Willis Creek

The Grand Staircase area of Grand Staircase-Escalante NM is home to some fine trails and well-known slot canyons, including Willis Creek.

This amazing slot canyon is relatively straightforward and can be walked in a 2hr (4 mile) round trip. At first, the canyon walls are not very high, but soon change to magnificent towering slickrock walls as you trek along the narrow stoney stream-bed path. There are some waterfalls along the way.

The choice is yours to turn back or continue on to Sheep Creek, although, once the canyon widens out, although it is still scenic, the slot canyon portion of the hike is over.

Begins off the Skutumpah road, which is itself impassible in wet conditions. 

The stream runs in the canyon bottom, so you are likely to need shoes you are happy to get wet. Bring a spare pair, and preferably hike Willis Creek in the summer when the water is warmer! 

A walk in wet and sometimes impassible remote canyon with uncertain weather. Come fully prepared, and carry enough water. Flash floods in narrow canyons are a particular, deadly risk, so check the weather conditions carefully.

We want to tell more - please send us your ideas, suggestions, experiences and photos. THANK YOU!

See our Grand Staircase-Escalante page for more information including practicalities, and photos.