Willis Creek Slot Canyon

Dogs Leashed

Features River/Creek · Views · Waterfall

Willis Creek is a great family outing located near Bryce Canyon National Park. No real difficulties are encountered, the outing is as long or short as you want, and there are some very beautiful sections. This is a great addition to visiting Bull Valley Gorge just down the road.

Always check with the ranger to make sure there is not the possibility of a flash flood. There is a visitor center in Cannonville that has information. They can also give you directions to Willis Creek if you need them.

From the trailhead, follow the marked trail down Willis Creek. The trail is essentially just the creek bed, so your feet will get wet. Within minutes the wide wash becomes enveloped by growing canyon walls, and you'll find a small waterfall tucked into the stone near your feet. Continue on, and soon the full magnificance of the "slot canyon" will be on display.

After roughly 0.5 miles you'll exit the first of the narrows sections, and shortly after you'll encounter another waterfall, bigger than the first, that creates a minor obstacle on the route. The drop can be downclimbed or bypassed on either side. Use caution on the slick rock.

Beyond this waterfall are the most scenic sections of the trail. The canyon gets even more narrow, though it's neaver quite a true slot. It's probably around six feet wide at its narrowest. Enjoy watching the yellow and black colors of the rock, the way sunlight reflects between the walls, and staring at the sliver of sky above as you go.

After approximately 1.3 miles another canyon, Averett Canyon, joins from the left. This makes a good turn around spot if you want just the highlights of Willis Creek in a short hike. If you seek a longer adventure, you can continue another mile down Willis Creek to where it joins with Sheep Canyon, and then return the way you came.
- Additional info by Brent Uhrig, Outdoor Project