A dog friendly hike near Cannonville, Utah
Updated for 2020
Willis Creek trail is an easy hike and a great way to escape the Utah summer heat. As the name implies the trail follows the creek, your feet will get wet but it is generally only an inch or two deep. Upon entering the canyon, the walls quickly narrow and become taller to form a slot.
Getting to Wills Creek
Head south on Kodachrome Road from Cannonville. Eventually the road will become Cottonwood Canyon Rd. Before reaching Kodachrome Basin State Park turn right onto Skutumpah Rd. (BLM 500). Stay on this road for 5.8 miles. It is a dirt road and conditions can vary. The trailhead will be on your right.
Original post map.
Update 2021 – Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument was restored to its original 1996 boundaries and protections restored. More information can be found at Grand Canyon Trust.
What to expect
As the creek threads its way through the slot and you will get your feet wet as you are forced to cross through it multiple times. A small waterfall feeds the creek at the start of the slot where the walls are not high.
K’Ehleyr in the soft glow reflecting off the slot canyon walls. Varel in a deeper section of the creek
As you travel farther into the slot the wall will get taller until they tower 100 feet over you. The slot will end after 1.3 miles and the trail continues for another 1.1 to Sheep Creek. At this point we turned around since the day was hot and the hike to Sheep Creek is more exposed.
Other dog friendly places to explore in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument are Calf Creek Falls, Devil’s Garden, The Toadstools and Pahreah.
The area is managed by the BLM where up to date information can be found. As with all slot canyons, it is best to check the weather conditions before entering.
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