Willis Creek Slot Canyon Trail Guide

Willis Creek Slot Canyon | Hike Overview

Willis Creek Slot Canyon (a.k.a. Willis Creek Narrows) is one of the more underrated slot canyon hikes in Grand Staircase Escalante, where you can leave the crowds behind to enjoy the stunning formations in peace.

While most slot canyons in the area are known for their classic orange sandstone, Willis Creek stands apart with its beautiful black and tan striped walls. As far as slot canyons go, Willis Creek Narrows is fairly wide and the trail through it is mostly flat. There’s no scrambling, climbing, or squeezing through tight spaces required to access it: the perfect adventure for the whole family!

Perhaps the best part of the hike is that you pass through multiple slot canyons along the trail until you reach the tallest and narrowest section of the Willis Creek Narrows about 1.5 miles into the hike.

In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know to plan your Willis Creek Slot Canyon hike!

Willis Creek Slot Canyon | Trail Guide

Our experience

After totally falling in love with Grand Staircase Escalante during our first visit to the area, we’d been dying to return to hike Willis Creek Slot Canyon for quite a while.

Our original plans were thwarted when heavy snow made Skutumpah Road impassable in early March. We tried again in late March, this time with success! Inside the canyon, the ground was covered in a half-foot thick layer of ice, but nothing that couldn’t be tackled with a slow-going pace and some careful foot placement.

We loved that Willis Creek Slot Canyon was so distinct from other canyons in Grand Staircase Escalante, with it’s crazy black striped walls!

Parking and getting to the trailhead

The trailhead for Willis Creek Slot Canyon is located 9 miles down Skutumpah Road, near Kodachrome Basin State Park.

Although Skutumpah is a dirt road, it’s fairly well-maintained and we found it easily manageable with our Subaru Forester. The trailhead should be accessible by any vehicle under normal conditions. However, Skutumpah Road may become muddy and impassable (even with 4WD) following recent snow or rain. Always check for updated road conditions before setting out.

Check current road conditions | The BLM maintains a report on current road conditions that is updated fairly regularly.

First slot canyon

From the parking lot, the trail to Willis Creek Slot Canyon begins on the opposite side of the road.

The first slot canyon is located less than half a mile from the trailhead. It’s the shortest and widest, but still quite impressive. The views only get better as you continue towards Willis Creek Narrows.

At this point, you may encounter water in the canyon. As you can see above, there was still a thick layer of ice throughout the canyon when we hiked in late March, making for a rather slow-going hike!

Bypassing the drop off

The majority of the Willis Creek Slot Canyon hike is very flat and easy to navigate. However, there is one obstacle to be aware of: the wash leads up to a steep drop-off into a small slot canyon. You do NOT need to try to climb down into the canyon. Instead, keep an eye out for a bypass trail to the right that leads safely around.

It looked like some hikers had also tried to take a ledge along the canyon wall to the left, but we found the trail to the right to be safer and easier.

Willis Creek Narrows

After passing in and out of several slot canyons, you will reach the tallest and most beautiful section of Willis Creek Slot Canyon at about 1.5 miles into the hike. The massive black and tan striped canyon walls will really make you feel small!

Continuing past the narrows

Most people turn back after reaching the Willis Creek Narrows for a 3-mile roundtrip hike. While you’ve certainly seen the best of the canyon at this point, it’s possible to continue through the wash to extend your hike.

We continued through the wash for another 1.5 miles past Willis Creek Narrows. It was pretty but nothing particularly spectacular and probably not worth the extra distance unless you want the exercise.

The return hike

To finish the hike, turn back the way you came and continue back through the slot canyons to reach the trailhead.

Willis Creek Slot Canyon | FAQs

When is the best time to hike Willis Creek Slot Canyon?

• Ideal | Spring (March to May) and Fall (September to November)

The best time to hike Willis Creek Slot Canyon is during the spring and fall when temperatures are mild.

Summer heat in Grand Staircase can be scorching. Luckily, hiking in the canyon offers some shade, but parts of the trail are still exposed. If you are visiting during the summer, plan to hike early in the morning to beat the heat. 

During the winter, snow is not uncommon in the area and can make the road to the trailhead impassable. When we hiked in late March, much of the ground inside the canyon was still covered in a thick layer of snow. Be sure to wear a pair of hiking boots with good traction!

Beware of flash floods | As with all slot canyons in Utah, you should not attempt to hike Willis Creek Slot Canyon if there is any rain or snow in the forecast, as flash floods can be very dangerous.

How difficult is the Willis Creek Slot Canyon hike?

As far as slot canyons go, this is a very easy hike! The trail is nearly flat and the canyon never gets too narrow, making it easily accessible to all hikers. There are no challenging obstacles to get into the slot canyon (like many other slot canyon hikes in Utah), making for a fun and stress-free hike!

The trail follows through a wash so walking through sand is perhaps the toughest aspect of the hike.

Other Grand Staircase-Escalante Resources

Looking for other great hikes in Grand Staircase-Escalante? You may also be interested in these resources:

We want to hear from you! Questions about hiking Willis Creek Slot Canyon? What’s your favorite hike in Grand Staircase Escalante? Let us know in the comments below!