Kanarra Creek Slot Canyon Narrows

Posted by: Greg Clure

Nov. 6, 2013 • $199 • Kanarra Creek is a beautiful little canyon on BLM land north of the Kolob section of Zion National Park, located above the Hurricane Cliffs just east of the little town of Kanarraville. We will hike up this creek into the narrows section where it is most photogenic. As the walls close in the water deepens to just below waist-high but for most of the hike we will be in ankle to knee deep water. Soon after the start of the dark slot section, we will reach the first major obstacle of the hike: a 15-foot high rock-jam waterfall that must be climbed over. Typically, some sort of ladder aid is in place to help folks climb up the waterfall, but the quality of the aid varies from year to year. Just above the first waterfall is a boulder waterfall that can be bypassed by scrambling up the right side of the canyon. After several more beautiful turns in the canyon, a few minor obstacles and a few narrow sections of near waist-deep water, we will reach the second major rock-jam waterfall obstacle that may also have a ladder to help aid upstream travel. Beyond this obstacle, the upper canyon shallows out and becomes less photogenic. This is our turnaround point and we will retrace our steps back the way we came. This is a moderately strenuous hike due mainly to the rock jam areas and ladder climbing. You will need some water shoes and neoprene booties, I use my Keen water shoes and O'Neil surfing booties with a pair of shorts. If you don't have any water shoes they can be rented at the local adventure sports stores in Springdale. The water is cold but tolerable and you quickly warm-up after exiting the narrows section. We should complete our round-trip hike in 4-5 hours. This tour makes a great addition to the Subway Tour below as you will already be in the area. Join me for a little slot canyon fun as we hike and photograph the Kanarra Creek Narrows.