Hiking Kanarra Falls with kids - Kanarraville, UT

Kanarra Falls was once considered a hidden secret but not anymore. The stunning slot canyons and waterfalls make this hike about as photogenic as it comes and with all those amazing pictures posted all over social media, this hike has become a destination spot for many travelers visiting Zion + Southern Utah.

Even if you aren't the only one on the trail, this really is a hike you don't want to miss when visiting Southern Utah. Bring the family and make a day of it. You will be making memories that will last a lifetime while hiking Kanarra Falls, Utah with kids.

FEE + Permit Info

$15 permit per person is required. You can get one online CLICK HERE to get your permit online. 200 people a day will be able to get a permit so best to get one ahead of time online to make sure you get the permit needed to access the hike. Once summer hits these permits go fast.

Hiking distance for Kanarra Falls

Kanarra Falls is 4 miles round trip but it is only a little over 2 miles round trip to get to the first waterfall and ladder. This is where I usually turn around when hiking Kanarra Falls with kids.

Difficulty of hiking Kannara Falls with kids

This trail has a little elevation gain in the beginning as you walk up the dirt road but it levels out quickly. There are ups and downs, some rock scrambling and lots of walking in water, but for the most part, this is a family-friendly hike.

Walking in the water and maneuvering up around and over obstacles will be the most difficult and intimidating for kids. Kids may also need help with the metal ladder and climbing boulders.

The water at Kanarra Falls is very cold for little feet (see footwear recommendation below). Depending on your pace and how far you go, this trail could take anywhere from 2-4 hours to hike.

Location of Kannara Falls

Kannara Falls is located in the small town of Kanarraville, UT, just 15 minutes south of Cedar City and 1-hour north-west of Zion. Click here for map and directions from your location.

Trail Details for Hiking Kanarra Falls

This trail starts out on a dirt road for about 1/2 mile as you head towards Kanarra Canyon. Once the dirt road ends, you will follow a dirt path going back and forth along a small stream.

Eventually, you will be required to hike in the stream. A little over a mile in you will come to a waterfall. Just about 10 to 15 minutes past the waterfall is the famous and beautiful slot canyon....it is amazing you guys!!! Just a short hike through the slot canyon and you will come to a waterfall with a ladder to climb up.

The new metal ladder that was installed a few years ago makes the climb up fairly safe. Kids may need a little help. Once at the top, you will soon come to a large boulder and waterfall to climb. Kids will require assistance here as well. Past this section, you will follow the stream up for much more beauty and fun.....or so that is what I hear. We usually only make it a short way past the first waterfall.

Go as far as you want and then turn around and go back the way you came. I have only hiked to the 2nd ladder. I don't think the end of the trail is too far past the 2nd ladder. Scroll down for tips and additional information.

Top Gear Recommendation for hiking Kanarra Falls with kids

I didn't want to give my kiddos any additional reasons to complain on my recent hike to Kanarra falls with my kiddos so we rented water shoes and neoprene sock from Zion Adventure Company in Springdale. The boots were amazing and kept our feet at the perfect temperature. I highly recommend renting water boots when hiking Kanarra Falls with kids.

WHAT TO WEAR + BRING WITH YOU

HIKING CLOTHES - Wear comfortable, light and breathable clothes if visiting in the summer. If visiting in the spring/fall, bring a light jacket. Chances are it will warm up mid-day.
SUNSCREEN - Always take sunscreen with your wherever you go in the desert!
HAT & SUNGLASSES - The sun is intense. Having a hat and sunglasses is a must.
SNACKS, AND LOTS OF WATER - Always hike with snacks and plenty of water
HIKING DAY PACK - You will want a small backpack to carry snacks, water, camera & phone.

TIPS AND ADDITIONAL INFO

At the end of August, I did this hike by myself. The water was very cold, but it was manageable. I went on a weekday morning and beat the crowds (if there are crowds on a weekday at the end of August?). I made it about 15 minutes past the 1st ladder. This took me about 1 1/2 hours going at a fast pace.
We did this trail with the kids (2, 5,8) and some friends, with a 4 and ten yr old, at the end of October. We should have brought jackets for the kids because it got very cold once we were in the shaded slot canyon. Hiking in the cold water was hard for the younger kids. The 10-year-old seemed to do great. If we try something like this again, I will look into neoprene socks or even rain boots to keep the kid's feet dry. We made it up past the ladder and then turned around. The hike took us about 3 hours.
For adults wear hiking boots with good traction that can get wet, hiking sandals work too in the middle of the summer when the water isn't as cold.
Bring plenty of snacks and water. This trail gets very hot in the summer so make sure you have enough water for everyone you are hiking with.
I always recommend going first thing in the morning or later in the day to beat the crowds. This will definitely be the best way to go in the summer when there are lots of people.
If you are doing this hike In the summer with kids, I would go early in the morning and take sack lunches to eat just outside the first waterfall/slot canyon . Go slow and bring suits for the kids so they can play in the water. Make it an all-day activity.

LOCAL TIP FOR WHERE TO EAT

Located just minutes from the trailhead for Kanarra Falls is the most amazing barbecue restaurant in Southern Utah. Fire & Smoke is a locally owned Texas style BBQ joint that specializes in brisket, ribs, pulled pork, smoked Turkey, sausage links, smoked chicken and wings. I was so blown away by this place! You can not go to Kanarra Falls without making a stop here after your hike. You can thank me later!

Kanarra Falls is such a great trial in Southern Utah to hike with kids and beat the heat in Southern Utah. Get out and enjoy!