Return to Willis Creek

In 2009 I wrote about some slot canyons that we explored in Southern Utah. We always have such a good time in this area that we returned for two weeks of fun this fall and though we saw a lot of great, new places we also took time to backpack Willis Creek in the Grand Staircase again. The hike follows Willis Creek for about three miles and through several slots that the creek has patiently carved throug the ages. Once out of the canyon we camped on the bank of Sheep Creek in the same spot we slept in 2009. The rocks Chris had stacked for our campstove were right where he left them. We burned juniper and sage and watched as the fire illuminated the canyon wall above us with a warm, orange glow. The full moon emerged and lit the other canyon wall in its bright, white light.

The next day we tried to hike to Bull Gorge, another nearby slot that we attempted to hike down several years ago, but it required ropes. I had hoped we could hike partly up Bull Gorge instead, but we walked for hours and never found it, so it must have been further away than I had guessed. Bull Gorge: 2 Jaspers: 0 But we had fun trying.

Our memorable campsite beside Sheep Creek.

Chris walks beside a huge wall at Sheep Creek.

Just one of the gorgeous slots carved by Willis Creek.