Willis Creek Slot Canyon is located in the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument. This is an easy in-and-out hike that is about 3 miles round trip. You hike the whole way in the creek bottom which is mostly level and flows year-round. Most of the time, it is small, and you can just step over it when you need to (which will be frequently). The canyon slots up quickly and is narrow with high walls in places; widening out in others. Like all slot canyons, do not enter if rain is threatening. The trail continues all the way to Sheep Creek but a very large boulder in the middle of the path signifies that the slot section is over, and you can turn around. This is a very enjoyable hike which is not crowded.

Trailhead - take Cottonwood Canyon Road out of Cannonville, heading south toward Kodachrome Basin State Park. The road is paved until you turn off on Skutumpah Road. As you are driving south on Cottonwood Canyon Road, it is easy to spot Skutumpah as someone has installed several beautiful wind sculptures just before you get to the turnoff (see my slide #17). Turn right and head south on Skutumpah for about 6 miles to the trailhead parking which is well marked. Skutumpah is a fairly well-maintained dirt road. A car can usually make it but if it has rained, it may be impassible even with 4-wheel drive.

Note: Kodachrome Basin State Park has a very nice campground and is perfectly located for exploration of the State Park itself; of Willis Creek and Lick Wash (both on Skutumpah Road); and of Grosvenor Arch and Cottonwood Canyon Narrows (both on Cottonwood Canyon Road south of Kodachrome). The road is dirt past Kodachrome but a car can handle it unless it is wet.