Willis Creek Slot Canyon, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

Willis Creek Slot Canyon – Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument

The rain this Spring and melting snow from winter made for some spectacular waterfalls in numerous Southern Utah locations this year. Here is another set of images.

Willis creek normally has minimal water flow and is frequently dry.

Feature Image Details

Discussion

This image is from April 28, 2023.

A shutter speed of 0.5 seconds burned out the sky and the top rocks in the sun. This is a blend of four different exposures to keep details in the sunlit areas.

Other Willis Creek Images

Tips

As far as slot canyons go, this barely qualifies. Most of the creek bed is wide except for the two waterfall areas not far from the trailhead.

It’s a family friendly hike, best in the Spring or Fall when temperatures are mild.

Out and back is about 3 miles. One can travel further, but any semblance of a slot canyon vanishes. Total elevation change is only 300 feet or so, depending on how far one hikes up the creek bed.

Do not go into slot canyons if it’s raining.

Waterfalls photograph best in reflected light followed by bright overcast conditions. Shade is third and direct sunlight is normally the kiss of death.

Most of these images are a combination of reflected light and shade.

Equipment

Those interested in my equipment and recommendations can find it here: Mish’s Equipment List.

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Mike “Mish” Shedlock

3 thoughts on “Willis Creek Slot Canyon, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

  1. I hate to tell you this Wish but you missed the best part. We have gone through Willis Creek three times on horse back out of Ruby’s Bryce Canyon., You might want to go back and look again. Thanks

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