Kanarra Creek Canyon - Utah

Beginning of the narrow section

WARNING:  Do not enter this canyon during a storm, unless your idea of fun is being swept away by a flash flood!


This is a canyon you could spend an entire day exploring.  It is absolutely gorgeous!  Bring your camera, water sandals or shoes that can get wet, pack a lunch and plan on having a great time in this canyon.  There are two downfalls though 1- you need to hike it early or during the week to beat the hiking crowd and 2- the $10.00 parking fee. That being said, if you are near Cedar City, Utah this one is not to be missed!

The trail starts in the small town of Kanarraville, south of Cedar City.  Directions are posted at the end of this entry.  The trail starts out on a dirt road that heads up hill and then drops down the backside.  Follow the road for about 1 mile.  The road will end and you will follow the trail that leads off from the road.

This trail winds along the creek and at times will require you to get your feet wet.  Soon you will come to the fun part.  The narrows!  The canyon abruptly narrows and you in the midst of tall sandstone cliffs.  At this point you will be in the water for the majority of the rest of  the hike. 

Head into the creek, it is only a few inches deep at this point. Although some places will be up to 2 feet deep.  After about 200 yards you will come to the first obstacle, Kanarra Falls.  This is waterfall is about 15 feet high.  You will need to climb up the log which has boards nailed to it, along with rope attached to the rock wall.  Be cautious some of the rungs are loose.  The "ladder" is actually pretty easy to climb up and down.

First waterfall

Continue wading in the water up the canyon.  You will soon come to an area that opens up a bit.  Here you will find a great natural slide.  The water is cold, but you can't come all this way and not slide down.  After you are done playing, continue to follow the canyon upstream.

You will soon come to the second water fall.  Another ladder has been built to assist you in getting up the waterfall.  This ladder is a bit rickety and takes a beating from the water, so be cautious as you climb up.  FYI:  the ladders may be washed way during a heavy water season. 

Second waterfall

Continue up the canyon as far as you would like to explore.  The canyon remains narrow for a few more bends and then opens up allowing vegetation to grow in the canyon.  The canyon will narrow one final time and then open up again.  Just a note:  we turned around shortly after the second ladder, due to time constraints.  In all we hiked about four miles and did it in around three hours.  Plan on adding an extra hour if you go up the canyon to the last narrow section. 

Length: 4-5 miles
Elevation Gain: minimal- hill at the very first, but short.
Difficulty:  Easy until you get to the ladder, then moderate
Season:  Warmer weather.  Just stay out during a storm
Time:  3 hours to 2nd ladder and that was with a lot of stops to play and take photographs
Info:  $10.00 parking fee.
Directions: From Cedar City, take I-15 south to exit 51. Turn left (toward the mountain) on Highway 91 and follow for several miles to Kanarraville.  Turn left (east) on 100 North for four blocks. The road will be blocked and a parking area will be on your left.