Kanarra Falls
4.8(1.3K)google
4.8(80)yelp
WaterfallHikingCanyoneeringCanyonAdventurousOutdoorPhoto Spot
Overview
This highly exclusive slot canyon hike outside Cedar City has exploded in global popularity due to its stunning natural beauty and adventurous water trekking. Hikers wade through a rushing, ankle-deep creek inside narrow, towering red sandstone walls until reaching a magnificent hidden waterfall, where scaling a rustic wooden ladder bound with ropes provides the defining, high-stakes experience of the journey.
Practical Info
Suggested Duration3-4 hours
Best TimeStrictly seasonal during peak summer from late May to early September (Note: This is a wilderness slot-canyon splash trek with slippery wooden ladders; you must purchase a mandatory online permit in advance, capped strictly at 150 daily hikers; weather-dependent, storm risks cause instant closures). Set off by 8:00 AM for soft slot lighting and mild desert temps.
Getting ThereLocated in Kanarraville at 45 S 100 E. Driving is the only possible method: off I-15, take Exit 51 or Exit 42 to old highway US-91 directly into Kanarraville town center. Turn east onto 100 East and follow it to the mountain base; the municipality provides a large, designated paid surface asphalt lot loops ($10 Event Fee) right at the trailhead gate.
Travel Tips
- Mandatory Daily Permit Cap: Entry is strictly limited to 150 hikers per day to protect the canyon; permits must be purchased online in advance. No walk-up tickets are available.
- Constant Water Trekking & Footwear: You will hike directly in cold flowing river currents for miles. Flip-flops and standard running shoes are unsafe; renting neoprene socks and sticky-soled canyon shoes is highly advised.
- Fatal Flash Flood Risk: This narrow slot canyon can fill with a wall of violent water within minutes from distant storms; check the NOAA flash flood potential forecast before stepping into the water stream.
Reviews
Positive
- Wading through a deep, narrow red slot canyon and climbing a ladder to the waterfall provides unparalleled adventure fun and visual impact.
- The trail enforces a strict 150-ticket daily quota, successfully eliminating packed crowds and securing a quiet, elite photo vibe.
- The permit fully includes town parking fees; trail-head restrooms and bins are well-equipped, and staff strictly verify permits for safety.
- Compared to Zion's long Narrows trek, this round-trip is shorter and highly rewarding; the most efficient slot canyon water hike.
Heads up
- Permits are pricey due to the 150-person limit ($15-20 each) and strictly non-refundable; low value for large families on a budget.
- Canyon water is bone-chillingly cold, rushing over slippery rocks; the canyon ladder is slick, risking injury without staff stationed inside.
- The entire trail beyond the gate is raw wilderness, lacking any public toilets or rest benches, making convenience terrible for families with toddlers.
- If you don't secure a permit online weeks ahead, no walk-up tickets are sold on-site; driving all this way leaves you facing rigid rejection.