Kanarra Falls
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
When you're in the mood for a rewarding hike, Kanarra Falls is a great destination. This 4-mile hike takes you over hills and through creeks before depositing you in a gorgeous slot canyon with soaring, burnt orange walls. The trails of Kanarra Falls are part of a wilderness preserve that requires permits and does not allow camping, but the trailhead is easily accessible by all sizes of RVs. Furthermore, the surrounding Spring Creek Canyon area offers free public camping on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands, and national parks with developed camping are just a 10-minute drive away.
Quick Facts About RVing in Kanarra Falls
• RV Friendly: Yes • Max RV Length: Any • Camping Type: Dispersed camping • Reservations: Suggested but not required • Hookups: None • Dump Station: None onsite • Potable Water: Available • Cell Service: Good • Pets: Pets not allowed; service animals leashed • Roads: Paved • Best Season: All seasons
Why RV Travelers Love This BLM Area
• Easy RV access with paved roads • Stunning views of creeks and gorges • Close to national parks • Close to Kanarraville's stores and services • 10 minutes away from parks with RV hookups • Free dispersed camping on BLM land
What to See and Do
Hiking and Biking
Kanarra Falls Trail
This trail starts at the Kanarra Falls Parking Lot, and you will need a permit to hike along it. The first part of the trail follows a road into the Hurricane Cliffs. Then, you will need to scale a 20-foot ladder to see Kanarra Falls. After climbing the ladder, you can scramble over a large bolder to see a second waterfall.
Length: 4 miles
Intensity: Strenuous
Spring Creek Canyon Trail
This easy-to-follow trail starts by following Spring Creek. Then, it climbs away from the creekbed and offers beautiful views of red rocks. This out-and-back trail ends in a canyon. Be aware that it can be muddy and slick.
Length: 5.4 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Pa'rus Trail
This paved trail in Zion National Park can be started from the visitor center. The trail ends at Canyon Junction, where hikers can ride the shuttle back to the starting point. This trail follows the Virgin River, and it offers outstanding views of the Watchman.
Length: 5.4 miles
Intensity: Easy
Fishing and Boating
The East Fork of the Virgin River in Zion National Park is a terrific place to flyfish. In particular, fishing can be excellent for brown and cutthroat trout from Mount Carmel east of Parunuweap Canyon. While you can fish at any time, assuming you have a Utah fishing license, the best fishing usually happens in June and July.
Climbing
The Cedar Canyon crags are a terrific place for a climbing adventure. This area, about nine miles east of Cedar City, Utah, starts with the Graveside Matter along Utah 14, and there are at least nine climbing routes, with most rated at about 5.10. Most of the routes are on compressed limestone.
Wildlife Viewing
Enoch Wildlife Rescue is a terrific place to see native wildlife that has been injured and cannot be released into the wild. This refuge, opened in 1997, is particularly a great place to see falcons, including golden eagles and Harris hawks. Often, visitors can interact with the animals during educational programs.
Picnicking
Snow Canyon State Park is a terrific place for a picnic. You will love seeing this location's ancient lava flows and the red rocks. About halfway into the 7,400-acre park is Lower Galoot, where you will find covered picnic tables, barbecue grills, a restroom and other facilities. The nearby trail is a fantastic place for an after-picnic hike.
Bureau of Land Management Camping
RV Camping 
While there is no organized RV camping at Kanarra Falls, there are nearby campgrounds you will want to investigate. Consider the 11 camping sites at Red Cliffs Campground, where you can go fishing in Quail Creek and hiking in the nearby red sandstone hills. Another option is Baker Dam Campground. This campground is on Baker Dam's shores, which is an amazing place to fish for cold water fish, and there are nearby OHV and hiking trails.
Developed Campgrounds
The BLM doesn't offer developed campgrounds within Kanarra Falls itself. However, it's right next door to Zion National Park which offers some excellent developed campgrounds as long as you register online and pay a fee. There are several spots with tent camping, but for RVs, the best spot is Watchman Campground. This area has electric hookups, a dump station, potable water, toilets, and picnic tables, and it allows campfires and pets. Vehicles over 35 feet are allowed, but due to road conditions, they can only access the campground through the south entrance.
Dispersed Camping
If you enjoy dispersed camping, the immediate area around Kanarra Falls has some excellent opportunities. The BLM doesn't allow camping at the Kanarra Falls parking lot itself. However, you are allowed to park just off the route and camp with your vehicle in the Spring Creek Canyon Wilderness Study Area. Keep in mind that this will require driving along a packed dirt road and parking in areas with some low vegetation. There is also more BLM land in the LaVerkin Creek Wilderness area. However, this is at a higher elevation and contains twisting roads, so it's not as suitable for longer RVs. For most of the year, fire bans will be in place. Ice can collect in lower spots in the winter, so drive carefully if you plan on camping during this season.
Is This BLM Area Good for Your RV?
• Camper Vans: This area is ideal for camper vans. You can park at Kanarra Falls easily, and most dispersed and developed camping sites nearby will be easy to reach. • Travel Trailers: Travel trailers do well in the Kanarra Falls parking lot and in the nearby Zion National Park camping. However, they may struggle with road conditions in the dispersed camping areas. • Fifth Wheels: Fifth wheels can easily park at the Kanarra Falls trailhead and the Zion National Park campsites. However, you might find it hard to travel off-road especially when conditions are wet. • Class A Motorhomes: While you can visit Kanarra Falls, the roads needed to access Spring Creek Canyon or LaVerkin Creek Wilderness dispersed camping are not recommended for Class A RVs. If your motorhome is over 35 feet, you can only use certain roads within Zion National Park. • Class B Motorhomes: Class B motorhomes can go most places within the region. This includes the Kanarra Falls trailhead, nearby BLM dispersed camping, and Zion National Park campgrounds. • Class C Motorhomes: Longer Class C motorhomes might not want to try dispersed camping at LaVerkin Creek due to the tight turns. However, they can visit Kanarra Falls easily, and they're short enough to drive on all public roads in Zion National Park.
