Planning a two-week road trip through California, Nevada, Utah, and Arizona was an exciting adventure. I aimed to experience a diverse range of landscapes. While iconic sites like the Valley of Fire and Death Valley were on my list, I also sought hidden gems. That’s when I discovered Kanarra Falls, a stunning location in Utah. This breathtaking spot allows only a limited number of visitors each day, ensuring a peaceful experience. I knew this would be a highlight of my journey.
Visiting Kanarra Falls requires a bit of planning, but it’s well worth the effort. To access the falls, you need a permit, which can be obtained online. In this guide, I’ll share essential tips for your visit, including where to stay and how to secure your permit.
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Kanarra Falls Utah Location
Kanarra Falls is a hidden gem nestled in the charming town of Kanarraville, Utah. This small town offers a refreshing contrast to larger cities like Los Angeles or Las Vegas. Adding Kanarra Falls to your travel bucket list is a must.
The journey from Las Vegas (Nevada) to Utah is a visual feast. The landscape transforms dramatically, showcasing the unique beauty of the region. You’ll encounter beautiful rolling hills, rock formations, and expansive skies that seem to stretch forever.
How Far is Kanarra Falls from Las Vegas?
Kanarra Falls is located 163 miles from the Las Vegas Strip, making it a perfect day trip. The drive takes about two and a half hours. On our final day in Las Vegas, we checked out of the Excalibur Hotel and headed straight to Kanarra Falls. Arriving in the late morning, we found the trails relatively quiet, giving us a peaceful experience as we hiked through the stunning canyons.
The hike to Kanarra Falls is manageable and not overly strenuous. However, I recommend considering an overnight stay nearby for a more relaxed experience. We chose La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham La Verkin-Gateway to Zion, just a short 30-minute drive from the falls. This location allowed us to enjoy the beauty of the area without the stress of a long drive back to Las Vegas.
How Far is Kanarra Falls from Zion National Park?
It takes about an hour to drive from Kanarra Falls to Zion National Park. Staying at La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham La Verkin-Gateway to Zion was a fantastic choice, because it is conveniently located between these two locations.
With only a 30-minute drive from our hotel to Kanarra Falls or Zion, we could easily access the stunning landscapes and hiking trails. Choosing hotels along your route like La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham La Verkin-Gateway to Zion can enhance your travel experience. It allows you to spend less time driving and more time exploring.
Kanarra Falls Utah Permit
Booking your Kanarra Falls permit is a easy through the official website. We made our reservation four months ahead of our trip. While there might be openings a few weeks before your visit, I wouldn’t recommend waiting until the last minute.
During our two-week road trip across four different states, we strictly planned each day. We needed to make sure that the date we wanted for Kanarra Falls was available. Booking a few months in advance turned out to be a smart move for us. It allowed us to enjoy our journey without the stress of last-minute arrangements.
Keep in mind that Kanarra Falls limits daily visitors to 180 people. Although this may seem like a generous number, you never know if a larger group will choose the same day as you. To guarantee your chance to explore Kanarra Falls on your preferred date, make your reservation as soon as possible.
Kanarra Falls Utah Hours
The Kanarra Falls Trail is open from dawn to dusk during the spring, summer, and fall months, while offering limited access in the winter. Unlike other popular destinations, such as Zion National Park, you won’t have to rise at the crack of dawn to secure a parking spot. This makes Kanarra Falls an ideal choice for those who prefer a more relaxed start to their day, allowing you to savor the journey without the stress of waking up too early.
For the best experience, consider arriving a bit later in the day. This timing not only allows you to bask in the warm afternoon sun but also means you can explore the stunning scenery with fewer fellow hikers around.
Hotels Near Kanarra Falls
When planning a trip to the stunning landscapes of Utah, many travelers flock to the iconic Zion National Park located 1 hour drive from Kanarra Falls. Therefore, securing budget-friendly accommodations during peak season can be quite a challenge in this area.
To ensure we had an inexpensive place to stay, we made our reservations about eight months ahead of our journey to the USA. One of the hotels we discovered was the La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham La Verkin-Gateway to Zion, which offered a comfortable and affordable option for our stay. If you’re in the mood for some relaxation, Zion Canyon Hot Springs is just a short drive away.
For those who are willing to spend a bit more, I highly recommend considering the Zion Wildflower Resort. This charming resort is situated just a stone’s throw away from Kanarra Falls and Zion National Park, making it an ideal base for daily trips.
Restaurants Near Kanarra Falls
If you’re on the hunt for a budget-friendly dining option, I recommend checking out El Rancho, you’ll find a menu filled with authentic Mexican dishes. This restaurant is located near La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham La Verkin-Gateway to Zion. It’s an excellent choice, especially after exploring the stunning Kanarra Falls or Zion National Park.
You can also grab a tasty sandwich while soaking in the stunning views of the surrounding landscape at River Rock Roasting Company. La Verkin is a charming town that is often overlooked when planning a trip to USA, but it has so much to offer. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activities, best place to eat or a peaceful retreat, La Verkin is the perfect base for your adventures.
Kanarra Falls Parking
Once you have your Kanarra Falls permit, you can park at the spacious parking area for free. It is well-equipped, featuring clean restrooms and a gazebo with picnic tables. It’s a great spot to relax before or after your hike.
The hike check-in is conveniently located just a short stroll from the parking lot. Here, you’ll find a kiosk where you need to provide your details. If you haven’t purchased your tickets yet, you may be able to buy them on-site, but availability can be limited. To ensure a smooth experience, I strongly recommend booking your tickets online in advance.
