Willis Creek - Bryce Area
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Overview:
Rating: 2A I
Length: 1-3 hours
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.
Hype:
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.Trailhead:
Head south out of Cannonville toward Kodachrome basin on the Kodachrome Basin road for 4.7 miles to the Skutumpah Road. This road is signed to Bull Valley gorge. Follow this road 6.2 miles to the trailhead in a wide area just before crossing the shallow and small flowing Willis Creek. There is a junction a mile or so before Willis creek where the road splits. Stay left on road #500. (The other road is signed road #503.)Route Description:
From the trailhead, follow the marked trail down Willis Creek. This follows along the rim for a short distance, then drops in. 10 minutes from the car, you will encounter a short waterfall. This 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 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, 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.
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