Free Camping 
Bureau of Land Management free camping is available in many areas near Kanarra Falls. Dispersed camping is allowed at Three Peaks Recreation Area, where visitors can play disc golf, go mountain biking or horseback riding and fly remote-control airplanes. Another choice is Santa Clara River Reserve, which is a terrific place to go on a hike to explore the Land Hill Heritage Site. Camping is also allowed in the pull-offs along the Smithsonian Butte Backcountry Byway running from Rockville, Utah, to very close to the south entrance of Zion National Park.
RV Rentals Near Kanarra Falls Plan your next adventure
Planning your Kanarra Falls BLM trip
The Kanarra Falls area is subject to flash flooding. Therefore, you will want to obtain the latest weather information before setting off on this trail. Checking in with the ranger station before beginning your hike is a good idea. As you hike, always watch for high areas where you can escape if the water rises quickly. Changes in water color, more debris in the water and roaring water sounds can be signs that a flash flood may occur even if it is not raining at your location.
Visiting Kanarra Falls, the Spring Creek Wilderness Study Area and the surrounding region is a beautiful experience. Before leaving home, learn more about BLM camping by reading this blog.
What RV Travelers Should Know Before Arriving
The great news about Kanarra Falls is that you'll have just about everything you need within a 20-minute drive. The trailhead for this hike is right within Kanarraville, and this small town has a few shops, restaurants, and gas stations to stock up. If you need other amenities like dump station access, trash disposal, and propane, nearby Cedar City will have those available. Permits for hiking at Kanarra Falls sell out fast, so it's recommended to try to purchase them at least a month in advance online. The parking lot at the trailhead contains plenty of space for larger RVs, and it's a blend of paved and gravel areas. You'll have access to toilets, drinking water, picnic tables, and shade coverage at the trailhead.
Leave No Trace 
The Spring Creek Wilderness Study Area, Kanarra Falls' location, is a pristine experience because park rangers work very hard to maintain the area, but they need your help. When exploring, ensure that you carry out all your trash. Using the "Leave No Trace" principles is a good guide. Your trash can enter the waterway hurting fish and other wildlife that depend on this source for drinking water.
Kanarra Falls Location
From Cedar City, take Interstate 15 South to the Kanarra exit. Once in Kanarraville, head east on 100 North until the road dead ends in the Kanarra Falls parking lot.
Address: Kanarra Falls, Spring Creek Wilderness Study Area, East 100 North Road, Kanarraville Utah 84742
Ready to visit Kanarra Falls? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you'll have your RV to return to for the night where you'll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here's a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.
Plan Your Day at Kanarra Falls
• Morning: Wake up at your campsite and enjoy a cup of coffee and a hot breakfast. Pack up the essentials and drive your RV to Kanarra Falls. • Midday: Hike the trail up to the Kanarra Falls slot canyon. Follow the trail up the Hurricane Cliffs path, over the stream, up the ladder by the waterfall, and into the narrowing canyon with the second waterfall. Take some pictures and enjoy the scenic view. • Afternoon: Walk back to your RV and enjoy a meal either at the Kanarra Falls picnic area or in nearby Kanarraville. Stop by the store for some groceries and drinks. • Evening: Drive your RV back to your campgrounds, and settle in. Make a nice dinner, and eat it while watching the sunset and the stars.
Nearby Attractions
• Zion Canyon Hot Springs: Enjoy the beautiful views of Utah while relaxing in mineral hot springs and getting spa treatments. This site is 30 minutes away from Kanarra Falls. • Salt Lake City: Salt Lake City is just a four-hour drive away, so you can visit Lagoon Amusement Park, Red Butte Garden, and other exciting Salt Lake City day trips. • Sand Hollow State Park: For a change of scenery, drive 45 minutes south to see the stunning sand dunes and lakeside vistas of this state park. • Zion National Park: 10 minutes away from Kanarra Falls is a fantastic national park to visit in your RV. It offers mountain climbing, guided tours, canyoneering, history exhibits, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best time to hike Kanarra Falls? There are beautiful views all year round, and the hike is easy enough that most people can do it at any time of the year. However, stream levels can be very high in April and May due to snowmelt, so those who aren't in good physical condition might find it hard to hike across the streams at that time of year. Do I need four-wheel drive to reach Kanarra Falls? No, to reach this hiking destination, you drive along the interstate and straight, paved roads, so it's a very easy drive no matter your vehicle type. Should I camp or stay in one of Kanarraville or Cedar City's RV parks? This is entirely up to you. Camping in your RV is more affordable and offers more scenic views, while the private RV parks in nearby cities have nice amenities like Wi-Fi, game rooms, and pools. How much are hiking permits for Kanarra Falls? Permit prices vary a little depending on your age and the time of year, but they are usually between $10 and $30. When can I have a fire at my camp? Utah fire restrictions vary based on wind and precipitation conditions. Historically, June and July almost always have fire bans. If being able to have fires is important to you, you might want to visit in the winter.
Rent the Right RV for This Trip
Whether you're a seasoned camper or an RV novice, Kanarra Falls is a fantastic destination. You can visit it in any type of RV, and there are a variety of RV campgrounds nearby. This trip makes it easy to wander through untouched nature while having all the comforts of an RV and civilization nearby. If you're ready to start planning your Kanarra Falls trip, discover RV options in Cedar City, Utah now.