15 Dec Kanarra Falls Trail Outside of Zion: Slot Canyons and Waterfalls

Kanarra Falls is a 3.8 mile (~6.1 kilometer) round trip hike that boasts two waterfalls within slot canyons as well as a natural rock slide. Ready for some good news? The hike is less than one hour away from Zion National Park. You can thus easily make a side stop at Kanarra Falls during your Zion trip. Moreover, it is less expensive than Zion at only $15 per person. Keep it coming with the good news – Kanarra Falls is generally less crowded than Zion and other nearby attractions. Do not miss out on your chance to discover more of Utah’s natural beauty. 

Contents:

1) Location

2) Opening Hours + Best Time to Visit

3) Permit Information

4) Quick Facts + FAQs

5) General Trail Information 

6) Trail Directions

7) Trail Attractions: Waterfalls and Natural Waterslide

8) Recommended Items to Bring

1) Location of Kanarra Falls

Kanarra Falls is located in Kanarraville, Utah (I bet you can tell where the name comes from now). For reference, it is only 55 minutes northwest of Zion National Park or 40 minutes northeast of the town of St. George. Moreover, it is located just a few minutes off I-15, also known as the Veterans Memorial Highway. 

Consider planning a visit to Zion since it is in such close proximity. Zion boasts a variety of activities, including one of the most dangerous hikes in the United States. 

Nearby Airports to Kanarraville, UT

The closest airport to Kanarraville, Utah is the St. George Regional Airport. However, it is fairly small and thus does not have extensive flight options. There are multiple other nearby regional airports, though they also are smaller in size.

The closest international airport is the Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas, which is two and a half hours away. When my partner and I visited, we flew into Las Vegas and then rented a car to drive to Utah. I would recommend that you also rent a car, as it is the easiest way to get around the area due to lack of public transportation. Flying into Las Vegas and renting a car requires more time and money, but it is worth it (in my opinion) so that you have the flexibility to visit the area’s top attractions. 

Parking for Kanarra Falls

There is a dedicated parking lot for Kanarra Falls right next to the trailhead. Parking within the lot is free! The parking lot is a fairly good size, so finding a spot should not be a problem. There are restrooms available in the main building Moreover, the ticket kiosk is right next to the parking lot.

If you have an RV or trailer, then parking is available at 100 West and Center Street.

Lodging in Kanarraville, UT

The town of Kanarraville, Utah is fairly small, so there are generally not many (or any) lodging options available. Instead, I recommend you check out options in the nearby town of Cedar City. If you need to stick to a budget, then check out Abbey Inn Cedar City (bonus – it includes breakfast). 

Otherwise, there are plenty of options within the town of St. George. My partner and I stayed in St. George mainly due to the fact it is the largest town around. Additionally, it is only a short drive away from Zion and other attractions, such as Kanarra Falls.

Interested in camping near Kanarra Falls instead? There are three campgrounds within Zion National Park as well as multiple campgrounds in the surrounding area.

Celebrating the fact I made it to the top of Angels Landing in Zion

2) Opening Hours + Best Time to Visit

The opening hours for the hike to Kanarra Falls are dawn to dusk for the spring, summer, and fall seasons. The hours become reduced in winter, though they are not necessarily consistent. For exact hours in the winter season, I recommend you give them a call at the number listed below. Otherwise, the hours should be posted at the ticket kiosk when you arrive.

If you have any issues or questions, check out their website FAQ. You can also contact them at info@kanarrafalls.com or (435) 233-2467.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit and hike the Kanarra Falls Trail in Utah is during the early summer or fall season. First, you can enjoy warm (but not too hot) temperatures as well as higher chances of sunshine in the early summer season. Second, you can enjoy milder temperatures and smaller crowds in the fall season.

From mid-April through May, you have to be cautious of the water levels as they can rapidly change due to snow melting. On the other hand, you have to be wary of flash floods during monsoon season from July through September.

