Kanarra Falls is the kind of hike you’ll still be talking about at dinner. You walk up a creek into a red rock slot canyon, wade through cold water, climb a ladder next to a waterfall, and keep going until the canyon pinches shut at a second fall.
It’s often called a “mini Narrows,” and that’s fair. But the Kanarra Falls hike in Utah is shorter, it has those famous ladders, and it runs on its own permit system managed by the small town of Kanarraville. You can’t just show up and hike.
This guide covers the permit, the route, the ladder, what to wear, how cold the water really is, and how to stay safe in a slot canyon.
Quick answer
- Permit: required. $15 per person plus tax and fees, bought online at the official Kanarra Falls site (kanarrafalls.com). Kids 7 and under are free.
- Daily limit: 200 people per day. Weekends and summer sell out early.
- Distance: about 4 miles round trip to the second waterfall.
- Time: 3–4 hours.
- Difficulty: moderate to strenuous, mainly because you hike in water.
- Ladder: a 20-foot ladder beside the first waterfall.
- You will get wet: wear water shoes or hiking shoes that can get soaked. No flip-flops.
- Bring: a government ID to check in.
- Biggest risk: flash floods, mostly July to September.
Kanarra Falls at a Glance
| Also called | Kanarra Creek Falls, Kanarraville Falls, Kanarra Creek Canyon |
| Location | Kanarraville, Utah, about 20 minutes south of Cedar City |
| Managed by | Town of Kanarraville (with BLM and state trust land along the route) |
| Trail type | Out and back |
| Distance | About 4 miles round trip |
| Elevation gain | Several hundred feet, gradual |
| Permit | $15 per person (plus tax and fees); 7 and under free |
| Daily limit | 200 people |
| Parking | Free with your permit |
| Restrooms | At the parking area and near the start only |
| Camping / fires | Not allowed on the trail, in the canyon or at the lot |
Kanarra Falls Permit: How It Works
A permit is required for every hiker 8 and older. Here’s what you need to know:
- Price: $15 per person, plus sales tax and a processing fee.
- Kids: children 7 and under are free and don’t need a ticket.
- Limit: 200 people per day. There’s no lottery. You just pick a date and buy.
- Where to buy: only on the official Kanarra Falls website. Don’t buy tickets on social media or from resellers. Tickets are non-transferable.
- Refunds: permits are non-refundable, but you can reschedule if you do it more than 48 hours before your date.
- Weather closures: the hike can close on short notice when heavy rain or thunderstorms threaten.
- Check-in: bring a state or government-issued ID. Staff check permits at the start.
- Commercial groups: guided groups need a separate commercial ticket.
How far ahead should you book?
For spring break, summer weekends and holidays, book a few weeks ahead. On quiet weekdays you can sometimes get a permit a day or two before. If your date is sold out, check again closer to the day in case someone reschedules.
Where Is Kanarra Falls?
Kanarraville is a tiny town just off Interstate 15, between Cedar City and St. George. The canyon sits right behind town, at the foot of the Hurricane Cliffs, close to the Kolob Canyons section of Zion National Park.
Drive times
- Cedar City: about 20 minutes
- Kolob Canyons (Zion): about 15 minutes
- Springdale / Zion Canyon: about 1 hour
- St. George: about 45 minutes
- Las Vegas: about 2.5 hours
Parking
The main lot is at 385 East 100 North in Kanarraville. Parking is free. RVs, trailers and overflow use a separate lot just to the south, and extra parking is available near Center Street and 100 West. Don’t park on residential streets outside marked areas.
The Kanarra Falls Hike, Step by Step
1. The access road (first mile or so)
After check-in, you’ll walk up an old dirt service road past water tanks. This part is open and sunny. You’ll cross Kanarra Creek a few times on the way, and it’s easy to keep your feet dry here if you want.
This canyon is also the town’s water supply, so please use the restroom before you start and keep the creek clean.
2. Into the canyon
The road ends and the path narrows. Soon there’s no point trying to stay dry. Just walk in the creek. The water is usually ankle to shin deep, with deeper spots after snowmelt.
The canyon walls close in, the color shifts to deep red and orange, and you’ll hear the waterfall before you see it.
3. The first waterfall and the 20-foot ladder
This is the famous spot. A waterfall slides down a chute of rock, and right beside it is the 20-foot ladder. Over the years the town has replaced old log ladders with sturdier structures, and the setup can change, so don’t rely on old photos.
Climb one person at a time, hold on with both hands and take it slow. The rungs may be wet or even icy in cold months. If you don’t like the look of it, this is a perfectly good place to turn around. Many people do.
4. Boulders and the upper narrows
Above the ladder, you’ll scramble over a few large boulders and keep wading upstream. The canyon gets even tighter and darker. It’s beautiful in here.
5. The second waterfall (end of the hike)
The slot narrows down to the second and final waterfall. This is the official end of the hike. The town asks hikers not to go beyond this point. Enjoy it, take your photos, and head back the same way.
How Hard Is Kanarra Falls?
