willis creek slot canyon

The drive up onto the bench from Cannonville can be scary. Once there it's just long enough of a walk to keep kids involved. The initial mini-slot with waterfall couldn't have been more perfect for them.

We have hiked other slot canyons in the area, like Peak-a-boo and Spooky. You must be in pretty decent shape for those and a much longer dirt drive. Willis is an easy, fairly flat walk suitable for kids, dogs and most any fitness level if you can walk.At the parking area you will see a trail head sign across the road but I would recommend just walking down a bit to where the creek crosses the road and just follow it in. You'll find a few different little paths. Just pick your spot to walk down into the creek. It quickly starts into a little slot like 5ft high but still very cool. You'll miss this part if you follow the trail sign. The main trail just drops you into the creek further downstream, which is dumb unless your super freaked out about getting your feet wet.We have been here before in July also. This time on Valentine's Day. It was much nicer to hike it now while it is cool 40-55 degrees. However, there were section of ice, from snow pack in alot of the slots. Some were complete ice sheets. Occasionally slippery at times and starting to melt thru making it a bit exciting. You go thru multiple narrow slots then into wider wash areas. When you reach an intersection, a bigger sandy wash that comes in on the left (it dead ends quickly) is Averett Canyon. Just stay to the right and follow the creek. Willis creek runs (should have water) year round. Past this intersection you wont have the tall narrow "slots". Still a very pretty gorge with steep walls but gets wider. If your short on time, tired, hot or have kids, you can turn back now because you have seen the best parts. If you want to continue a beautiful walk, continue down to the T bone junction. That is the official end of Willis creek.In the hot summer I strongly advise you hike early. The open wash areas get very hot. But you always have the creek to walk in which is nice.The slots are best as the sun is coming up, starting by like 9am is good. Mid afternoon the slots get alot of sun and just don't look as dramatic. We have been here twice. You will get your feet wet. Unavoidable in some of the slots. But it is never deep. Maybe ankle depth in some spots. Seriously just covers maybe the sole of a shoe, when you cant avoid the water.Again avoid if it has been raining, mainly due to the road. When the road is dry you can drive a 2wd car. If the road is wet it gets bad quickly and a 4wd in low with a locking diff will not get you up some of the hills. Don't ask how we know this, lol.

There's enough water in that you will get wet without waterproof shoes. The slot is icy and slick on November 25 and had to be very careful to stay dry with low cut hiking shoes. Rubber boots with spikes recommended in the winter even thought there wasn't any snow. Slots stay cold longer.

The drive on dirt-covered Skutumpah Road out to Willis Creek trailhead was easy as we headed out from Cannonville (where the ranger at the Visitor's Center said it should be okay to drive out to Willis Creek, and thought that a forecast of rain would probably miss us). The hike through the wide and winding slot was nice. Then it started drizzling, which didn't faze us as seasoned hikers (mom, dad, two teenagers). But we didn't bank on the effect of rain on Skutumpah Road. The clay-rich surface turned into a sticky, slippery mess, and our 2WD SUV with standard tires got stuck on a sloping part of the road. We started to plan for an overnight stay in the outback (did we have enough trail mix & water?!?). My daughter started wailing that searchers would find our skeletal remains by the time help came. After 2 hours, the sun peaked through and the road dried enough for us to slowly work out way back onto pavement and, eventually, civilization.

O.K. if you're like me you don't want to repel down cliffs, or risk starring in your own "127 Hours" movie just to get some slot action. Willis Creek Slot Canyon to the rescue!!! It's a decent drive on a decent road and a short walk to the series of three canyons. About a mile and half each way and worth every step. Lovely. Beautiful.

The road to Willis Creek is not very easy to navigate. They had quite a bit of rain a few days prior to us going, but I don't think I would go on this dirt road in a 2WD vehicle regardless. It has VERY steep hills, and we experienced VERY deep ruts! Thank goodness we had 4WD, but we could have used high clearance as well. After the nail biting hills, ruts and washboard road, we finally arrived at the trailhead for Willis Creek. What an awesome adventure! Beautiful slot canyon with a shallow creek running through. Wavy canyon walls and plenty of solitude! This is NOT like the Narrows of Zion National Park. It has it's own uniqueness and beauty. Go if you can, but take a 4WD with High Clearance!

On the UT 12 from Tropic ., turn on your right in front Grand Stair Case Inn at Cannonville , drive on the Main Street , Kodacrome Way , Cotton Wood Canyon Rd and on the right take a track called Skutumpah Road (BLM 500). The first mile is pretty steep, but overall this track is very easy and also it is available on 2WD (except in rainy weather). 6.5 miles from Cannonville you will arrive at Willis Creek parking ( Free)The slot is about 3 miles and a small stream of clear water (avoidable) flows in the middle ... The canyon walls are very original and relatively spaced Hiking 3 hours here and it's a very nice place. Very hot sot water needed .. Take the Skutumpah back and the top of the hill you can enjoy a panoramic view over Bryce Canyon off: