The canyon is a few miles outside Zion National Park, on BLM land, so no permit is necessary.
Photographs15 views of Kanarra Creek
MapTopoQuest topographic map of Kanarra Creek
Beyond the end of the vehicle track, faint paths run through the undergrowth at either side of the stream for half a mile or so, until the cliffs rise quite high and the creek enters the first section of watery narrows, in which the water is usually just a few inches deep. The way ahead is soon blocked by the first of two main obstructions, a 15 foot high chokestone with 2 pairs of wedged logs providing climbing aids, made into a ladder by steps tied or nailed across. The ladders look sturdy enough but may be washed away or made unstable by strong floods. There may also be a rope fixed to the canyon wall to help the climb up. This part of the canyon has deep red walls, angular strata and overhangs higher up making the passageways rather dark, as little sunlight reaches the streambed.
The gorge opens out for a while then narrows into a longer slot section containing a few boulders and pools up to 2 feet deep, and later a second large chokestone about 12 feet high, again with wedged logs and a rope, on the right side. Above here, and round a few bends, the canyon opens out once more allowing bushes and trees to grow alongside the gently flowing waters. A final narrow part with very sheer walls, up to 400 feet high, ends as the cliffs recede, and the stream winds uphill beneath gradually lessening cliffs. The walk to this point takes around 2 hours, and the whole canyon is very pretty and photogenic, just rather dark and gloomy in places.