Willis Creek Slot Canyon

Located within Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Willis Creek is a relatively easy slot canyon hike that is an enjoyable outing both for those who are new to slot canyons and to the seasoned veterans. Although road conditions can add a degree of difficulty at times, the slot canyon is easily accessed: you simply walk down the stream bed and right into the canyon. Because of this easy access and the canyon's relatively short length, Willis Creek Slot Canyon can make for an ideal family outing. Given that the trail is the gravel stream bed, wet shoes are not out of the question, but most of the time water levels are only a few inches deep.  

The trail begins from a designated parking area (a bit of shade along the upstream banks makes for a pleasant lunch location) and follows the creek bed wash. Within minutes the wide wash becomes enveloped by growing canyon walls. Proceeding slightly farther, the walls continue to push in from the sides while simultaneously increasing in height, and before long the magnificence of the slot canyon will be on full display. After roughly 0.5 miles the first section of slot canyon will end, and in a few more minutes a small but very unique waterfall will be encountered. Shortly after the waterfall the second section of spectacular slot canyon will resume. At the approximate halfway point (1.2 miles), Averett Canyon joins from the left. The remainder of the hike is nice, but most would probably agree this is as good of a turn around point as the junction with Sheep Creek another 1 mile downstream.  

This adventure is easily linked with longer routes, including Sheep Creek and the extraordinary Bull Valley Gorge.