Willis Creek Slot Canyon with Kids

KID RATINGS

Fun: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (out of 5)
Difficulty:     Very Easy    EASY    Moderate    HARD    Very Hard   (Easy to Hard depending on how far you hike)

KEY FEATURES

Distance: 1 to 5 miles, out-and-back
Elevation Gain: Mostly flat
Terrain: Creek hiking, dirt, sand, mud, shaded
Time Needed: 1 to 4 hours depending on how far/fast you hike
When to Go: Late Spring, Summer, Early Fall   (Do not hike if there is a chance of rain due to flash flood potential)

COST

Free

AMENITIES

• No water or bathrooms at trailhead

• Closest amenities in Cannonville, 30 minutes away, including restaruants, hotels and gas stations

• Lodging and food also available in Bryce, 45 minutes away
• Camping 30 minutes away at Kodachrome Basin State Park

THINGS TO BRING

• Hiking shoes or sandals that can get wet

• Water
• Snacks/Lunch
• Vehicle that can handle driving on dirt/sandy roads (disclaimer – we drove this with a minivan and did okay, however when we do this hike again we will bring our truck. There are areas that were a little rough and a high clearance vehicle would do much better) A 4WD isn’t required, but recommended. Check recent road conditions on the All Trails reviews of Willis Creek.

DETAILS – Willis Creek Slot Canyon with Kids

Willis Creek is a great family slot canyon because it is flat, does not require additional equipment and the slot begins within a quarter mile of the trailhead. It is great for all ages and abilities. You can hike a just a short distance and have an amazing slot canyon experience or go longer if you want more.

It is an out-and-back hike, so go how far you want and then turn around. The canyon never gets less than three feet wide so it is great for those who want to experience a slot canyon but might be a little claustrophobic.

Willis Creek Slot Canyon was our first slot canyon adventure as a family. We were in absolute awe the entire hike and from then on we were hooked on slot canyons. We hiked with an 11, 10, 7 and 2 year old without any difficulty. The 2 year old hiked a good portion because he was loving walking in the water.

My socks never got wet on this hike. I easily stepped over of Willis Creek that were slightly deeper. The water I walked through never was deep enough to get into my shoes. Of course the kids were loving life splashing and walking in the water 

Slot Canyon Safety

It is very important to check weather conditions before attempting to hike any slot canyon. Do not hike into a slot canyon if there is a chance for rain. Flash flooding can happen creating a dangerous situation. Before hiking any narrow canyon we check the National Weather Service at www.weather.gov/slc/flashflood for Flash Flood Potential. We only attempt to hike if flash floods are not expected.

Willis Creek Slot Canyon TRAILHEAD

The Willis Creek Slot Canyon trailhead is located off BLM500/Skutumpah road outside the town of Cannonville. It is within Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument and is near Bryce Canyon National Park and Kodachrome Basin State Park.

BLM500/Skutumpah is a dirt road and is impassable when wet and muddy. I do recommend a high clearance/AWD or 4×4 vehicle because of steeper grades and maneuvering needed on rough terrain. We went in our mini-van and it was a questionable drive in some areas, but we did make it. Check recent road conditions on the reviews on All Trails.

The views on the drive are incredible!

The Hike

After walking only a short distance you will drop down to the creek and find yourself immersed in this stunning slot canyon. You will follow the creek bed the entire hike.

Within the first half mile you come to a small waterfall and a canyon. You can get around this by going around either direction but the right side is a bit easier to maneuver.

You can choose to turn around and any point and head back to the parking lot. Just remember to turn around before you get too tired. You have to hike the same distance back to the trailhead parking lot.

When you hit a rock wall T in the trail this is the official end of the Willis Creek hike – This is where Willis Creek meets Sheep Creek. See map under directions below.

PROS & CONS

PROS

• Free

• Beautiful slot canyon scenery

• Not a technically difficult or super narrow slot canyon

• Quick access to slot canyon from the trailhead

• Fun for all ages and abilities: Not a hard hike – can make it short or long

• Nearby other amazing adventures: Bryce Canyon National Park, Kodachrome Basin State Park, Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument

CONS

• No water or bathrooms at trailhead

• Might need 4×4 to access

DIRECTIONS

Willis Creek Slot Canyon is located in the on the west side of Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument near Bryce Canyon. From Highway 12 in Cannnonville, you turn south on Kodachrome Road/Cottonwood Canyon Road for about 3 miles. You will then take a slight right onto BLM500/Skutumpah Rd.

There are several dirt roads off BLM500/Skutumpah Rd. I recommend printing off or taking a screen shot of a map to the trailhead from Cannonville before driving. Reception is very spotty and it is easy to get off track.

After 2.8 miles you will reach a T in the road where you will continue right onto BLM500/Skutumpah Rd and follow another 3.3 miles. There will be a parking lot on the west side of the road. The trailhead is on the east side of the parking lot across the road.

MAPS

MORE INFO

All Trails

OTHER NEARBY ADVENTURES

Bull Valley Gorge Trail (5 mins)

Bryce Canyon National Park (40 mins)

Kodachrome Basin State Park (30 mins)

Grosvenor Arch (50 mins)

Red Canyon (50 mins)

Escalante Petrified Forest State Park (1 hour)