Kanarra Falls — Attraction in Kanarraville

My wife and I hiked to the “ladder” or the steel steps at the waterfall. We did this on April 30th, 2023. There were plenty of warnings online about high water levels, low water temperatures, and very swift currents. We decided to go for it anyway.

It’s $12 per person for a permit (free parking). They sell 150 permits per day. We bought our permits at 2:30pm on a Sunday and we were numbers 131 and 132. Not sure if it’s harder to get a permit later in the season or when there aren’t as many warnings!

It was advised to get water resistant socks and good boots. We did neither. My wife had water shoes and I wore vans. The water feels refreshing at first, but after being in it for a few minutes straight, you really start to feel it! By the end when we were in the slot canyon, our feet were frozen, but nothing dangerous. We crossed the river probably 15-20 times before getting to the slot canyon. It was breathtaking, but not for the faint of heart. We were told the water levels get higher as the day grows later—we got to the slot canyon around 4pm, and boy, the water was rushing! We saw three men in the slot canyons with full gear, and they were baffled that we were going all the way to the waterfall. Not advised for small children…or small people for that matter. I’m 6’ tall and weight about 195…and I had to really plant my feet to not get pushed over at some parts.

All in all, it took us about 2 hours and 45 minutes round trip at a nice, consistent pace. 4 miles clocked round trip. Absolutely gorgeous and highly recommend! Perhaps wait until the water levels get lower if you want to enjoy it rather than have a high adventure. Here are my key tips:

1. Get your permits early from the website
2. Have good shoes
3. When crossing the water, have a wide stance, never letting your feet get too close (you’ll lose your balance).
4. Make sure your footing is secure before taking a step in the river. There are a lot of shifting rocks (my wife got a nice bruise on her ankle).
5. Find and use a walking stick to help you keep your balance as you cross through the water (I didn’t use one the entire time, however)
6. When you’re done, set your walking stick up against the trailhead sign so someone else can use...

This was one of the most enjoyable hikes we had while in the Zion area. You have to buy a permit in order to hike the trail. The trail is very easy to follow. The hike is moderately difficult. My 83 year old father and his 79 year old brother-in-law completed the hike to the first waterfall and back. The hike is out and back. It starts with an out of the water trail that is un-improved. The water chanel is fairly narrow the entire length of the hike. The water temp was 53° on the day we went in August. When we arrived at 11 AM there was plenty of parking. They were sold out of permits for the day, but we never saw more than a few people at any one time. We were able to take our time and enjoy the views without being rushed. At the first waterfall there are built in stairs that are easy to climb. Then you have a large boulder that you will need to negotiate. It is very doable for most people. Then you can hike all the way to the next waterfall. The trail ends there. You will know you are there because it is probably 10 foot tall and would not be easy to scale. Here you definitely need to do the cold plunge and stand under the water. Very refreshing and rewarding for making it all the way. The deepest the water we went through was mid-thigh. The vast majority was ankle deep..... Comparing it to "The Narrows"..... this hike IMHO was much better. Far fewer people so you don't feel rushed and get to enjoy the views and the refreshing waterfalls. There is far more slot canyon to hike through (and it is narrower). The footing was far better. It was more stable and it didn't have all the larger more slippery rock. We were able to hike and look at the beautiful views rather than look continuously at your feet. The hike is a little shorter in length. The water was colder. Oh yeah, and did I mention that there was significantly less people..... I would definitely do this hike again.... However, I would not do the...

I am reticent to post this for fear that I am giving away a diamond and the hordes behind might shut it all down. That must be what the locals had to wrestle since 2018 when this secret gem went mainstream. A 2+ mile, 3+ hour hike criss crossing a beautiful stream leading to 2-4 water falls depending on the desired stopping point. You must get wet and walk through the creek at multiple intervals. Be careful of the Cuthroat Trout swimming under your nose. The locals and land managers here do a superb job of letting you know the rules, the path, and their labor of love without pretentious snobbery or being treated like a bafoon. It makes you want to pick up every piece of garbage you see from the trail goers before and I revelled in this peaceful place, i felt priveleged to have been able to share the locals secret gem. The hike culminates from one ooh and awe to the water falls. One fall is bridged by a masterpiece of ladder safety and construction. I’ve hiked the “pop” locations in Zion and this one trumped them. Keep it a secret until you’ve done it! They allow a maximum of 200 advance scheduled permits a day. I’m not an avid hiker. My wife is. But I was grinning like a cheshire [sp.?] cat the entire trek and in the car afterward. I kept saying, “top 5 hikes ever”. We are from the great Northwest and the Cascade range with Mt Ranier. I’ve set foot on a lot of beautiful trails and vistas the last 45 years. One of my favorite water walks in the world is the Kanarra slot canyon hike, but dont tell...