USA Kanarra Falls

Locally referred to as Kanarraville Falls, this involves a water hike and cannot be completed without getting wet. The trail crosses Kanarra Creek many times and eventually enters a slot canyon where you have no choice but to enter the 3 to 8 inches of water that leads to the falls. The trail is lush with trees, plants, reeds, multiple cascades, and short slot canyons. The destination for many has for years been a very photogenic waterfall at about 1.6 miles (2.57 km). A tree trunk had washed down the waterway by flash flood and lodged at the base of the falls. Boards were nailed along the trunk and used to help climb up the face of the waterfall to allow for further exploration up the drainage. Ropes were anchored to the sandstone wall to assist the climb. However, the picturesque log was washed away during a recent flash flood and was replaced with an aluminum staircase in October 2021, complete with a handrail to allow visitors safe access to the creek and canyon above the first waterfall. That’s good news and bad news. The good news is the VERY frequent calls for rescue from people injured while climbing the log should be significantly reduced and will shave an estimated 60 minutes off rescue times from people injured above the falls. The bad news should be obvious. In my opinion, the bright silver-colored 21 step staircase has completely destroyed the ambiance of what was once an iconic spot along this canyon. Plus, the litter and human waste that was increasingly evident below the waterfall will now be spread to the upper creek as well. I’m sorry to report this but don’t want future visitors/photographers to be disappointed when they get to this spot. There are other nice spots above this waterfall and beyond a second waterfall but the throngs of people now traveling further upstream make photography difficult. Water shoes and trekking sticks are recommended. Kanarra Creek is a slot canyon and there is a very real danger from flash flooding. Flash floods can occur at any time of year but are most common in July, August, and September, and usually in the late afternoon.

Bring a tripod, polarizing and ND filters.

From St George, Utah head north on I-15 for about 33 miles (53 km) and take exit 42 to New Harmony/Kanarraville. Turn right on Hwy 144 and take an immediate left onto Harmony Ridge Dr/Old US 91. Continue about 4.5 miles (7.24 km) into Kanarraville and turn right onto 100 North.  Follow 100 North 3.5 blocks until you see the parking lot on your left. There’s a restroom at the parking area. There’s a $12 US per person day use fee. Pets are NOT allowed. Due to overcrowding, littering, and people using the creek as a toilet, only 150 people are allowed in the canyon per day. Tickets/reservations can be acquired online. If the 150 person maximum hasn’t been filled online, tickets can be purchased at the parking area until the maximum is reached.