WILLIS CREEK: A SPLASH THROUGH UTAH'S PERFECT FAMILY SLOT CANYON
Where the trail is a gentle stream and the walls are sculpted art.
Photo: ShaunasAdventures
⚡ The Quick Scoop
The Verdict: The ultimate "beat the heat" hike. Easy, flat, and shady.
Difficulty: Very Easy (Flat walking in shallow water)
Distance: 2-4 miles round trip (Turn around whenever you want)
Best For: Families, toddlers, and photographers.
Imagine a hike where the trail isn't dirt or rock, but a gentle, trickling stream. Welcome to Willis Creek Slot Canyon, a hidden gem in Grand Staircase-Escalante that feels like a natural water park.
I stumbled upon this hike while suffering from serious "Hoodoo Burnout." After days of hiking in the exposed, high-altitude sun of Bryce Canyon, I was desperate for shade. When I arrived at the Willis Creek trailhead, the thermometer read 91°F. I almost turned back.
But a family walking back to their car stopped me. "It's 15 degrees cooler inside," they promised. They were right. As soon as I stepped into the canyon and the golden walls rose up to block the sun, the heat vanished. Combined with the cool water on my feet, it wasn't just a hike—it was relief.
👇 Jump to a Section
Step Into The Canyon
Since I can't bottle up the cool air for you, this is the next best thing! I filmed the entire canyon in 360° VR. Use your mouse (or finger) to drag the screen and look up at the towering golden walls.
Insta360 Tour
Interactive 360 Video - Drag screen to look around!
💰 Ad Space 2
A Stream Runs Through It
The magic of Willis Creek is the water. Unlike dry, dusty trails, here you follow the stream as it carves through layers of Dakota and Carmel sandstone. The walls rise higher and higher as you go deeper, creating wavy streaks of gold, black, and orange.
The Golden Rule: Get Wet!
You can try to hop from rock to rock to keep your feet dry, but honestly? Just give in. Splashing through the ankle-deep water is the best part of the hike. It turns a simple walk into a game.
Treasure Hunt 🌟
Keep your eyes open for the "Ship Rock"! About halfway in, there is a massive boulder sitting right in the middle of the slot that looks like a ship (or maybe a giant animal) that got stuck trying to swim upstream.
Claustrophobia Check: Is it scary?
Many people hear "slot canyon" and think of tight squeezes like Spooky Gulch where you have to suck in your stomach to pass. This is NOT that. I took a friend here who is terrified of tight spaces, and she LOVED it. The canyon is wide enough to walk comfortably side-by-side, set up a tripod, and practice your photography without ever feeling trapped. It feels open and airy, just with beautiful high walls.
Why Does It Look Like That?
As you walk, you'll notice the walls aren't just straight up and down—they undulate in smooth, sensual waves. This is the result of thousands of years of water erosion on the soft sandstone.
Unlike some canyons carved by violent flash floods, Willis Creek has a perennial flow. This constant, gentle trickling combined with occasional high water has polished the rock into smooth curves. Look closely at the walls to see streaks of "desert varnish" (black manganese oxide) contrasting with the gold and red rock.
Chasing the Glow
This is a photographer's paradise, but the light can be tricky. Here is how to get the best shot:
💡 Pro Photo Tips
- The Glow: You don't want direct sunlight hitting the bottom of the canyon (it creates harsh shadows). You want the sun high enough to hit the top of the walls, reflecting a soft, warm "glow" down into the canyon. Mid-day is actually great here!
- The Water Blur: If you have an iPhone, take a "Live Photo" of the stream and then switch the effect to "Long Exposure." It turns the splashing water into smooth, silky glass.
- Contrast: The black streaks on the yellow walls make for amazing abstract shots. Look for tight crops of just the rock texture.
Getting There & Surviving
This hike is located near Cannonville, Utah, about an hour from Bryce Canyon. Getting there is part of the adventure, and you need to be prepared.
⚠️ The Potty Warning
There are NO bathrooms at the trailhead. You absolutely must go in Cannonville before you drive down the dirt road. Pro Tip: Check that the gas station restroom is actually unlocked/open before you pump your gas!
The Road Reality
You drive about 6 miles down Skutumpah Road.
- Vehicle: I made it in my Toyota RAV4 without issues. You don't need a crazy lifted jeep, but 4WD/AWD is smart. It's mostly a nice dirt road with a few bumpy spots.
- Winter Warning: I tried to come here once in winter and had to turn back. The road becomes unsafe with snow/mud.
- Rain: If it rains, the clay turns to slick mud and becomes impassable for any vehicle.
The "Perfect Day" Itinerary
If you are staying in the area, here is the perfect loop:
- Morning: Hike a trail in Bryce Canyon.
- Lunch: Stop at the Grand Staircase Inn in Cannonville. Grab gas and a popsicle!
- Afternoon: Head to Willis Creek during the hottest part of the day (2 PM - 4 PM). The shade will save you!
- The Drive Home: If you are driving back north toward Salt Lake, stop at Meadow Hot Springs (near Fillmore) to soak your muscles and wash off the canyon dust.
Virtual Walkthrough
Want to see the trail surface? Spin around in this 360° capture to see the "wavy walls" and the easy path down into the slot.
Virtual Walk: The canyon walls getting taller and wavier.
🤔 Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need special shoes?
I highly recommend water shoes or old sneakers (like Keens or Tevas). You will be walking IN the water. Don't wear your expensive hiking boots unless you want them soaked.
Are there horses on the trail?
Yes, this is a horse-friendly trail. I didn't see any horses on my hike, but I definitely saw the "evidence" (💩) they left behind. Watch your step!
Is flash flooding a risk?
YES. Even though this is a "gentle" slot canyon, flash floods are deadly. Check the weather for Cannonville AND the upstream areas. If there are storm clouds, do not enter.
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