Family Vacation 2015, Second Leg: Willis Creek and Pine Creek Swimming Hole (Family Hike #7)

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Seeing as how we had been up till real late the night before at Bryce, we got up Saturday morning not at the crack of dawn and headed south on Skutumpah Road into Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. The road was a bit intense in a couple spots, so we were glad Dad was there and we could pile into his Explorer.

About half hour later, the road crossed Willis Creek, and we parked at the trailhead. There were only four or five other cars there, and we only saw a few people the whole time, which was really nice - and surprising for such a beautiful and family-friendly slot canyon.

Let's DO THIS THING!


Within a couple hundred yards, the trail drops into the creek and stays there the whole hike. If we do the canyon again, though, I'd start right in the creek because there's a short slot and waterfall we missed out on.

There are three slotted sections, each longer than the last, with maybe a quarter to half a mile of desert hiking in between. The walls of the slot aren't as tall or colorful as, say, the Narrows, but it's still gorgeous, and I loved how remote it felt. It's especially nice to have running water all the way.











The next two photos and video illustrate what family hikes are all about - picking up rocks and leaves to the point that you can hardly walk because your hands and pockets are full.




Around the second slotted section was the one obstacle that you have to go around - a waterfall plunging over a little cliff. There's a trail off to one side that leads down a side gully to the bottom. We let Addison problem solve and find the route.









Did I mention the importance of finding bugs? Bryn was thrilled with the cicada shell we found.




Asa liked walking more than being carried in the backpack. What a surprise. He did really great all around, especially considering that he was starting to develop the diaper rash that would stick with him the ENTIRE VACATION.


The final slotted section was the most picturesque.





We stopped at the end of the last slot (a little less than a mile and a half from the start) and ate lunch in the shade.


Lots of sand in the drawers = need some fresh air

He sacked out on the way back.


All in all, Willis Creek is a five-star family hike: really scenic and rugged, beautiful slot with flowing water, not crowded at all.

Back at the car, we went back the way we had come, to Cannonville, then up past Bryce and Panguitch. Then we headed south on highway 89 to the east side of Zion, past some bighorn sheep, through the tunnel, and to the Pine Creek swimming hole. We forgot to bring our phones, so no pics, but it was pretty fun. Really crowded, with some smoking and drinking, so not very family friendly this time around. Addison jumped off the diving rock! It was awesome.







By the time we were finally heading to St. George, everybody was pretty beat. The kids got a bit nuts right about Virgin.




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