Information
Landmark: Kanarra Falls TrailCity: Cedar City
Country: USA Utah
Continent: North America
Kanarra Falls Trail, Cedar City, USA Utah, North America
Overview
Tucked just outside Kanarraville, Utah, the Kanarra Falls Trail leads you through a narrow slot canyon where cool water rushes over smooth red rock, past shimmering cascades, and along a gentle river you’ll wade, blending adventure with striking natural beauty.Winding through a lush canyon with narrow slots and shimmering waterfalls, the trail draws photographers, hikers, and thrill‑seekers from all over southern Utah.The trail starts at a small trailhead just outside Kanarraville, tucked between towering desert cliffs and mesas the color of rust.As hikers move along, the dry scrub and scattered junipers give way to Kanarra Creek Canyon, where cool shade drapes over mossy rock walls.Sheer canyon walls tower on both sides, squeezing so close in places you could brush them with your fingertips, giving it that unmistakable slot canyon vibe.Inside the canyon, the air feels cooler and damper than the dry desert beyond, carrying the earthy smell of wet sandstone, moss, and a faint hint of running water.Rushing water tumbles and drips from the falls, its echo weaving through the narrow canyon, and a cool mist settles in the air with a calm, almost otherworldly hush.Sunlight slips through gaps in the canyon, casting sharp stripes of light and deep shadow across the rough stone walls.The trail runs about four miles round trip, offering a moderate challenge with stretches of hiking, bits of wading, and occasional light scrambling.Along the way, you’ll cross Kanarra Creek, sometimes splashing through ankle-deep water that can rise higher when the season changes.In the slot canyon, narrow corridors wind between smooth, honey-colored sandstone, drawing you in for that perfect photo or a moment of still, echoing quiet.The trail ends at a breathtaking 50-foot waterfall, its spray cool on your skin, with moss and bright green plants thriving in the endless rush of water.At the foot of the last waterfall, a clear, waist-deep pool waits-cool enough to dip your toes while you take in the sweep of rock and rushing water.Because it’s both popular and delicate, the trail requires a permit, which limits how many people can enter and helps keep the mossy banks and nearby wildlife safe.Along the trail, the lush riparian strip hugs the creek with mosses, ferns, and water-loving grasses, while above, sun-baked canyon walls give way to juniper, pinyon pine, and the sharp scent of sagebrush in the higher elevations.In spring, seasonal wildflowers burst into bloom, scattering bright splashes of color like paint across the fields.You’ll often spot small birds here-canyon wrens with their sharp, echoing calls, and swallows darting through the air.Now and then, you might spot a lizard sunning itself by the creek or see a small mammal dart into the cool shadows between the rocks.With its rushing water, tight canyon walls, and sparkling waterfalls, the trail bursts with beauty-perfect for hikers chasing adventure and photographers hunting that one unforgettable shot.You’ll need good balance, sturdy waterproof shoes, and a fair bit of fitness to wade through cold water, clamber over slick rocks, and squeeze through tight passages.In spring and early summer, waterfalls spill over the rocks and the canyon glows green; by late summer and fall, the water runs lower and the air turns warm inside the winding stone walls.It’s near Kanarraville, Utah-about twenty miles north of Cedar City, where red cliffs rise against the sky.There’s a small parking lot at the trailhead for hikers, and a weathered sign points toward the nearby permit kiosk.Flash floods can sweep through narrow canyon sections, especially after a heavy rain, turning dry ground into rushing water within minutes.Before you set out, check the weather and see if the trail’s been updated-no one enjoys getting caught in a sudden downpour.Kanarra Falls Trail leaves you with a lasting impression, blending the thrill of a narrow slot canyon with the rush of cool waterfalls and the green shimmer of riparian plants right in southern Utah’s rugged heart.Wading through brisk creeks, gazing up at sunlit canyon walls, and soaking in the quiet beauty all come together to make the day unforgettable.The hike to the falls tests your legs and sparks curiosity, leading you through Utah’s shifting world of sun-baked desert and cool, shadowed canyons.
