Keyhole Canyon Permit: Route
Keyhole Canyon permits are booked by advance reservation in Zion National Park. The route covers 1 miles.
Drop into Zion's most accessible technical canyon, where three short rappels introduce the sport in a stunning red-rock setting.
This guide covers the Keyhole Canyon permit.
2-3 hours
Duration
1 miles
Distance
50'
Elevation Gain
easy
Difficulty
About Keyhole Canyon
Keyhole Canyon is Zion's introduction to canyoneering. Three rappels under 30 feet wind through a beautiful slot canyon with shallow pools and the distinctive Keyhole formation. This is the perfect first Zion canyon. Short enough for a half day, technical enough to be real, beautiful enough to inspire. Expect 2-3 hours from start to finish.
Keyhole Canyon serves as Zion's gateway to canyoneering. The three rappels (all under 30 feet) teach fundamental skills in a forgiving environment while delivering genuine Zion slot canyon aesthetics. It's where most Zion canyoneers start, and it remains a favorite warm-up even for experts.
The Keyhole Canyon route
- Distance
- 1 miles
- Route type
- point-to-point
- Elevation gain
- 50 ft
- High point
- 5,500 ft
- Low point
- 5,100 ft
- Trip length
- 2-3 hours
- Difficulty
- easy
Points along the route
- Keyhole Trailhead PulloutMile 0, 5,500 ft
- Canyon EntryMile 0.3, 5,450 ft
- Upper NarrowsMile 0.4, 5,400 ft
- Keyhole FormationMile 0.5, 5,350 ft
- Second RappelMile 0.6, 5,300 ft
- Lower NarrowsMile 0.7, 5,250 ft
- Third RappelMile 0.8, 5,200 ft
- Exit WashMile 1, 5,100 ft
Keyhole Canyon permit detailsandAll Zion National Park permits
The Experience
The first rappel drops you into a different world. The slot closes in, the light turns golden, and suddenly you understand what all the fuss is about. The pools are cold but shallow. The rappels are short but real. By the time you emerge 2 hours later, you'll be hooked on the sport and planning your next descent.
From the small pullout on the east side of the park, a short approach hike leads to the canyon rim. The first rappel drops 20 feet into the slot. The canyon narrows immediately, with one more short rappel before the famous Keyhole formation.
The route winds through beautiful narrows with some wading through ankle-to-knee-deep pools. A final short rappel exits into the wash below.
Total time from car to car is typically 2-3 hours, making this ideal for a half-day or a warm-up before a bigger objective.
What to Expect
3 rappels (20-25 feet each)
1 mile total distance
2-3 hours typical completion
Shallow pools (knee-deep max)
The Keyhole squeeze through sandstone
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Permit Requirements
Wilderness permit required
Group size limit of 12 people — one of the five Zion canyons NPS allows 12 in, alongside Orderville, Keyhole, Pine Creek, the Left Fork (Subway) and the Narrows top-down; every other technical canyon is 6
Commercial guiding prohibited
Day use only
Stay on designated route
Gear & Preparation
Required Gear
- •50-foot rope
- •Harness
- •Rappel device
- •Helmet
- •Closed-toe footwear
Recommended Gear
- •Wetsuit or quick-dry clothing
- •Canyon shoes with drainage
- •Camera with waterproof case
- •Knee pads for scrambling
- •Snacks and water
Hazards & Safety
Flash floods (check weather obsessively)
Cold water even in summer
Slippery rocks in pools
Limited parking (arrive early)
Sun exposure on approach
Best Time to Visit
Year-round when dry. Summer is warmest for the pools. Spring and fall are ideal. Winter is possible but cold.
100+ wilderness permits, extensive backcountry experience
This guide is based on personal experience obtaining wilderness permits and is regularly updated to reflect current policies and strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a Keyhole Canyon permit?
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Keyhole Canyon permits require advance reservations. Book online as soon as reservations open for your desired dates.
When is the best time to visit Keyhole Canyon?
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Year-round when dry. Summer is warmest for the pools. Spring and fall are ideal. Winter is possible but cold.
How long is the Keyhole Canyon route?
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The route is 1 miles, as a point-to-point. Plan on 2-3 hours.
How difficult is the Keyhole Canyon route?
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Beginners with basic rappelling skills. Experienced canyoneers as a warm-up.
What gear do I need for the Keyhole Canyon route?
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Essential gear includes: 50-foot rope, Harness, Rappel device, Helmet, Closed-toe footwear.
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