A shallow stream winds through the narrow sandstone walls of Willis Creek Slot Canyon under a vivid blue sky.
Points of Interest

Willis Creek Slot Canyon trailhead

An easy, family-friendly slot canyon walk outside Kanab

(402)
Kanab, UT

About

Willis Creek is the slot canyon locals send you to when you want the narrows experience without the Buckskin Gulch crowds. The trailhead sits on Skutumpah Road in the Grand Staircase-Escalante area outside Kanab, and the hike itself is a gentle, mostly flat walk through a shallow creek bed that narrows into sculpted sandstone walls — easy enough for kids and dogs, no technical scrambling required. Reviewers consistently call it a hidden gem, and at a 4.7 rating from 391 reviews it's one of the better-loved stops in the Kanab area.

Getting there

  • Access is via Skutumpah Road / BLM 500, a dirt road that's manageable at a slow, careful pace — expect a dusty vehicle by the end.
  • Skip the Adam's Wash routing some GPS apps suggest; reviewers flag it as rough and slow going even in high-clearance 4WD. Stick to Skutumpah Road / BLM 500 for the smoother, faster approach.
  • Bring water shoes or sandals you don't mind getting wet — you'll be walking in and out of the creek most of the way.

The trailhead itself is open access, no fees or permits needed for a day hike. It's a solid half-day add-on for anyone based in Kanab and working the Grand Canyon North Rim / Vermilion Cliffs loop, or just looking for a quieter slot canyon than the well-known names nearby.

Reviews (402)

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4.7

402 reviews

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Curtiss Short
Curtiss Short

4 months ago

Today was our 1st time doing this trail. It was really COOL! Did about 5 miles, our dog saw horses for the first time, and we met nice people as well. The scenery was unbelievably beautiful. The road in wasn't bad. Take water, snacks etc. It was so peaceful. Thank you God for such a beautiful place.

Karen Feltes
Karen Feltes

5 months ago

If you want an amazing slot canyon experience without the big crowds this is your place to head to. It is over 7 miles down a dirt road but go slow and you will make it although your car will be dusty at the end. Take tennis or water shoes to walk through the creek water and make sure you take lots of action photos and enjoy the coolness of being in the creek bed...hang out a while and listen to the sounds of nature.

kim walker
kim walker

a month ago

Fun little hike, I definitely agree with others that only 1.5 miles in is needed for the best views. It’s hot but nice to have a little water flow to refresh yourself

B.O.G.
B.O.G.

6 months ago

Awesome hike off the beaten path to see epic slot canyons! It was an easy hike and you can turn around at any point. I recommend going in about 1.25 mi and turning around to see some of the best slots. The road to the trailhead is a bit sketchy but just take it slow and you’ll be fine!

LeRoy Kinder
LeRoy Kinder

3 months ago

Willis Creek is a must do family friendly hike. Truly breath taking canyon walls and an easy all ages hike.

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