Kanarraville to Orderville Road Trip: Zion's Hidden Corridor

The 21-mile stretch from Kanarraville to Orderville, Utah, follows UT-14 east then US-89 south, a route that once served as a Native American trade corridor between the Colorado Plateau and the Great Basin. This short drive—under 30 minutes without stops—connects two small towns that are gateways to some of the most dramatic red-rock landscapes on Earth. But to treat it as merely a transit corridor would be to miss the point entirely: the real journey lies in the canyons, cliffs, and quiet corners that flank the asphalt.

Kanarraville sits at the mouth of Kanarra Canyon, famous for its slot canyons and seasonal waterfalls. Orderville, named after the communal Latter-day Saint settlement of the 1870s, anchors the eastern approach to Zion National Park. Between them, the road climbs through juniper-studded hills, past the Kolob Canyons overlook, and into the high desert of the Virgin River watershed. This route is the quiet back door to Zion, often overlooked by tourists rushing to the main canyon.

For those wondering is it worth driving Kanarraville, UT to Orderville, UT, the answer is a resounding yes—not because of the drive itself, but because of the experiences that bookend it and the secrets in between. The how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities approach is essential here, as the most rewarding spots are often unmarked and require a short walk.

The best stops Kanarraville, UT to Orderville, UT include the Kanarraville Falls hike, the Kolob Canyons Visitor Center, and the fossilized sand dunes near the Orderville junction. For family and child suitability, this route is a moderate choice—several stops are accessible but require sturdy footwear. Pet-friendly options are limited due to National Park regulations, but the Kanarraville Falls trail permits dogs on a leash.

The landscape transitions quickly from the sagebrush flats of Kanarraville to the towering Navajo Sandstone cliffs of the Kolob Canyons. The Kanarra Creek cuts through a narrow slot canyon, creating the famous Kanarraville Falls, a series of three waterfalls accessible via a 3-mile round-trip hike. The trail requires walking through ankle-deep water in places and climbing two ladders. Permits are required (available at the Kanarraville town office). This is one of the best stops Kanarraville, UT to Orderville, UT for adventurous families.

At the Kolob Canyons Visitor Center (open year-round), you can pick up maps and learn about the geology of the red-rock layers. From the visitor center, the Kolob Canyons Scenic Drive (closed in winter) winds 5 miles to an overlook of the canyons—a short detour that adds 10 minutes. The cliffs here are particularly photogenic in the late afternoon light.

• Kanarraville Falls: Kid-friendly with a permit; hike time 2 hours.
• Kolob Canyons Overlook: 30-minute round trip from the visitor center.
• Orderville Historical Marker: At the town entrance, explains the communal history.
• Local commerce: In Kanarraville, try the Peace Tree Café (coffee, pastries). In Orderville, the Orderville Mercantile sells handmade goods and local honey.

Climatic Conditions & Route Aesthetics: The route ranges from 5,000 ft in Kanarraville to 6,000 ft at the UT-14 summit. Summers are hot (90s F) but dry; winters can be cold (20s at night) with occasional snow. Spring and fall offer the most comfortable temperatures (60s–70s) and vibrant colors—wildflowers in May, golden cottonwoods in October. Early morning drives provide the best lighting for photography, with low sun illuminating the canyon walls.

Culinary Infrastructure: Dining options are limited. In Kanarraville, the only restaurant is the Kanarra Cafe (burgers, fries, shakes) open for lunch and dinner. In Orderville, options include El Rey (Mexican) and Golden Corral (buffet). For groceries, the Orderville Market is well-stocked. Pack a picnic—the Kolob Canyons picnic area is a great spot with tables under juniper trees.

Infrastructure Safety & Road Quality: Both UT-14 and US-89 are well-maintained. UT-14 has narrow shoulders in some sections; watch for cyclists and wildlife (deer, especially at dawn/dusk). US-89 has wide shoulders and clear signage. In winter, carry chains or snow tires for the Kolob Canyons stretch. The route is generally safe, but the most hazardous spot is the sharp curve at the Kolob Canyons entrance where UT-14 meets the park road.

Family and Child Suitability: This is a good road trip for older children (6+). The Kanarraville Falls hike is doable for active kids but requires sturdy water shoes. Younger children can enjoy the Kolob Canyons Visitor Center's interactive exhibits and the short paved path to an overlook. The drive itself is short, reducing boredom. Bring snacks and water, as there are few places to buy supplies between towns.

• Recommended family activity: Kanarraville Falls (permit required).
• Alternative for young kids: Kolob Canyons short walk (0.5 mi, paved).
• Restrooms: Kanarraville City Park, Kolob Canyons Visitor Center, Orderville Town Park.

Pet-Friendly Framework: Dogs are allowed on the Kanarraville Falls trail if kept on a leash. In Kolob Canyons (Zion National Park), pets are not allowed on any trails, but they are permitted in the visitor center parking lot and on the scenic drive as long as they stay in the vehicle. In Orderville, pets are welcome in the town park. Carry water and waste bags.

Hidden Off-Route Spots: The real gems are the unmarked pullouts along UT-14. At mile marker 4 (just after the Kolob exit), a dirt road leads 0.5 miles to a hidden petrified sandstone outcrop with fossilized ripples. Another: the Virgin River crossing near Orderville at the old bridge (turn east on 100 S) offers a quiet fishing spot. For those willing to walk a bit, the Red Hollow Trail near Orderville (on the way to Zion's east entrance) is a short slot canyon with no permit required.

Fatigue Management & Rest Zones: Given the short distance, fatigue is rarely an issue. However, for those coming from longer drives (e.g., from Salt Lake City), use the Kolob Canyons Visitor Center as a break point—it has shaded picnic tables, restrooms, and a short walking loop. If driving US-89 at night, be aware of limited lighting and occasional wildlife. The drive is best done as a morning or late-afternoon circuit.

The journey from Kanarraville to Orderville is short and simple, but preparation matters. The primary route is UT-14 east from Kanarraville for about 3 miles to the junction with Kolob Canyons Road (exit for Zion National Park's Kolob Canyons section). Then continue on UT-14 east for another 12 miles until it dead-ends at US-89. Turn south on US-89 for 6 miles to reach Orderville. Total distance is 21 miles, and without stops, the drive lasts 25–30 minutes. However, with scenic pullouts and short hikes, plan for 3–4 hours.

Fuel and Route Economics: Fuel is available in Kanarraville (one station) and Orderville (two stations). Prices tend to be about $0.10–$0.20 higher than in Cedar City, so filling up before starting is wise. Between the two towns, there are no gas stations. For electric vehicles, there are no public charging stations along the route; the nearest Level 2 chargers are in Cedar City or Springdale.

• Kanarraville: Chevron at 95 W Main St (gas/diesel). Open 6am–10pm.
• Orderville: Pioneer Express at 604 N State St (gas/diesel, snacks). Open 6am–11pm.
• No rest areas between towns; use Kanarraville City Park or Orderville Town Park for breaks.
• Cell service: Strong on US-89 and near Kanarraville; spotty in the Kolob Canyons area.

Road Quality: UT-14 is a well-paved two-lane highway with moderate curves. It is plowed in winter but can be icy—especially near the summit (about 6,000 ft elevation). US-89 is a wider highway with a 65 mph speed limit. Both roads are safe for all vehicles, but RVs should be cautious on the steeper sections of UT-14.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites: While the route itself is not a UNESCO site, it runs along the southern boundary of the Kolob Canyons, which is part of Zion National Park—a World Heritage Site as part of the Grand Canyon National Park designation. The entire region is within the Grand Canyon–Zion–Bryce corridor recognized for its geological significance.