Waterfall Hikes Near St. George, Utah

The crown jewel of Southern Utah waterfall hikes, located just 45 minutes north of St. George near Kanarraville. Hikers wade through a narrow creek corridor of red Navajo sandstone, climbing log ladders to reach the spectacular 30-foot Kanarraville Falls. Daily permits are strictly limited and must be purchased in advance through the Kanarraville Town website. One of the most photographed waterfall destinations in Utah.

A surprisingly lush canyon oasis near the twin cities of Hildale and Colorado City on the Utah-Arizona border. Water Canyon features a seasonal stream, hanging gardens clinging to canyon walls, and a series of small cascades hidden within a narrow sandstone corridor. The moderate 4-mile out-and-back trail rewards hikers with dramatic scenery and solitude. Spring and early summer offer the best water flow.

Tucked into the Pine Valley Mountains north of St. George, this trail winds through ponderosa pine forest to a seasonal waterfall fed by snowmelt. The surrounding Pine Valley Wilderness offers a dramatic contrast to the red desert of St. George, with elevations above 10,000 feet supporting aspen groves and alpine wildflowers. Best visited from May through July when snowmelt is at its peak.

Three tiered pools fed by cascading waterfalls make the Emerald Pools trail system one of the most popular hikes in Zion National Park, just 45 minutes from St. George. The Lower Pool features a spectacular weeping wall where water streams down the cliff face. The Upper Pool sits in a dramatic amphitheater. Shuttle access required in peak season. Zion entrance fee applies.

Two of Utah's most celebrated waterfall hikes are found along Calf Creek in Grand Staircase-Escalante, about 2.5 hours from St. George. Lower Calf Creek Falls drops 126 feet into a turquoise pool surrounded by cottonwood trees and ancient Native American pictographs. The Upper Falls at 88 feet involves a shorter but steeper hike. Both are among the finest waterfall experiences in the entire American Southwest.

A unique geological wonder near Cedar City where an underground river emerges from a cliff face and plunges into a canyon near Navajo Lake. The paved accessible trail reaches the viewpoint in under a mile, making it one of the most accessible waterfall experiences in Southern Utah. The water originates from Navajo Lake and reappears as a full waterfall through a process of underground limestone drainage.

A shaded canyon trail in Zion National Park that follows a narrow, cool corridor to a series of seasonal waterfalls fed by seasonal seeps and springs. The canyon walls are so close and high that ice can persist well into spring on the shaded canyon floor, giving this trail its memorable name. The 4-mile round trip involves boulder scrambling and adds an adventurous element beyond typical park trails.

A hidden slot canyon and waterfall combination near Zion Canyon Scenic Byway that relatively few visitors discover. The slot narrows dramatically before opening to a keyhole-shaped chamber where a seasonal waterfall plunges into a shallow pool. The hike is short at approximately 1.5 miles but involves canyon scrambling. Best after winter rains or spring snowmelt when water flow is active.

Do I need a permit for Kanarraville Falls?

Yes, Kanarraville Falls (Kanarra Creek) requires a paid permit purchased through the official Kanarraville Town website at kanarraville.org. Daily visitor quotas are strictly enforced to protect the canyon ecosystem. Permits typically cost $10–15 per person and sell out weeks in advance during spring and fall peak seasons. There is no walk-up permit option — you must book online beforehand. Permits are non-transferable and require matching photo ID. Book as early as possible, especially for weekend visits between March and November.

How difficult are waterfall hikes near St. George?

Difficulty varies significantly across Southern Utah waterfall trails. Cascade Falls near Cedar City is paved and wheelchair accessible, making it the easiest option for all fitness levels. The Lower Emerald Pools trail in Zion is a gentle 2-mile round trip suitable for families and beginners. Kanarraville Falls is moderate, involving wading through water up to knee depth and climbing log ladders — appropriate for ages 8 and up. Upper Calf Creek Falls and Ice Box Canyon involve boulder scrambling and are best for experienced hikers. Always wear appropriate footwear with good grip and bring trekking poles for scrambling sections.

What is the best season to see waterfalls near St. George?

