Hiking Willis Creek
Bryce Area

Overview

( Rated 3.6 / 5 Ratings )

28 Todo Lists / 5 Ticks

RATING: 2A

LENGTH: 1-3 hours

MAPS: Bull Valley Gorge, UT

Sat

91 | 54

Sun

92 | 54

Mon

92 | 57

Tue

90 | 58

Wed

88 | 58

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SEASON: Spring, Summer, Fall

GEAR: Wading shoes.

WATER: Willis Creek has a small flowing stream all year. Some wading to ankle deep likely.Mild flash-flood danger, there are many places to get out if need be, and the narrow sections are short.

Sat

91 | 54

Sun

92 | 54

Mon

92 | 57

Tue

90 | 58

Wed

88 | 58

View Full Weather Details

Willis Creek is a great family hike near Bryce. No real difficulties are encountered, the hike is as long or short as you want, and there are some very beautiful sections. This is a great addition to visiting Bull Valley Gorge just down the road.

Getting There

Head south out of Cannonville toward Kodachrome basin on the Kodachrome Basin road for 2.7 miles to the Skutumpah Road.

This road Skutumpah Road is signed to Bull Valley gorge. Turn onto it and reset your odometer. ( 12S 407246mE 4154284mN / N37° 31' 51" W112° 02' 59" )
At 5.5 miles, stay left. (on road 500) ( 12S 403121mE 4149745mN / N37° 29' 22" W112° 05' 45" )
At 6.2 miles is the trailhead. This is a wide area just before crossing the shallow and small flowing Willis Creek ( 12S 402963mE 4149124mN / N37° 29' 02" W112° 05' 51" )

Route

From the trailhead, follow the marked trail down Willis Creek. The trail follows along the rim for a short distance, then drops in. 10 minutes from the car, you will encounter a short waterfall that can be downclimbed, or bypassed on either side. Below the waterfall are the most scenic sections. The canyon is narrow, but never a slot. Enjoy the yellow and black colors on the wall.

About 30 or 40 minutes from the car a side canyon comes in on the left. This makes a great turn around spot or continue down as far as you like. Return the way you came.

Optional Exit: The side canyon can be up-climbed. The first chockstone 2 minutes up the canyon is tricky, but not very exposed. The next one, 5 minutes above the first, is not as tricky, but very exposed. Climbers only. Above this second up-climb, the canyon opens dramatically and is not particularly interesting. Follow it until you come to the main road, and then hike left down the road back to your car. All in all, you are likely better off going back up Willis, but for those who prefer loop hikes, this is an option.