How to Prepare for Kanarra Falls Utah Hike?
Embarking on the Kanarra Falls hike is an adventure that promises both stunning scenery and a unique experience of hiking through water. As we set off on the trail, our sturdy hiking shoes provided the support we needed for the initial stretch.
However, once we reached the river, we quickly swapped our footwear for water boots and neoprene socks, which we had wisely purchased from Amazon before our trip. This preparation proved invaluable, as the chilly waters would have been quite a shock without the added warmth and protection of those socks.
The hike itself is a delightful challenge, typically taking around 3 to 4 hours to complete the 4-mile round trip, with an elevation gain of 700 feet. As we navigated the rocky terrain and splashed through the refreshing water, we were constantly rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding canyon.
Beginning of the Hike – Dirt Road
The Kanarra Falls hike begins with a gentle stroll along a dirt road. This initial stretch is quite easy, making it accessible for most hikers. However, keep in mind the warning sign that reads, “Hike At Your Own Risk”. It’s a reminder to stay cautious as you embark on this adventure.
Along the way, we encountered some fascinating wildlife, including a snake slithering across our path. The area is rich with biodiversity, and you can also spot lizards, deer, grey foxes, and rock squirrels.
As we continued, the trail remained flat and straightforward, but shade was scarce. We appreciated the presence of restrooms at the start, but be aware that facilities are nonexistent further along the trail.
The first section involves crossing small springs, and we found our hiking shoes suitable for the shallow water, allowing us to hop from stone to stone without any trouble. After the initial dirt road, the path leads you alongside the river, eventually guiding you into a stunning slot canyon.
Here, the experience changes as hikers must wade through the water. This unique aspect of the hike adds an element of adventure, making the journey to Kanarra Falls truly memorable.
Mid Part of the Hike – River Trail and Slot Canyon
The River Trail is an adventure that includes several crossings over the water. To prepare for this, we swapped our hiking shoes for water boots and neoprene socks. There was even a helpful sign indicating where we should stay in the river.
As we ventured deeper into the Kanarra Falls hike, the scenery became increasingly enchanting. It felt surreal to explore this stunning landscape all on our own. The combination of the flowing river and the towering slot canyon created countless opportunities for breathtaking photos. Each snapshot captured the magic of this hidden gem in Utah.
We visited Kanarra Falls in May, when the water levels were pleasantly low. This allowed us to enjoy the hike comfortably, without the chill of freezing water. If you’re searching for a unique experience in Utah, I highly recommend spending a day at Kanarra Falls. It’s a perfect escape into nature, especially after exploring Las Vegas Strip.
End of the Hike – Waterfalls
Kanarra Falls is a must-visit for travelers, especially because of its first waterfall. This stunning waterfall features a ladder that makes it unique. I was initially worried about crowds and the difficulty of capturing photos of Kanarra Falls. To my suprise, we found this hidden gem almost entirely to ourselves. This allowed us to take plenty of pictures without any distractions.
As you head up the stairs, it is worth taking a look at the second waterfall. The tranquility of the area is remarkable, with incredible rock formations framing the waterfall beautifully.
Return
The return journey retraces our steps back to the trailhead, primarily through the water. With our water boots and neoprene socks on, we felt confident crossing the streams. As we made our way back, we seized the last chance to capture stunning photos of the waterfalls, the flowing river, and the enchanting slot canyon.
This trip felt less exhausting compared to our previous adventures in Death Valley and Valley of Fire. Moreover, while in Zion National Park we were unable to cross the Narrows, mainly due to the much deeper water and lack of appropriate equipment. Fortunately, we left Kanarra Falls with a sense of accomplishment and a collection of memories that would last a lifetime.
Kanarra Falls in April/May
Visiting Kanarra Falls in early May was an incredible experience, and we were fortunate to encounter low water levels during our hike. However, the beauty of Kanarra Creek also comes with its own set of challenges.
One of the most significant risks in this area is the potential for flash flooding, which can happen unexpectedly. Because of this, it’s essential to keep an eye on the weather forecast before embarking on your adventure.
While flash flooding can occur at any time of the year, the risk is notably higher in July, August, and September. The narrow canyon walls can quickly funnel rainwater, transforming a gentle stream into a raging torrent in a matter of minutes.
Tips When Hiking Kanarra Falls
Switch Your Phone Settings to Vertical Panoramic Mode
Visiting slot canyons, particularly during our Antelope Canyon Tour, provided me with invaluable insights, especially from our knowledgeable tour guide. One standout tip he shared was about capturing stunning photographs within the canyon.
He recommended switching our phone settings to vertical panoramic mode. This simple adjustment allows you to beautifully frame the river, the towering canyon walls, and the expansive sky all in one shot at Kanarra Falls.
Be Prepared for Obstacles
On the other hand, if you’re considering the Kanarra Falls hike, it’s essential to be prepared for its unique challenges. While the hike doesn’t necessitate any specialized climbing gear, it can be quite demanding for younger children and is not advisable for those with physical limitations.
Hikers should be ready to navigate various obstacles, including climbing over rocks, dealing with slippery and uneven surfaces, and carefully traversing ladder. These elements can add an adventurous twist to your journey, but they also require a certain level of caution and physical fitness.
Pets are not Allowed
It’s also important to note that Kanarra Creek serves as the water supply for the town of Kanarraville, which brings with it certain responsibilities for hikers. To protect this vital resource, pets are not permitted on the Kanarra Falls hike due to the potential contamination from animal waste. This policy helps ensure that the water remains clean and safe for the community, so it’s crucial to respect these guidelines while enjoying the natural beauty of the area.