Hike WIllis Creek Slot Canyon

Willis Creek Slot Canyon begins at the Willis Creek Trailhead, located in Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument. The trail is very easy to find and follow. It begins winding through junipers for several hundred feet before dropping gradually into a wash, at which point it meets up with Willis Creek. Be ready to get your feet wet, because the creek and the trail are interwoven for the rest of the hike. Almost immediately after joining up with the creek, walls of winding sandstone rise sharply up from either side of the trail, creating a great slot canyon experience. This is a fantastic hike for families, those with dogs, or anyone who wants to experience an excellent slot canyon without having to use ropes. The creek winds through alternating sections of slot canyon and washes for several miles. Most hikers enjoy Willis Creek as an out-and-back hike, walking until they feel ready to turn back (roughly two miles out, two miles back).

Getting there: Willis Creek is accessible from the Willis Creek Trailhead, located nine miles from the town of Cannonville, Utah. There is a BLM Visitor Center in Cannonville, which is a great place to stop in to get information about the current conditions of Willis Creek and surrounding areas. Drive south on Main Street until Cottonwood Road splits off to the right. This is a dirt road, and might be difficult to drive in wet conditions. Follow this for six miles until you reach a small parking lot that has a sign for Willis Creek. Park here, and have fun on the hike!

Willis Creek is dog friendly, so bring your dog if you so choose. Just remember to clean up after them so as to preserve the experience for others. Like all slot canyons, be sure to check the weather prior to hiking. If there is any chance of rain, save Willis Creek for another day. Flash floods are a possibility if rain is in the forecast, and can be deadly. Stopping in at the BLM station before hiking will give you all the information you need in this regard.