Willis Creek Narrows Grand Staircase-Escalante NM, Utah

April 25, 2019

Having essentially finished off my bucket list for the Escalante area, I am headed down toward Kanab.  Right on the way is a popular slot canyon on an unpaved backway; it remains only that the road be in reasonable condition following a recent rain.

The destination is but six miles
Bryce Canyon in the distance

So far, so good.  I'll have to return this way after the hike, but the alternative route down beatiful Cottonwood Canyon is available.

I am the first to arrive here this morning

Some water is flowing in the creek.  I believe, however, that I will take a chance using just my regular waterproof boots.

There's the canyon

Jumping the creek will be the order of the day

Yes, this would have been easier just by wearing water shoes in the first place

Fine textures

A long open stretch
Obstacle at the end

A trail detours around this dropoff

Fringed Puccoon
Spreading Phlox

The canyon is becoming more interesting

Sublime

I am nearly two miles down already, and that's enough for me today.

Starting back

Spotting a trail up the embankment, and recalling that I must bypass the dropoff, I head up the embankment.  Something is wrong, however; for it proves far steeper and more slippery than anything I traversed on the way in.  After wearing me out, the route promptly fizzles out at the top.

The view from the trail to nowhere

Now I am compelled to slide back down on my rear for about thirty vertical feet; this thing is that steep and treacherous.  When the dust clears, I spot three visitors a hundred yards upstream, seemingly determined to explore the little waterfall itself.

Heading for the waterfall

I shall do the same.

The best view I can get without wading

Now I can negotiate the real bypass route to the top of the falls.  Soon I hear more voices ahead.

The hikers provide some nice perspective

While taking a breather, I meet up with the youngest traveler on the trail:

He will never know

Another falls near the trailhead

§: Well, negotiating dozens of creek crossings was a challenge; yet I managed to remain dry in my regular (waterproof) boots.  Albeit a lot of fun, this is not one of the more spectacular slot canyons; so I went just halfway down to the confluence with Sheep Canyon.

• Trailhead: 2.7 miles south of Cannonville on Cottonwood Road, then 6.2 miles southwest on Skutumpah Road.
• Distance: 2.5 miles
• Elevation loss: 150'
• Hikers: none on the way in, 17 on the way out
• Rating: 7

Scenery
Difficulty
Personality
Flowers