Travels With Cecelia Lynn Greenberg: July 2015

Part of the #TravelsInSouthernUtahWithCeceliaLynnGreenberg series

Hiking Southern Utah's Willis Creek Slot Canyon with Cecelia Lynn Greenberg

Cecelia Greenberg takes a break in one of the last narrows in Willis Creek Slot Canyon

Why is this an easy and convenient hike?

Perhaps you are like me; you like to explore nature but want to do so where it is usually safe? Perhaps you only have a few hours for an adventure or perhaps someone with you is physically unable to hike in challenging environments? If so, this hike may be for you. It is is fairly easy, within reason, for most people to do. The dirt roads from Canyonville are usually in good shape if it has not rained and you may also pick up free information, weather advisories, and maps at the visitor's center in Canyonville.

The previous night

It was toward the end of trip to southern Utah. The day before, we had visited Upper Antelope Slot Canyon near Page, Arizona and as a result, we were bitten by the slot canyon bug. I quickly agreed when my husband wanted to search the internet for a slot canyon not too far from us that did not require climbing and did not have lots of uneven terrain. He found this one located near Bryce Canyon and Grand Staircase.

C. Lynn Greenberg found that there was a convenient parking lot just across the road from Willis Creek Slot Canyon near Canyonville, Utah

Our hike

We got a very early start as we left our base hotel in Kanab, Utah. Following numerous comments on Trip Advisor and other areas, we made sure that we stopped at the Visitor's Center of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in Canyonville, Utah. The friendly personnel gave us a printed sheet of directions and checked the weather in Bryce Canyon area to make sure that we did not have to worry about flash floods. Leaving there, we followed their directions to a dirt road, which was in good shape since there had not been much rain. (We noticed that signs were posted in numerous places indicating that the road was impassable if it rained.)

Cecelia Greenberg takes a break to examine one of the first narrows in Willis Creek Slot Canyon

After parking in the small dirt parking lot, we crossed the street and started down the path to Willis Creek. Luckily, no one else was there so early in the morning and we had the place to ourselves. Since there had not been any rain, it was easy to find areas where we could step on stones or sand so that we did not have to splash our way through the creek. After walking for a very short time, we entered the first narrows. While it looked nothing like Upper Antelope Slot Canyon, we enjoyed it because there were far fewer people. After snapping numerous pictures, we continued on to the other narrows.

Although many sites will tell you that you may continue hiking once you exit the last of the narrows, we, like many people, decided to take the 1-mile hike back to the car. Alas, our solitude was over when we were one-half way back as we began to meet several groups of people just beginning their hike. Still, we were very glad that we went on this very easy hike. We can't wait to do more!

C. Lynn Greenberg finds that the last narrows are the best in Willis Creek Slot Canyon in Southern Utah

Questions for you

Did you visit Willis Creek Slot Canyon? What did you find interesting? Have you been to other slot canyons in Utah that are easy for most people to hike? I would love to hear from you. Please comment below if you have questions about Willis Creek Slot Canyon or if you have comments about your visit.

A few websites that I found helpful when researching this hike:

http://www.backroadswest.com/trips/2011/06/willis-canyon/ +BackroadsWest

http://www.americansouthwest.net/slot_canyons/willis_creek/canyon.html +AmericanSouthwest

http://www.blm.gov/ut/st/en/fo/grand_staircase-escalante/Recreation/visitor_centers/Cannonville_Visitor_Center.html +EscalanteVisitorCenterCanyonvilleUtah

http://www.blm.gov/ut/st/en/fo/grand_staircase-escalante/Recreation/hiking___backpacking/willis_creek.html +BureauLandManagementWillisCreek

http://www.zionnational-park.com/grand-staircase-hiking.htm +ZionNationalPark

*Remember to always know your physical limitations. Check with your doctor if you have concerns prior to hiking.

Travels With Cecelia Lynn Greenberg

Thursday, July 16, 2015

Travels With Cecelia Lynn Greenberg: Easy Slot Canyon Hiking in Southern Utah

Easy Slot Canyon Hiking in Southern Utah with Cecelia Lynn Greenberg