting the trail.

For information on seasonal closures, FAQ, and to acquire permits, visit KanarraFalls.com.

Be prepared to get your feet wet on the hike to Kanarraville Falls

Quick Facts

Distance: 3.8 miles out and back
Hike Time: 2-3 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 350 feet
Fee: $8
Dogs: No
Difficulty: Moderate

Description

From the parking lot, follow the unpaved access road about a mile until it enters the mouth of Kanarra Creek Canyon, a drainage that has eroded out of Hurricane Cliffs.

During this portion of the route, the road crosses Kanarra Creek a few times before reaching the trail. You might as well get your feet wet here, as it will soon be impossible to avoid.

After a half mile of meandering in and out of the creek, the canyon narrows and becomes a true slot canyon.

A few paces further and you will come around a bend that reveals the main attraction, Kanarraville Falls.

If you feel like continuing, carefully move up the ladder to the right of the falls. Soon after, you will come to a small waterfall next to a massive boulder. The best way around this obstacle is to scramble up the right side.

The small waterfall just above Kanarraville Falls

Afterward, continue winding your way up the canyon to reach the “second waterfall”. This one has a less secure ladder next to it and its condition varies from year to year.

If you scramble any further, you will eventually come to a point that is impassible without technical canyoneering gear and experience. Proceed at your own risk.

Location

From St. George, get on I-15 northbound. Continue on I-15 for 33.3 miles, then take exit 42 for Utah State Route 144. Turn right onto Utah State Route 144, then turn left onto Old U.S. 91. Continue 4.5 miles, then turn right onto 100 North. Continue on 100 North for 0.4 miles until you reach the Kanarra Creek Trailhead.

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