St. George to Kanarraville: Utah's Hidden Highway

The 30-mile journey from St. George to Kanarraville along I-15 and UT-17 packs a surprising punch. You'll pass through a narrow volcanic gorge just north of St. George—the Black Ridge—where the road cuts through a 1.5-mile basalt wall formed by ancient lava flows. This unusual geological feature is often missed by travelers rushing to Zion. It's a rare moment where the highway becomes an attraction itself.

For those wondering how long to drive St. George, UT to Kanarraville, UT: without stops, it's about 30 minutes. But with the best stops St. George, UT to Kanarraville, UT has to offer, plan for a half-day. Is it worth driving St. George, UT to Kanarraville, UT? Absolutely—especially if you crave uncrowded trails and a taste of rural Utah.

Use our how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities guide to uncover local secrets along this route.

From St. George, take I-15 north for 20 miles to exit 36 (UT-17). Turn left onto UT-17 and follow it 10 miles into Kanarraville. The road is well-maintained asphalt with a speed limit of 65 mph on I-15 and 55 mph on UT-17. Traffic is light except during Zion-bound rush hours (8–10 am and 4–6 pm).

• Fuel: Last gas station before Kanarraville is in New Harmony (UT-17). Fill up in St. George to avoid premium prices.
• Restrooms: Rest area at mile 27 on I-15 northbound; also at Zion Canyon Pizzeria in New Harmony.
• Towing: No cell service in the gorge; roadside assistance limited. Carry a spare tire.

Roadside dining is sparse. Kanarraville has no restaurants; bring snacks from St. George. The only sit-down option is the New Harmony Mercantile (sandwiches and pie). For a full meal, stop at the Bear Paw Cafe in St. George before you leave.

Parking in Kanarraville is free at the town lot (limited to 20 cars). The Kanarra Creek trailhead requires a $5 self-pay permit (cash only). No RV parking is available at the trailhead, but RVs can park along Main Street.

The I-15 section is straight and well-lit, but UT-17 has sharp curves and deer crossings (especially at dusk). Drive with headlights on even during the day in the gorge. No streetlights exist between New Harmony and Kanarraville. Kids will enjoy the gorge—look for bighorn sheep on the cliffs. A safe family stop is the New Harmony Park (playground and picnic tables, no restrooms).

• Pet-friendly framework: Most trailheads allow leashed dogs. Kanarra Creek requires dogs to be leashed and cleaned up after. The gorge has no water, so bring extra for pets.
• Fatigue management: Only one proper rest zone: the I-15 rest area (mile 27). Pullouts on UT-17 are narrow. Best to stop at the Mercantile for a coffee and pie.

Hidden off-route spots: 2 miles east of UT-17 on Kolob Terrace Road (dirt) leads to a secluded overlook of the Kolob Canyons section of Zion National Park. Another gem: the ruins of an old Paiute sweat lodge near the Kanarra Creek trailhead (visible but not marked).

Climate conditions: Summer temperatures exceed 100°F; hike Kanarra Creek early. Winter can bring ice on UT-17, especially near the gorge. Spring and fall are ideal with mild temps and fewer bugs. Rain can cause flash floods in Kanarra Creek—check weather before hiking. Route aesthetics peak in late October when cottonwoods turn gold along the creek.

The drive begins among St. George's red sandstone cliffs, then enters the Black Ridge volcanic gorge. The basalt columns are 15–20 million years old, dark and jagged against the desert sky. After the gorge, the landscape opens into wide juniper-dotted plains, with Pine Valley Mountains to the east. Approaching Kanarraville, red and white Navajo sandstone reappears, signaling the entrance to Kanarra Creek Canyon.

• Kanarra Creek Falls: A 4-mile round-trip hike through narrow slot canyons with two photogenic waterfalls. Permits required.
• New Harmony: A tiny settlement with a historic mercantile (built 1862) selling local honey and jams.

Local commerce is minimal but authentic. The New Harmony Mercantile also sells handcrafted candles and pottery. Kanarraville has a single gift shop (open Saturdays). For a richer shopping experience, St. George offers art galleries and outdoor gear stores.

Both towns lack chain stores—this is true rural Utah. If you need camping gear, stop at Dick's Sporting Goods in St. George before heading north. Cash is king at small roadside stands selling Navajo fry bread and roasted corn.