Kanarra Falls Guide: a Crowd Free Alternative to Zion’s Narrows Hike
Scribbled by Claire ◊ 31 May 2025
In southwest Utah, not far from Zion National Park, is the perfect alternative to Zion’s Narrows hike, called Kanarra Falls. Here, we’ve included why it’s so epic, route info, how to get permits, when is best to visit, hike difficulty, safety issues, and more. Oh, and loads of photos!
Concealed within the looming Hurricane Cliffs near the tiny town of Kanarraville in southern Utah is the unassuming and inconspicuous Kanarra Creek.
This winding little river leads to one of the coolest, most exciting slot canyons I’ve visited in Utah so far – totally reminiscent of the Narrows at Zion, but with added waterfalls and a conspicuous lack of crowds!
The hike is magnificently quiet, since it’s permit-only, which makes for a lovely alternative to Utah’s most famous river hike.
The thing is, we rocked up at lunch time on a *boiling hot* 108 degree (42 C) day in July (forward planning is not my forte). We were totally unprepared, with no clue how long the walk was, whether we could filter the water there, how rugged the terrain is, or even simply what the elevation change is.
All I knew months before (when I applied for the permits) is that there are waterfalls and slot canyons – I was totally sold – and it did not occur to me to plan ahead, at all.
It turns out that these things would have been very helpful to know before we went – so here, we’re writing about everything we didn’t know, but wished we did!
IN THIS GUIDE //
The Best Narrows Alternative – Kanarra Falls
GETTING TO KANARRA FALLS?
KANARRA FALLS VS ZION’S NARROWS
WHAT IS THE KANARRA FALLS HIKE LIKE?
– HOW LONG WILL THE HIKE TAKE?
– HOW DIFFICULT IS THE HIKE?
– THE KANARRA FALLS LADDER
– WATER LEVELS IN KANARRA CREEK
KANARRA FALLS TRAIL DESCRIPTION
IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT HIKING KANARRA FALLS
HOW TO GET KANARRA FALLS PERMITS
– IS IT DIFFICULT TO GET PERMITS?
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO HIKE KANARRA FALLS?
SAFETY ISSUES
– IS THE HIKE SUITABLE FOR YOUNG CHILDREN?
FACILITIES AT KANARRA FALLS
THINGS TO BRING FOR THE HIKE
CAN YOU DRINK THE WATER AT KANARRA FALLS?
FINAL THOUGHTS – THE BEST NARROWS ALTERNATIVE
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Getting to Kanarra Falls
Kanarra Falls is a lesser-known, slot canyon river hike just 20 minutes south of Cedar City, Utah (think Zion’s Narrows, with a teensy percentage of the crowds). It’s part of the town of Kanarraville, a small settlement just off the Utah I-15, only a tiny bit north of Kolob Canyon, part of Zion National Park.
The trailhead is around 45 miles (72.5 kilometres) from the entrance to Zion National Park, home to the Narrows, and 40 miles (64.5 kilometres) from St George (a great hub for the entire area).
Note | you will need a car to reach the Kanarra Falls trailhead.
Kanarra Falls Vs Zion’s Narrows
Kanarra Falls shares many similarities with Zion’s Narrows, to justify it’s comparison.
They are both river hikes through narrow red slot canyons, sharing much of the same scenery and characteristics. They are both also near to St George, the major town in the area.
Although the hikes are physically similar, their lengths, crowds and costs are very different. Below we’ve done a quick comparison with actual values (which is very science-y of us).
What is the Kanarra Falls Hike Like?
I went into this particular hike with absolutely zero knowledge, after no research at all (I just saw photos and applied for a permit). I had no idea how long it was, if there was any elevation change, whether the water was going to be cold, or even drinkable.
So, it’s a balmy, 108F degree (42C) July day, and we rock up around lunchtime to the entrance booth where you show your permit. The friendly lady immediately says – ‘this hike is hard, there’s 700 feet of elevation, don’t drink the water’.
At this point, I’m realising that I inexplicably came prepared for a short stroll instead.
Looking back, I roll my eyes at myself, a lot.
Considering all this, below are all the things I wish I knew before, plus a route description and tips.
How Long Will the Hike Take?
The Kanarra Falls hike can be done less than two hours, if you’re fast. However, the official Kanarraville information says 3-4 hours.
The distance isn’t very long, at around four miles (round trip). This sounds short, but, after the first 0.8 miles along a jeep track, it’s not a fast hike because of the river. Having said that, it’s way shorter than Zion’s Narrows.
We completed the hike in just under three hours with plenty of breaks for photos. We visited all three waterfalls, so this would be a very conservative estimate for the length of this hike (also, I’m not a fast hiker).