3) Kanarra Falls Permit Information

You can purchase a Kanarra Falls permit/ticket either online in advance or in person at the small kiosk next to the parking lot. A permit costs $15 per person, though children under three can book one for free. If you plan to purchase a permit at the kiosk, keep in mind that the kiosk is only staffed from March through November. The summer staffing hours are 7am to 7pm, but the hours for all other seasons are posted at the kiosk daily. If there is no staff present at the kiosk when you arrive, then you can deposit your fee for the permit in the drop box. 

For Kanarra Falls permits purchased online, you must use them on the date specified. However, you can make a date change to your permit as long as it is 48 hours before the specified date. Moreover, you cannot transfer your permit if you are unable to use it on your specified date. No refunds are offered for unused permits. What if there is inclement weather or the trail is closed? You can then contact them to rebook your permit for a new date. 

A portion of the permit profits (10%) goes to Utah schools with the Utah School Trust Lands (SITLA). 

Daily Limit for Permits

One important note: the daily permit limit for Kanarra Falls is 180 permits. This means if you are the 181st person to try and purchase a Kanarra Falls permit, they will turn you away. It does not matter if you are hiking alone or with a group. Therefore, it is highly recommended to purchase permits online in advance. This is even more true if you visit during peak times, which are generally weekends in spring and summer. 

Nevertheless, my partner and I purchased our permits in person at the kiosk once we arrived. However, we also hiked in October, which is outside of the peak season. If I visit again, I would likely purchase my permits in advance no matter what just to be safe.

However, there is one more thing to note. Any permits that were previously purchased but are unused or cancelled become available for purchase at the kiosk after 2pm. The availability of such permits can vary drastically. Nevertheless, visit after 2pm for a last ditch effort to secure permits if you visit on a day when they are all sold out.

Climbing up the rope ladder next to Kanarra Falls

4) Quick Facts + FAQs

1. Kanarra Falls is located approximately one hour outside of Zion National Park.

2. Tickets to Kanarra Falls cost $15 per person, and there is a daily limit of 180 tickets.

3. The round trip hike to Kanarra Falls is approximately 3.8 miles (~6.1 kilometers). 

4. There are two waterfalls as well as a natural rock waterslide along the trail. 

5. You need to scramble over some rocks as well as one boulder while hiking along the trail. 

FAQs for the Kanarra Falls Trail

Can I hike the Kanarra Falls Trail without a permit? No, you cannot hike the Kanarra Falls Trail without a permit.

How long is the Kanarra Falls hike? The Kanarra Falls hike is 3.8 miles (~6.1 kilometers) round trip.

Can kids hike Kanarra Falls? Yes, kids can hike Kanarra Falls. However, the hike is not recommended for extremely young children. For example, there are a few portions of the trail that require a bit of rock scrambling,

Is Kanarra Falls a hard hike? Kanarra Falls is considered a moderately challenging hike. There is only a moderate amount of elevation gain, yet the few rock scrambles along the trail add a bit of a challenge.

Are pets allowed on the Kanarra Falls Trail? No pets (except service animals) are allowed on the trail. Service animals must remain on leash at all times, and the owners must clean up after them.

How far is Kanarra Falls from Las Vegas? Kanarra Falls is approximately two hours and 15 minutes from Las Vegas.

How far is Kanarra Falls from Zion? Kanarra Falls is approximately one hour from the south entrance of Zion National Park.

Panoramic view from the top of Angels Landing in Zion

5) General Kanarra Falls Trail Information

The Kanarra Falls is a 3.8 mile (~6.1 kilometer) out-and-back trail with approximately 690 feet (~210 meters) of elevation gain. An average hiker can complete the trail in three hours. Nevertheless, the time you need depends on your pace, the busyness of the trail, and of course how much time you spend exploring the waterfalls and natural waterslide. I thus recommend planning four hours or more in your itinerary to complete the trail.  

However, my partner and I hiked only to the first waterfall due to another commitment later that evening. It took us around one hour and 30 minutes round trip. Additionally, we spent about 15 to 20 minutes exploring the first waterfall.

