80. Hike Kanarraville Falls

80. Hike Kanarraville Falls

(the second waterfall and "ladder" of the Kanarra Creek Hike)

Even if you don't think you've heard of Kanarraville (k uh - N AH R - uh - v ih l), you've probably seen a picture of the infamous Kanarra Creek Falls (also known as Kanaraville Falls, or just Kanarraville- 'cause what else is even there?) somewhere. It's one of those popular places to photograph for calendars and computer screen savers. 

That being said, there is a reason photographers flock here- it's like no other hike in Utah. It begins on dry land winding deep into the canyon. You get to a point where you can walk no further on dirt, and have to finish the hike in the creek. The last few hundred yards take you through a slot canyon with red walls hundreds of feet high. The trickle of the running water reverberates above your head, and it's a magical experience. 

There are several waterfalls with "ladders". The first is larger and the most easily passable (although I still think it's pretty scary). After that, it's really a toss up as to what you will get, sometimes the ladders lose a rung or go out completely and no one does anything about it for a while. You can continue up as far as you want/can, but it gets gradually more precarious and less interesting. 

Kanarraville is located between Cedar City and Saint George. The hike is easily accessible, although it gets incredibly crowded in the summer and on warmer weekends. Parking will also cost you $10. Kanarraville is about the smallest town that you can possibly imagine, and they have had m a j o r backlash in recent years from the volume of hikers (think pollution of water supply; foot traffic leading to erosion, leading in turn to flash flooding, yada yada). So please be respectful if you go as well. 

This hike earns the distinction of being one of my favorite hikes here. It isn't really comparable to the Narrows of Zion, about a fifty miles over, but in its own little way it bears some resemblance. It used to be Utah's best kept secret- until it got out. This hike is FUN. It's not strenuous, and I've seen pets and kids of all ages with their families. It's a great way to cool off on a hot summer day. 

 

(the first ladder leading up the first waterfall)