The Elusive Second Falls at Kanarra Creek

The 2nd Falls at Kanarra Creek

The elusive 2nd falls of Kanarra creek is not really that elusive. I simply call it that because it took me three times to actually reach it. In all honesty, the 1st attempt I hadn't even considered it and the 2nd attempt I ran short on time. Also, in all honesty, there are several small falls along the path, its actually more like the fourth falls. But we all know what we are talking about, the picturesque falls that comes after the classic 1st falls. The directions for getting there are fairly simple. Take Interstate 15 into Kanarraville, UT. The main road that leads through town intersects with E 100 N street. Head east on that road until it dead ends at the trailhead. There will be a parking lot there. There is a fee, but its included in the NEW fee/permit system that is REQUIRED. Visitors used to pay at the lot, now that fee is paid at the start of the trail at a small white booth or online for 9$ total. That includes the permit fee and the processing fee. To get your permits follow this link!

The hike is about 4 miles round trip and involves actually wading in water. Usually that water is ankle or calf deep but does get waist deep at 1 point just before the 2nd falls. All three times that I went on the hike I wore awesome waterproof socks. I found that this company has been pretty reliable and has worked great. However, there may be cheaper options. I also went those three times in the fall when the weather was cooler. In the summer you may be able to get away with good hiking sandals or water shoes. Plenty of water obviously is available for filtering but bring plenty for the hike if you are not filtering. When outside of the canyon the temps can be pretty warm and get chilly quickly once in the canyon so you may consider layering up. Also, as with any canyon, FLASH FLOODING is a serious concern. Always be aware of weather and do not enter the canyon if it is storming anywhere in the area. Another safety note, the ladders that climb the falls were pretty well secured but obviously that could change while you are there. Always be aware of safety conditions of ladders or structures in the canyon. I suspect they could break or fall or fail at some point. Law of entropy. Not meant to scare, but to help be aware!

As far as camera gear is concerned, I use a Canon 5DSR. Any camera will obviously work just fine, but I would recommend a wide lens to get as much of the canyon walls as you may like and a polarizing filter to work with the water reflections. In the canyon there is much less light, especially if you use a polarizer, so in my opinion you must have a tripod to minimize shake artifact from long exposures. The benefit is that you can get these really nice blurred water motion shots while keeping the canyon walls and backgrounds in focus. The following pictures show the difference between using a polarizing lens and not using one. You can see the reflections or rather glare from the water versus that glare being removed with the polarizing filter. I'm not advocating for either, that is up to your artistic eye, but simply showing the difference. Another note about camera gear in this particular setting is to mention waterproofing your camera gear and wearing a strap around your neck so that you don't drop your camera in the water. I bought this all purpose Patagonia bag for the narrows hike in Zion but something similar should be considered on any hike that is actually in the water. There are less expensive waterproof bags and less hardcore ones as well. Also Lowepro offers an awesome camera specific option that uses the same technology.

Polarizer used to reduce glare on water

No polarizer. Notice the glare on the ladder, falls, and rocks.

This hike is a very popular hike. Easy access, awesome scenery, and moderate hiking over small distance makes it a real pleasure for most people and so expect it to be very busy. I found that I was able to get all the shots that I wanted if I gave myself enough time to wait for people to walk through. On all three trips I was able to find times where nobody was there long enough to get good shots. That being said, I had to wait a while standing in cold water. I was very lucky to have warm waterproof socks that kept my feet warm long enough, so keep that in consideration. If you're going to stand in cold water in shaded canyon walls for long periods in the fall, you're going to want some clothing layers and cozy feet. I have added a link to my GPS route below and a picture of the trail. his route will take you to the second falls and no further. It's fairly accurate and the trail is straightforward.

Google Route Maps and KML Files