Furthermore, please be aware that cell service is limited along the trail.

Difficulty of Kanarra Falls Trail

The rating of the Kanarra Falls Trail is moderate. The beginning of the trail has a slight incline. After the incline, the trail then becomes mostly flat. However, the trail does require scrambling around and over some rocks, with a few rocks nearing boulder status.

Nevertheless, you can choose to hike through the stream to avoid the rocks on the trail, though that comes with its own set of difficulties as well as getting wet. Additionally, please keep in mind that the water in Kanarra Creek remains cold year round as it originates from a spring.

My partner and I generally avoided the stream due to the cold water and the fact we visited in October. Once our feet got wet and cold, they remained that way for the rest of the hike.  

Words of Caution

Do NOT begin the Kanarra Falls hike in Utah if there is inclement weather forecasted for the area or if it is raining. Flash floods and rockslides are a real possibility along the trail, especially from July to September during monsoon season. Check out the local forecast before beginning the hike. 

For another adventure in the area, book a canyoneering tour in Lambs Knoll just outside of Zion.

Kanarra Falls vs. The Narrows – Which is Better?

Kanarra Falls and The Narrows share some similarities. For example, they both have slot canyons as well as waterfalls. Nevertheless, they also have some differences. For example, Kanarra is mainly a hike along a rocky path with just a few opportunities to enter slot canyons. On the other hand, the entire Narrows hike is through a slot canyon.

So, Kanarra Falls vs. The Narrows – which is better? Ultimately, I would say The Narrows wins this battle. There are few hikes similar to The Narrows in the entire world. However, Kanarra Falls is still well worth your time if you have an extra day in the area.

One of my favorite rappels in Lambs Knoll

6) Kanarra Falls Trail Directions

• 1.6 miles (~2.6 kilometers) to the first waterfall
• 1.8 miles (~2.9 kilometers) to the natural rock waterslide
• 1.9 miles (~3.1 kilometers) to the second waterfall 

Do not let the first waterfall fool you, there is still more to see after that! Keep reading below for trail directions and to make sure you enjoy all of the attractions the trail has to offer.

For additional hiking trails in Utah, head north to Antelope Island State Park near Salt Lake City. While none of the trails lead to waterfalls, they do lead to panoramic views of the island and surrounding lake.

Directions to the First Waterfall 

The trailhead for the Kanarra Falls hike is located at the edge of the parking lot mentioned in section one above. Follow the dirt road from the parking lot for 0.8 miles (~1.3 kilometers) to begin the hike. The road will then merge with the canyon trail, at which point there is another bathroom available. Additionally, you can decide whether to hike in the stream or on the trail next to the stream. The trail is a bit rocky, and thus you have to climb / scramble over rocks at various points. If walking through the stream, I suggest wearing waterproof hiking shoes and bringing a walking stick for balance. Consider the TrailBuddy trekking poles.

The trail continues for another 0.8 miles  (~1.3 kilometers) before arriving at the first waterfall. The first waterfall is a total of 1.6 miles (~2.6 kilometers) from the trailhead. Be prepared to hike in the stream and get your feet wet to see the waterfall as it is located within a slot canyon. When ready to continue along the trail, follow the path out of the stream and around the waterfall.

However, there was a rope next to the waterfall when my partner and I visited. If you can safely maneuver up the rope, then you can climb up the waterfall and continue along the trail from there. (You do need some upper body strength to pull yourself up the rope to the top of the waterfall). Please be aware the rope at the waterfall might not be in the best condition. You thus should use discretion when deciding whether or not to climb the rope. 

Directions to the Natural Rock Waterslide

As you continue to hike to the natural waterslide, you should encounter a fairly large boulder. There are no handholds or footholds, so it does require a little bit of scrambling. This is where hiking with a group comes in handy. You can help one another get up and over the boulder. 