I’d estimate needing between 2 to 3.5 hours for the Kanarra Falls hike, depending on how many breaks you take, how many photo stops you have and how slow you are.
How Difficult is the Hike?
Kanarra Falls isn’t a particularly difficult hike. The official guide says moderate to strenuous, but I don’t think it’s that bad – like it’s much easier hiking the Narrows, the Grand Canyon, or Angels Landing, for example.
Here are some factors to consider:
Water | at least half of the hike has your feet submerged in chilly flowing water.
Elevation | there is a moderate elevation change of 700 feet. I personally didn’t notice the elevation change that much – I think most of it is literally straight out of the car park and up the hill.
Route finding | crossing the river (what feels like hundreds of times) and finding the route is very easy. It’s a narrow canyon with a creek in it – you’re either on the left, right or straight in the middle of the river.
Scrambling | there are a few sections where you must scramble up and around the river because it is full of debris/plants. This isn’t hard, really, but it does involve using your hands (I wouldn’t want to do it carrying a baby, for example). There’s also one bit right near the end where it’s quite narrow and you have to wedge yourself up between a rock (not hard at all – but again, ensure your children are happy scrambling around things).
Around 0.1 miles after the first waterfall, there’s an enormous boulder in the stream path. Here, there’s no ladder and just some tree branches. This is a place where you have to clamber up with your hands. If you reach this point and get past the boulder okay, the rest of the hike is comparably easy.
Grip | one section was crazy slippery – it was not wet, but sandy, smooth rock and both of us nearly fell. It was off the main path right near the end by a smaller waterfall. You’d have to go out of your way to find that spot, though. Otherwise, the rocks in Kanarra Creek were not slippery, at all.
The Kanarra Falls Ladder
The Kanarra Falls ladder is something that gets mentioned a lot. This 20-foot ladder runs up the right side of the first set of falls, providing access to the rest of the hike.
The famous, photogenic, rickety old log ladder has been replaced with a sturdy, metal equivalent that is very easy to climb. The metal one is uglier, not going to lie, but it is very easy and safe to traverse.
I can’t speak for the old one, but the new ladder is perfectly safe for kids and even people with a fear of heights. It’s very wide and strong.
Water Levels in Kanarra Creek
We visited in July, so this is our anecdotal experience – the weather and season would affect the water levels in other months.
The staff member informed us that up to the first falls, the water was around ankle to mid-shin level. Then, past the first falls, the water could be up to your knees.
We personally found the water to be much closer to ankle-deep the entire time, thankfully. It was very shallow and not overly powerful. In the deepest parts, right at the end, the channel is narrower and therefore the water flows faster, making this a little more precarious, but still not challenging at all (and not near knee height).
Kanarra Falls Trail Description
1. From the car park, head up some stairs on the right side, nearer the road entrance (there’s a sign). It’s easy to spot. The permit kiosk is on the left, where a staff member asks your name to confirm your permit (we did not have to show identification, although the website says to bring some). We didn’t need to show the email confirmation either.
2. After the permit kiosk, the path turns left onto an undulating, unshaded jeep trail leading towards the Hurricane Cliffs and the canyon. This access road is around 0.8 miles and eventually meets the creek with a few shallow crossings along the way.
3. Once at the creek, it’s around another 0.8 miles until the first waterfall and the slot canyon. This section gradually gets narrower, following the creek, mostly from the banks, rather than directly through it. Many of the crossings on the Kanarra Falls trail have stepping stones or ways to avoid getting wet.
4. The canyon abruptly narrows, and you’ll have no choice but to walk directly through the creek. From here, it’s only a short distance to the first waterfall. This is the most dramatic part of the entire slot canyon. After climbing the ladder adjacent to the first waterfall, the enormous boulder is around 0.1 miles ahead. You climb up on the right side, using branches and debris as steps. This is the hardest part of the hike (not very hard).
5. Continuing up the canyon for 0.2 miles more, the trail mostly follows directly along the creek. It ends at a waterfall that is not passable (or shouldn’t be, anyway). Beyond this point is private property and entry is prohibited.
6. Getting back out was so fast for us – we didn’t plan to, but just walked through the river for most of the way. It felt way shorter on the way out versus on the way in.
IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT HIKING KANARRA FALLS
Mosquitos | we experienced no bugs in July, so mosquito repellent/bug spray might not be needed in the hotter, dryer months.
Flip flops | these are not allowed.
Pets | no pets are allowed.
Parking | parking is free.
Camping | no camping is allowed.
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How to get Kanarra Falls Permits
The Kanarra Falls hike is only accessible by permit. There are 180 public permits available per day, plus 20 allocated for tour operators. Permits can be reserved online – check availability on the official Kanarra Falls website.