Spring from March through May is the peak season for waterfalls in Southern Utah, when snowmelt from high elevations feeds streams and dramatically boosts water flow at all waterfall destinations. Kanarraville Falls and Calf Creek Falls are particularly spectacular during this period. Early summer in June can also be excellent before summer heat reduces flow. Fall rains in September and October can temporarily restore flow to seasonal waterfalls. Summer monsoon season from July through September can create temporary waterfalls anywhere in the region but also increases flash flood risk. Winter waterfalls can be magical but may involve ice and road closures at higher elevations.

Are waterfall hikes near St. George family-friendly?

Several waterfall hikes near St. George are excellent for families. Cascade Falls near Cedar City has an accessible paved trail that young children and strollers can manage. Lower Calf Creek Falls is a 5.5-mile moderate trail with a stunning payoff at a 126-foot waterfall and swimming pool — suitable for children over 6 who can handle the distance. Kanarraville Falls is suitable for children 8 and older who are comfortable getting wet and climbing log ladders. The Lower Emerald Pools in Zion works well for younger children. Always bring extra water, sun protection, and appropriate footwear with ankle support for any waterfall hike in Southern Utah.

What gear do I need for waterfall hikes in Southern Utah?

Essential gear for Southern Utah waterfall hikes includes waterproof trail shoes or sandals with good grip, as many trails involve stream crossings or wet rock surfaces. Water shoes are recommended for Kanarraville Falls where knee-deep wading is required. A dry bag or waterproof phone case protects electronics and valuables. Sun protection including sunscreen, hat, and UV-protective clothing is critical year-round in Southern Utah. Bring at least 2 liters of water per person. Trekking poles help on scrambling sections. A light jacket or fleece is recommended for shaded canyon trails even in summer, where temperatures can be 15–20 degrees cooler than outside the canyon.

How do I stay safe from flash floods on waterfall hikes?

Flash flood safety is critical for any waterfall hike in a canyon environment in Southern Utah. Before hiking any canyon trail, always check the National Weather Service forecast for both the local area and the entire upstream watershed — storms 50 miles away can send a destructive flood wave through a canyon with no warning. Never enter a canyon if rain is forecast anywhere in the drainage area. Monitor the sky for dark clouds building to the north or west. Download the NWS app and check for flash flood watches and warnings. Know where the high points and escape routes are before you enter a canyon. At Kanarraville Falls, the Kanarraville permit system monitors conditions and may cancel permits on high-risk weather days. If you hear a roaring sound or see muddy water rising, immediately climb to high ground.

St. George, Utah sits within striking distance of some of the most rewarding waterfall hikes in the American Southwest. The region's unique geology — Colorado Plateau sandstone sculpted by millions of years of water erosion — creates a landscape where water and rock interact in spectacular ways. Kanarraville Falls, just 45 minutes north of St. George, is the crown jewel of the area's waterfall hikes. Hikers wade through a narrow Navajo sandstone creek corridor before climbing log ladders to reach a dramatic 30-foot waterfall that empties into a crystal-clear pool. The daily permit system keeps crowds manageable and protects this irreplaceable canyon ecosystem. Zion National Park, only 45 minutes northeast of St. George, offers the Emerald Pools trail system where weeping walls feed three tiered pools and waterfalls — all accessible via the park shuttle system. Ice Box Canyon within Zion leads to seasonal waterfalls through a shaded corridor so deep that ice lingers on the canyon floor well into spring.

For those willing to venture further, Lower Calf Creek Falls in Grand Staircase-Escalante is considered by many outdoor enthusiasts to be the single finest waterfall hike in Utah. The 5.5-mile round trip trail passes ancient Fremont culture petroglyphs and granaries before arriving at a 126-foot waterfall plunging into an impossibly blue-green swimming pool. Upper Calf Creek Falls requires a shorter but steeper hike to an 88-foot freefall waterfall. Cascade Falls near Cedar City offers an entirely different waterfall experience — an underground river emerging from a limestone cliff face — accessible via a short paved trail suitable for all ages and mobility levels. Water Canyon near Hildale features hanging gardens and seasonal cascades hidden within a narrow canyon corridor, while the Pine Valley Waterfall trail in the Pine Valley Mountains provides an alpine contrast to the red desert landscape surrounding St. George. Spring is the undisputed best season for waterfall hiking in Southern Utah, when snowmelt from higher elevations maximizes water flow at every destination.