After visiting some of the nearby attractions close to the Coral Springs Resort, we were looking for something a little more adventurous to do for our last day of our trip. We all wanted to go hiking somewhere close by. We searched for some slot canyons in the area. I am a huge fan of slot canyons, I think that they are some of the most beautiful places in the world. After a little searching I found it! Kanarra Creek Canyon is about 31.4 miles from the Coral Springs Resort, about a 3.5 mile round trip hike that is rated at a moderate difficulty. Everyone agreed that this would be an awesome hike after seeing some incredible pictures of the landscape online. Below are some tips about slot canyons in general and some specifics of our exciting hike up Kanarra Creek Canyon.
Location
Kanarra Canyon is located east of the town of Kanarraville, just south of Cedar City. Exit off I-15 and drive to the center of the small town. Follow 100 North as it winds east and becomes 250 North this will lead you to the mouth of the canyon. Limited parking is available at the end of the dirt road near the stream – you may have to backtrack to find a parking spot and then hike down the road to the creek-bed.
Be SAFE!
Slot canyons are at high risk for flash floods. It is important that your group checks current weather forecasts frequently. Do not try to gamble on the weather. If there is rain or a forecast for rain do not attempt this hike. It is also important to wear the right clothes for this hike. Wear waterproof shoes or neoprene socks to keep your feet protected and warm during the hike. Watch where you step, during the hike you will be crossing the stream and sometimes walking up the riverbed.
Kanarra Creek Canyon
If you are hiking Kanarra Creek you better bring a camera along for this beautiful slot canyon hike. It might also be a good idea to bring a dry bag for your cameras and phones during some of the steam-bed walks. Access is easy, the hike is relatively short and the route can be customized to keep it easy or make it a little challenging.
Our first adventure came when we met up with two waterfalls that blocked upstream travel through the narrow slot. Water flows year-round and we waded the stream in many places. The hike to the base of the first waterfall was short and easy. We were up to the adventure and we climbed up the falls to continue the hike. At some spots in the hike we used some of the man made ladders made out of logs and metal rungs. This ladder was very safe and there was also rope handrails on the cliff walls to help balance.
After the first waterfall we found a fun swimming hole with a mossy rock slide. It was a great place to take some group photos and continue with the hike. We made it to the third waterfall to find that the ladder was broken. We did not have the proper climbing gear and so we decided to head back. This hike was incredible! I would recommend it to anyone staying in the Cedar City/ St. George area.
To experience this hike first hand check out this video we filmed during the hike: Kanarra Creek Video
Live Well, Travel Better
Weston Sill