Tickets now cost $15 for 8-years and over, plus $1 sales tax and $1 fees, for a total of $17 all in per person (this reduces slightly if you buy more tickets in one go). Children under 8 are free.
There is no additional fee for parking.
Tickets are non-refundable but can be postponed to another date.
Is it Difficult to get Kanarra Falls Permits?
During the peak season of April-October, most permits days sell out at least a month in advance. Any spare tickets are made available for walk-ins after 2 pm.
We booked our permits online for the first weekend in July (the 7th) on the 8th of March, and there were still plenty left. It’s best to reserve as far in advance as you can, though.
On the morning of our arrival there was a sign by the kiosk saying ‘no tickets available’. If you manage to get a ticket at the kiosk, they prefer card over cash, so bring exact change if you do pay in cash. If the kiosk is closed, there are self-permit slips available.
When is the Best Time to Hike Kanarra Falls?
There is no perfect month to hike Kanarra Falls.
In winter | it’s absolutely freezing. I would not want to hike this trail without some serious gear.
In spring | the snow melt makes the water absolutely freezing and faster running. The weather is often pleasant though. Take layers.
In summer | it’s boiling hot and there are monsoon risks, but the water temperatures are comfortable.
In autumn | there’s still a risk of monsoon rains and the weather is cooling down.
We were happy to visit in July because the creek water temperatures were totally bearable for us (although still really cold to start with – you quickly get used to it!). However, it was really hot on the walk in and out of the canyon. That wasn’t so nice. We were also lucky and didn’t see any clouds and there was no rain forecast.
Generally, the water temperatures vary from around 30F degrees in the winter months to 50F degrees in the summer months.
Be aware that temperatures drop when in the canyon itself. This was a welcome decrease in July, but in spring and autumn, we’d suggest to bring layers.
Safety Issues in Kanarra Falls
Flash flooding | as with all slot canyons, watch out for the weather. Flash floods can occur almost without notice, so if there is rain in the forecast, avoid this trail. If you notice a surge in water or it changes colour, or an increase in debris or noise, get to some higher ground as soon as you can. Remember, flash floods kill people every year.
Flash floods are most common during the monsoon season between July and September, so always check the weather forecast before you go.
Rattlesnakes | these inhabit the canyon in the summer months, so stay on trail and if you see one, just avoid it. We didn’t spot any on our trip.
Search and Rescue | we were told that they could take up to seven hours to respond.
GPS tracking | this does not work well in the canyon.
Is the Hike Suitable for Young Children?
We saw a few younger children at Kanarra Falls who all appeared to be having a fantastic time. If your child is active and loves water, this is a great hike, however they must be comfortable getting wet and scrambling over rocks.
There are no barriers along the trail and occasionally there are small drops here and there, where someone could get injured. Keep a close eye on smaller children, especially around the waterfalls and ledges, particularly if the water levels are higher.
Facilities at Kanarra Falls
The paved car park has flush toilets and a boot washing station, plus a sheltered area with some picnic tables and water fountains (these weren’t working when we went but you could filter the tap water in the bathrooms in a pinch). Near the beginning of the hike, along the dirt access road, is also a pit toilet. There are no further facilities on the hike to Kanarra Falls.
The bathrooms weren’t all that pleasant as the floor was muddy (I hope) from all the hikers who didn’t clean their shoes before. There was plenty of toilet paper when we checked (and at the pit toilet later on), but it’s always smart to bring your own.
There is no shade for the cars at the car park so consider a car covering if you’re hiking in the hotter months – our car was a sauna after we came back. We noticed that there was CCTV at the car park.
Essential Things to Bring for the Hike
Headtorch | this would be essential, especially if starting late. We use a Black Diamond one that never leaves our side when we’re in the outdoors (just in case).
Footwear | we chose to wear older, comfortable trailrunners (Altra Lone Peaks). These performed magnificently and dry so fast.
Hiking sandals | footwear like Chacos or Tevas would also be suitable. However, we found the terrain to be tricky enough that we were very glad to have closed-toe shoes and the extra grip of trailrunners when scrambling around obstacles and hopping rocks.
Neoprene socks | a lot of people swear by these, but we went in July and were happy with normal socks.
Food | it’s always an error to hike hungry!
Drinking water | as mentioned below, it is debatable as to whether this water is nice to drink, so bring your own. We took three litres between two of us and I wish we had taken a litre more.
Dry bag | for all your electronic stuff. Having said that, I had a camera hanging around my neck the entire time and it wasn’t an issue – I never felt like I was going to slip over in the river.