The distance isn’t big, but the walking is slow. You’re on slippery rocks, logs and uneven creek bed for much of the hike, often in cold water. Most people rate it moderate to strenuous.
The town notes that Iron County Search and Rescue can take up to 7 hours to reach and carry out an injured hiker. Broken ankles are the most common injury, so watch every step and don’t slide down the natural water slides.
Can kids do it?
Active kids who are comfortable in water often love it. The town strongly recommends that everyone under 18 be with an adult. Small kids will need a lot of help on the ladder and boulders, and the cold water can wear them out fast.
What to Wear and Bring
Shoes
This is the most important choice. Wear closed-toe water shoes, hiking sandals with a strap, or old trail runners with good grip. No flip-flops. If you’re shopping, our guide to the best hiking sandals for river crossings compares a few pairs that grip well on wet rock. Waterproof boots aren’t helpful because the water just pours in over the top.
Water temperature
The creek is cold. The town says it averages around 50°F in summer and close to freezing in the colder months. In spring, snowmelt can make it colder, deeper and faster. Neoprene socks are a great idea outside of summer.
Packing list
- Permit confirmation and government ID
- 1.5–2 liters of drinking water (don’t drink the creek)
- Hiking poles for balance in the creek (budget picks are fine; see our beginner trekking poles guide)
- A dry bag or zip bags for your phone and car keys
- Quick-dry clothes (no cotton in cool weather)
- Snacks
- A dry change of clothes and shoes left in the car
Flash Flood Safety
Kanarra Creek is a slot canyon, and flash floods are a real danger. They can happen any time of year, but are most common in July, August and September, usually in the afternoon.
- Check the National Weather Service forecast before you go.
- Don’t hike if thunderstorm warnings are out for the area.
- Know where you could climb to higher ground.
- Turn back right away if the water rises, speeds up, turns muddy, or you hear a roar upstream.
- Never hike alone.
The town may close the trail on short notice when storms threaten. If that happens, follow the reschedule instructions on your ticket.
Best Time to Hike Kanarra Falls
| Season | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Spring (March–May) | Snowmelt makes the creek colder, deeper and faster; very popular during spring break |
| Summer (June–August) | Warm air feels great with cold water; busiest season; flash flood risk from July |
| Fall (September–October) | Fewer people, golden cottonwoods near the mouth; watch for September storms |
| Winter (November–February) | Icy, near-freezing water and possibly an icy ladder; quiet and beautiful but only for prepared hikers |
Best time of day: morning. You get calmer conditions, fewer people at the ladder and a lower chance of afternoon storms.
Trail Rules and Etiquette
- Pack out all trash. There are no bins past the parking area.
- No writing or carving on rocks.
- Don’t build or use homemade rope or log ladders.
- Don’t create side trails to avoid the water.
- Give rattlesnakes plenty of space.
- Check the official site for current rules on pets and drones before bringing either.
Kanarra Falls vs. The Narrows in Zion
| Kanarra Falls | Zion Narrows | |
|---|---|---|
| Permit | Required ($15) | Not needed for the bottom-up day hike |
| Length | About 4 miles round trip | Up to 10 miles round trip bottom-up |
| Waterfalls and ladders | Yes | No |
| Crowds | Capped at 200 a day | Very busy in summer |
| Time needed | Half day | Half day to full day |
If you’re visiting Zion, Kanarra Falls makes a great half-day add-on. See our guide to things to do in Zion National Park for more ideas.
Where to Stay
Cedar City is the easiest base, with lots of hotels and restaurants 20 minutes away. Springdale works if you’re focusing on Zion; see our guide to hotels near Zion National Park. Kanarraville itself has very few services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a permit for Kanarra Falls?
Yes. Everyone 8 and older needs a $15 permit (plus tax and fees) from the official Kanarra Falls website.
How long is the Kanarra Falls hike?
About 4 miles round trip to the second waterfall. Most people take 3–4 hours.
How tall is the Kanarra Falls ladder?
About 20 feet, next to the first waterfall.
Will my feet get wet?
Yes. Once you’re in the canyon, you walk in the creek.
Can you hike Kanarra Falls without a permit?
No. Permits are checked at the start of the trail.
What happens if it rains on my permit day?
The hike may close for safety. Permits are non-refundable, but follow the instructions on your ticket to reschedule.
Is Kanarra Falls open in winter?
The town has offered permits through much of the year, but winter means icy water and a possibly icy ladder. Check the booking calendar and conditions first.
Is Kanarra Falls worth it?
Yes. For a short hike, it packs in a slot canyon, a creek walk and two waterfalls.
Final Thoughts
Kanarra Falls is pure fun if you plan it right: book your permit early, wear shoes that can get soaked, start in the morning, and respect the weather. The ladder is the highlight for most people, but the quiet slot canyon above it might be the part you remember most.
More Utah hikes: the easy canyon walk at Grand Wash in Capitol Reef, the giant arch at Corona Arch, and Queen’s Garden Trail in Bryce Canyon.
Permit and safety details come from the Town of Kanarraville’s official Kanarra Falls information. Prices and rules can change, so confirm when you book.