Keyhole Canyon, Zion National Park

Keyhole Canyon is a very narrow, technical and short slot canyon found near Highway 9. While the pools within the canyon tend to be cooler, making a wetsuit a nice addition to your gear bag for this trip, the two short rappels, a small amount of down climbing and swimmable pools and channels make this a classic, technical route that can be done in a short afternoon. Because of its mix of obstacles, short duration and proximity to Highway 9, Keyhole Canyon is ideal for canyoneers who may not have as much experience or those just wishing to get taste of technical canyoneering.

Canyon Specs

• Route distance – .75 miles
• Average time – 2 hours
• Canyon rating – 3B I (Canyon Rating System)
• Best time to go – because of cold water and the deep shadows cast by the canyon walls, Keyhole is best visited during the warmer summer and fall months
• Backcountry permit necessary
• Route beginning – the Keyhole Canyon trailhead is found east of the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel, just after the second, smaller tunnel next to a small wash that crosses under the road
• Route end – same as route beginning
• Number of rappels – 2