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Hiking poles | these are very helpful for navigating the river, but honestly, I thought it would be really slippery, and it wasn’t! So you could get away without them – they are definitely not essential. We use REI hiking poles.
Hat and sunscreen | more than half the hike is extremely exposed, so in the summer, it was hot, sunny and unpleasant.
Identification | technically needed to confirm your permit.
Plasters or blister treatment | especially if you’re not used to hiking in water. You never know how your shoes are going to feel on your feet.
Toilet paper and plastic bags | bring for emergencies and some kind of way to pack it out. Remember, leave no trace.
Spare socks/shoes | we didn’t bother on the hike, but some people like to change into dry socks.
CAR HIRE FOR YOUR SOUTHWEST ITINERARY
We always rent our vehicles all over the world, including our recent trip in the United States, with Discover Cars. They’re often the most affordable, plus they paid out immediately on an insurance claim we made when our car took some heavy damage in Sicily. We fully recommend them.
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TAKE A LOOK BELOW OR CHECK CAR RENTAL
Can You Drink the Water at Kanarra Falls?
The Kanarra Falls website implies that the creek water is safe to drink and that it is what the local town use for drinking (there are six springs, apparently).
However, we were told (strongly) by a staff member at the permit counter that as the water comes through arable, grazing land, it’s not the cleanest or most pleasant for drinking, even after filtering (we specifically enquired because I hate carrying unnecessary water).
What she said seemed contrary to the information online stating the water was ‘very safe’.
The water is technically drinkable, but you might want to have a second method of treatment, not just filtration – people upstream can easily muddy up the water. We also noted the water wasn’t crystal clear when we went.
The best option is just to take enough water for the hike (although I’d always take a filter because it’s great in emergencies – we use a Sawyer Squeeze and Katadyn filter).
There was no evidence of any algae bloom when we went.
OPENING HOURS
The website mentions that the trail is open from dawn to dusk throughout the year, with reduced hours in winter. The kiosk at the start of the hike is open from 7am to 7pm during summer.
Other months may have reduced hours, but these will only be seen at the kiosk. The kiosk is staffed from March to November.
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WHERE TO STAY AROUND ZION AND KANARRAVILLE
There are a plethora of places to stay between Zion and Kanarra Falls. Below we list locations between Zion and Kanarraville with any places we’ve stayed that we loved.
Cedar City is the nearest major town to Kanarra Falls. It’s got a great selection of accommodation options, so if you want to start your hike early, pick a hotel here! We highly recommend the Abbey Inn Cedar City – it’s the best option in town, with a great breakfast and lovely stylish rooms (especially for a motel).
Springdale, on the southwest edge of Zion, is the nearest town to Zion National Park. It’s a tiny place, with most businesses almost exclusively catering to tourists.
There’s literally nothing affordable in Springdale, ever, but we find the Holiday Inn Express Springdale to be the best, quality to price ratio-wise. It’s not exciting, but it’s comfortable and smack bang in the middle of the town with beautiful views.
Zion National Park Lodge | if you’ve got the budget and it hasn’t already sold out – this is the best bet. It’s the only proper accommodation actually in the national park and is one of the nicer national park lodges, in my opinion.
In between Springdale and St. George, in distance order, are the small towns of Virgin, La Verkin, Hurricane and Washington. Accommodation tends to get more affordable the further away from the park you are. We’ve stayed in all these towns over various years and our favourites are:
Washington | Best Western Plus Settlers Point – we avoid chain hotels whenever we can, however this one had such good reviews for the price point that we went for it (we’re not made of money and this region of Utah is $$$$). It exceeded even the best expectations I had – it’s perfect. Totally, completely perfect, with immaculate rooms, amazing breakfast, lovely staff and a good pool and hot tub.
Glamping | I love Under Canvas accommodations. I’ve stayed in a few across the American Southwest and, although they’re not cheap, they’re a novelty and great fun for a night. Under Canvas Zion was no exception – great novelty fun, quality tents and a sociable vibe.
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Where to Next?
I didn’t have crazy high hopes for this hike (it didn’t help that I turned up thoroughly unprepared and that it was hot as lava in July). However, Kanarra Falls was absolutely spectacular and I’m so glad we booked the permits months in advance. It was way more fun that the Narrows hike over at Zion!
Slot canyons are my favourite type of hike in Utah, and we’ve done a tonne of them. This particular one is right near the top of my list, which is high praise. If you’re interested in more of these types of hikes, check out this dedicated post on our favourite slot canyons in Utah. If you are planning a longer trip, consider having a peek at our highly detailed southern Utah road trip itinerary.
I hope this post helps you plan your own Kanarra Creek adventure and that you have a magnificent time!
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Thank you, Claire + Nick
