Kanarra Creek
8 images 2 contributors
Laurent Martres
About this spot
The hike through the Kanarra Creek Narrows is a fun, easy, and highly rewarding way to experience the typical feeling of a slot canyon with tall red walls, lots of shallow water crossings, nice waterfalls, and lovely reflected light. It can be challenging for some people, however, as they will find two difficult passages with slippery ladders. Allow 2 to 2-½ hours out and back to the Lower Falls and 3-½ to 4-½ hours for the almost 5-mile Upper Falls round-trip, with plenty of time for photography.
The hike follows the gated dirt road for about a mile from the car park, before joining the creek. From here on, you walk alternatively on the banks and in the stream bed, crossing the creek multiple times before encountering the narrows after about 0.75 miles. After a short section of narrows you'll come to the first of the Lower Falls (actually a rock jam) which presents the first obstacle, at mile 2.3. A ladder is conveniently wedged on the right side of the falls, with steps for you to climb on and a rope to hang on to. Although there is no guarantee that this ladder will still be there by the time you read this, chances are there will be something in place to help you negotiate the 15-foot drop. This hike is extremely popular with the locals, especially on weekends and in summer, so you may have to wait in line to climb the ladder. In any case, it's bound to be wet and slippery, so watch your step when climbing up and back down. After passing this obstacle, you'll find the second of the Lower Falls almost immediately,consisting of a lovely cascade. Most people turn around here. By scrambling up on the right side you can reach the next level without too much difficulty and continue to the Upper Falls (37.544016°, -113.140046°). In a rainy year, this section may require you to walk in thigh-high, possibly very cold water.
The hike follows the gated dirt road for about a mile from the car park, before joining the creek. From here on, you walk alternatively on the banks and in the stream bed, crossing the creek multiple times before encountering the narrows after about 0.75 miles. After a short section of narrows you'll come to the first of the Lower Falls (actually a rock jam) which presents the first obstacle, at mile 2.3. A ladder is conveniently wedged on the right side of the falls, with steps for you to climb on and a rope to hang on to. Although there is no guarantee that this ladder will still be there by the time you read this, chances are there will be something in place to help you negotiate the 15-foot drop. This hike is extremely popular with the locals, especially on weekends and in summer, so you may have to wait in line to climb the ladder. In any case, it's bound to be wet and slippery, so watch your step when climbing up and back down. After passing this obstacle, you'll find the second of the Lower Falls almost immediately,consisting of a lovely cascade. Most people turn around here. By scrambling up on the right side you can reach the next level without too much difficulty and continue to the Upper Falls (37.544016°, -113.140046°). In a rainy year, this section may require you to walk in thigh-high, possibly very cold water.
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