Kanarra Falls Canyon hike requires permit fee starting May 1
By Maria Twitchell
In recent years, the scenic Kanarra Falls Canyon hike located in southwest Utah has gained notoriety as a favorite destination for adventure seekers. However, yearly increases in visitation have raised concerns for residents of Kanarraville. Beginning May 1, anyone wishing to hike Kanarra Falls Canyon must pay a hiking permit fee.
“Water quality for our culinary and irrigation water from the spring and creek is of major concern due to the amount of human waste and debris left along the trail,” said Kanarraville town clerk David Ence. Recent surveys indicate visitation to be over 40,000 hikers per year, mostly on holidays and weekends during the summer months.
“We have been compelled to look for some solutions that balance the hikers wishes and the wishes of town residents,” said Kanarraville Mayor Randy Carter. “In an effort to keep everyone as happy as possible, we have hopefully created some solutions to fix the issues involved.”
Last spring, Kanarraville turned to Iron County for assistance.
“In addition to Kanarraville’s water concerns, the large numbers of people were impacting the fragile slot canyon ecosystem and because of its remoteness, Iron County Search and Rescue has been called out on several instances,” said Iron County Natural Resources Manager Mike Worthen. “However, like Kanarraville, Iron County didn’t have jurisdiction to regulate the number of hikers going into the canyon. The land in which the actual slot canyon and waterfalls are located is managed by the Utah School and Institutional Trust Lands Administration.”
In an effort to ease visitor pressure and preserve the quality of the hiking experience, the town of Kanarraville, along with the Iron County government and the Utah School and Institutional Trust Lands Administration, or SITLA, recently entered into a land management agreement, part of which is to transition the general public to a fee-based permit system to regulate the number of people hiking in Kanarra Falls Canyon.
Currently, there are no limits on the number of hiking permits available. However, daily limits may be considered in the future. Permits can be purchased for $8 per person online at kanarrafalls.com. There is a nominal transaction fee, and the permit includes parking at both the town and Sweet Spot parking lots. Hiking permits can also be purchased at the Kanarra Falls Canyon trail head, but the transaction will be by credit or debit card only. No cash transactions will be allowed, and there are no refunds.
There is one group permit available per day for nonprofits that allows up to 30 people in the group. The cost is $25 per group. Advance reservation through kanarrafalls.com and proof of nonprofit status, such as an IRS tax designation letter or state tax exempt certificate, will be required. The group permit is not available to commercial tours and outfitters. Commercial operations must purchase the $8 permit for each guest.
“We hope that hikers will be patient with us as we roll out this new system”, said Carter. “We know there will be glitches and obstacles that will need to be worked on. We all want to do the right thing for as many people as possible. That takes work from all of us.”
The permit system will also allow officials opportunity to better educate hikers about the slot canyon experience and understand the level of difficulty and caution this trail requires.
“The hike is mainly through water, so you will get wet and climbing the two waterfalls does require sure-footedness,” said Iron County Sheriff Mark Gower. “You hike at your own risk, and cell service is limited, so if you are in need of rescue, it can take a while before it gets there.”
Kanarra Falls Canyon is a slot canyon, and there is a real danger from flash flooding, so it’s highly recommended to check weather conditions prior to a trip with the National Weather Service at (801) 524-3057. No pets are allowed along the hike to protect the watershed from contaminants.
With the land agreement, a Kanarraville Falls committee has been formed to assist Kanarraville with management of the hiking area. The committee has already acquired a vault restroom to be installed along the trail. Plus, they have installed signage to educate hikers and have assembled a group of volunteers to monitor the trail and remove garbage. Proceeds from the permit fees will be used to offset mitigating costs from the trail use and to maintain and improve town infrastructure, including a planned restroom facility at the town trailhead parking lot. Royalties paid to SITLA under the land management agreement will be put into the trust fund benefiting Utah schools.
Kanarraville is located approximately 10 miles south of Cedar City along Old Highway 91. Approximately 375 people live in Kanarraville. The town government maintains a municipal water system, community parks, a fire department, and a cemetery.
For more information, please contact Kanarraville at (435) 867-1852 or go to kanarrafalls.com.
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