Anasazi Cliffs Lodging
Wooden ladder beside waterfall in slot canyon

The Mighty Five & Beyond

Kanarra Falls

A miniature Narrows — wade up a creek through a glowing slot to a wooden ladder ascending a waterfall.

Difficulty
Moderate
Duration
4–5 hours
From the lodge
~50 min
Type
Slot canyon · waterfall hike

Kanarra Falls is the boutique version of Zion's Narrows — shorter, easier, with the unique payoff of a wooden ladder climb up a waterfall inside a glowing slot canyon. 3.8 miles round-trip, moderate difficulty, perfect for guests who want a Narrows-like experience without committing to a 4-8 hour shuttle day in Zion.

The trail starts in the small town of Kanarraville, follows a creek up a canyon as it gradually narrows, and reaches the slot section where the walls close in to about 15 feet apart. There you'll wade through ankle-to-knee-deep water for a few hundred feet before reaching the first waterfall and its iconic log ladder. Most hikers turn around there; the truly adventurous continue past two more waterfalls.

**Permits are required.** Kanarraville township manages access carefully ($15 per person, 150-200 permits per day). They sell out 1-2 weeks ahead in summer, often same-week in spring/fall. Buy yours at kanarrafalls.com before driving up — there's no day-of permit sale.

Wear shoes you don't mind getting wet (water shoes or old sneakers, not flip-flops), bring a small towel for the drive home, and budget 4-5 hours including the drive each way. This is a great companion to a half-day at Sand Hollow or Snow Canyon if you want a varied day.

Before you go

  • Permits sell out — buy before you drive up
  • Flash flood risk during monsoon — check Iron County weather before going
  • Cold water year-round (creek is spring-fed, low 50s°F) — quick-dry pants help
  • Ladder section requires comfort with light scrambling and getting wet
Hikers wading the Virgin River between The Narrows' towering canyon walls

Moderate · 4–8 hours

The Narrows — Bottom Up

Wade upstream into a 1,000-ft slot canyon. Zion's signature bucket-list walk.

Hikers inside the iconic tube-shaped sandstone formation of The Subway in Zion's Left Fork, with reflected pools below

Hard · 8–10 hours

The Subway (Left Fork of North Creek)

Serpentine lava-tube-shaped chamber where the river carved a half-pipe of pink Navajo sandstone.

The red sandstone finger canyons of Kolob in Zion's northwest district seen above a foreground of pinyon-juniper

Moderate · 3–4 hours

Kolob Canyons — Taylor Creek + Timber Creek

Zion's quieter 'fingers' district. Fern-lined creek crossings and a sunset overlook of crimson amphitheaters.

Ready for your kanarra falls day?

Book your cabin and discover the area at your own pace. The trails start at the door.