Approximately 0.2 miles (~0.3 kilometers) from the first waterfall is the natural rock waterslide. The natural rock waterslide is a total of 1.8 miles (~2.9 kilometers) from the trailhead. Go down the waterslide for an exciting and refreshing ride.

Directions to the Second Waterfall

Just 0.1 miles (~0.2 kilometers) further is the second waterfall. The second waterfall is a total of 1.9 miles (~3.1 kilometers) from the trailhead. The falls are within a narrow slot canyon and thus require hiking through deeper water than previously encountered on the trail.

The Kanarra Falls hike does not continue after the second waterfall. Some people might try to continue on or you might see a rope set up, but it is not recommended to continue any further. The trail can be dangerous, and search and rescue has a more difficult time accessing the trail beyond the second waterfall. 

Kanarra Falls inside of a small canyon

7) Trail Attractions: Waterfalls and Natural Waterslide

If you really want to see a vast array of waterfalls, then you need to head to the state of Maine. Some of my favorite waterfalls there include The Cataracts and Smalls Falls.

First Waterfall

The first waterfall is 1.6 miles (~2.6 kilometers) from the beginning of the trail. It is within a narrow slot canyon, which means you have to walk through part of the stream to get up close and personal. When my partner and I arrived, there was no ladder next to the waterfall. (I had read online that a ladder existed at the first waterfall of the Kanarra Falls hike so people could easily climb up it.)

Instead, there was one rope with a couple of knots. My boyfriend hoisted himself up to the top of the waterfall, which is approximately 15 feet (~4.6 meters) high. A couple of other people tried climbing up the rope as well. Some succeeded while others did not. I did not attempt the climb but rather acted as a cheerleader for those who did.

Natural Rock Waterslide

The natural water slide is 1.8 miles (~2.9 kilometers) from the trailhead. Moreover, it is only 0.2 miles (~0.3 kilometers) past the first waterfall. It is a fairly short slide, about 10 to 15 feet (~three to 4.6 meters) in length. At the end is a small pool of water. However, be careful if you choose to go down the slide, for it is not maintained in any way. 

Second Waterfall

The second waterfall is 1.9 miles (~3.1 kilometers) from the trailhead. Moreover, it is only 0.1 miles (~0.2 kilometers) past the slide and 0.3 miles (~0.5 kilometers) past the first waterfall. Similar to the first waterfall, it is located within a narrow slot canyon. Walking through part of the stream to get to the falls is a necessity, and the water is slightly deeper here. The waterfall stands approximately 10 feet (~three meters) tall. The second waterfall signals the end of the trail. It is NOT recommended to continue beyond the falls, for it can be dangerous. 

8) Recommended Items to Bring

1. Water bottle: Please please please be sure to bring enough water with you while hiking. Water is even more important if you are visiting in the summer, for the heat can make you become dehydrated real quick. 

Hygiene Items

2. Sunscreen: This is especially important on a day full of beautiful clear skies. A fair amount of the trail is completely exposed, so the sun will be shining straight down on you.

3. Bug spray: Let’s be honest – mosquitos, gnats, and any other little type of fly can ruin an experience. You cannot truly enjoy a hike if you are swatting away bugs from your face the whole time. Therefore, be prepared with bug spray or a mosquito repellent bracelet.

Hiking Items for the Kanarra Falls Trail

4. Hiking shoes: A pair of hiking shoes will be incredibly helpful as you hike along the trail and even have to scramble over some rocks and one boulder.  If you decide to hike in the stream, a pair of waterproof hiking shoes might be a better choice. 

5. Hiking poles: A little extra support can go a long way, especially if you plan on hiking through the stream. 

6. Optional – crampons: These are only necessary in the winter months if there is snow or ice along the trail. Crampons are spikes that attach to the bottom of shoes. However, I would not necessarily recommend hiking in such conditions due to the fact the trail can become quite slippery and dangerous. 

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Check out some more hikes in Zion NP: The 3 Most Difficult Hikes in Zion.

Check out one of the best hikes in Arches NP: Skyline Arch Trail in Arches National Park.