Springdale, Utah
Continuing my Zion adventures, we wanted a short canyon to do so we could leave time to pack up for Colorado. Keyhole Canyon is a popular canyon that is often paired with Pine Creek Canyon. It is short and sweet and allows you to experience the entire Zion canyoneering experience in just a few hours. There are a few waste deep swims and a long 100 ft. swim through narrow walls that you must keep calm through. A permit is required and can be reserved online.
Ideal technical equipment is required for this canyon. During the colder seasons, be sure the party ahead of you is far ahead so you're not stuck wading in freezing water. Oh, I forgot to mention... some of the pools here smell. The longest rappel is 60 ft.
Distance to the Start of the Canyon: 0.25 mile
Elevation Gain: No number unfortunately but it was very mild.
Final Elevation: ~5,500 ft.
Directions to the Start of the Approach: Use the following coordinates in Google Maps to route your directions to the designated parking spot. Hike a little up the road until you see a hoodoo that is hard to miss. Safely cross the road and use the designated trails through the slickrock bowl to reach the top and first down-climb/optional rappel to the entrance of the canyon.
37.224623, -112.902631
Additional information and map can be found here via nps.gov.
Designated parking spot. This is actually right in front of the end of the canyon. Don't forget to post your permit!
Start of the approach. Keep to the slick rock.
Continuing on up...
First down-climb/optional rappel.
Start of the canyon.
Another down-climb.
First rappel off a log.
Continuing on...
Canyon opens up temporarily.
Second rappel.
Some waist deep wading.
Next rappel.
Another rappel... Single bolt.
Continuing on. It's beautiful here!
The dreaded 100' swim. I managed to chimney my way across.
Sun!
#16.
Last stretch back to the car.
Found a cool little tunnel on the way out.
Chris's Difficulty Scale (Approach Only) - 1/10
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