Reservation6/10
Zion Orderville Canyon permit
Technical canyoneering permit for Orderville Canyon in Zion National Park....
Zion Canyoneering Permit — Keyhole Canyon
Zion National Park · Utah
One date at a time
Technical canyoneering permit for Keyhole Canyon in Zion National Park.
70% of the openings our scanner caught on Keyhole Canyon were gone within 10 minutes.
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Keyhole Canyon Quick Facts
Permit RequiredYes
Booking MethodReservation
Demand LevelModerate6/10
Keyhole Canyon Permit Facts
- As of September 2026, Keyhole Canyon in Zion National Park, Utah requires a permit issued via reservation.
- The Keyhole Canyon route covers 1 miles with 50 feet of elevation gain, rated easy.
- Cancelled Keyhole Canyon permits are re-released on the booking system; PermitSnag monitors availability and alerts watchers when dates open.
Key Information
Permit Details
TypeCanyoneering
Booking MethodReservation
Demand Level6/10
LocationUT
What to Expect
Route Details
Distance
1 miles
Elevation Gain
50 ft
Route Type
Point to Point
Duration
2-3 hours
Difficulty
EasyElevation Range
5,100 - 5,500 ft
Highlights
- •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
Best Time to Visit
Year-round when dry. Summer is warmest for the pools. Spring and fall are ideal. Winter is possible but cold.
Hazards & Considerations
- !Flash floods (check weather obsessively)
- !Cold water even in summer
- !Slippery rocks in pools
- !Limited parking (arrive early)
- !Sun exposure on approach
Weather Forecast
Trailhead (5,100 ft)
⚠️
Backcountry Tips
- Today: Extreme heat (95°F). Carry extra water, start at dawn.
Today
☁️
95°
76°
Sun
☁️
92°
74°
25%
Mon
☀️
89°
69°
24%
Tue
☁️
88°
72°
Wed
🌧️
89°
70°
21%
Thu
☀️
88°
71°
Fri
☀️
91°
70°
View full NWS forecast →Mountain weather changes rapidly. This forecast is a guide—always be prepared for worse conditions.
How to Get This Permit
1
Create a Recreation.gov account
Sign up at Recreation.gov if you don't have an account. Have your payment info ready.
2
Know the release schedule
Permits typically release on a rolling basis. Check the specific release time for your desired dates.
3
Be ready when permits drop
Log in a few minutes early. Have your dates, group size, and payment ready to go.
4
Monitor for cancellations
If your dates are sold out, people cancel all the time. Set up PermitSnag alerts to catch openings instantly.
Difficulty Assessment
Physical Demand2/5
Fitness and endurance required
Technical Skill2/5
Climbing, scrambling, or specialized skills
Exposure Risk2/5
Steep dropoffs and fall potential
Navigation1/5
Route finding and trail clarity
Commitment2/5
Difficulty of bailing out mid-route
Best For
Beginners with basic rappelling skills. Experienced canyoneers as a warm-up.
Recommended Experience
Basic rappelling ability. One introductory canyon elsewhere or guided instruction.
Not Recommended For
Complete novices without any rope experience. Take a course first.
About This Permit
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.
The Experience
Why It Matters
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 Route
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.
The Feeling
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.
Rules & Regulations
- •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 Checklist
Required
- 50-foot rope
- Harness
- Rappel device
- Helmet
- Closed-toe footwear
Recommended
- Wetsuit or quick-dry clothing
- Canyon shoes with drainage
- Camera with waterproof case
- Knee pads for scrambling
- Snacks and water
Plan Your Trip
🎒
Gear Checklist
Required and recommended gear for Keyhole Canyon
🚐
Shuttle Services
Trailhead transportation options
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Guide Services
Experienced wilderness guides
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Key Landmarks
↑
50ft
Gain↓
450ft
Loss⛰️
5,500ft
High📏
1.0mi
Distance📐
0.9%
Avg GradeClick on a marker to view details•8 landmarks
Landmarks (8)
Keyhole Canyon FAQ
How do I get a Keyhole Canyon permit?
Keyhole Canyon permits use a reservation system. PermitSnag sends lottery open, deadline, and results reminders; you can also enable cancellation alerts if spots open later.
When is the best time to visit Keyhole Canyon?
Check with the managing agency for current season dates. Weekdays generally have better availability than weekends.
How competitive is the Keyhole Canyon permit?
This permit has a demand score of 6/10, making it moderately competitive.
What if I can't get a Keyhole Canyon permit?
Cancellations happen daily. Set up alerts with PermitSnag to get notified the moment a spot opens up. Pro and $19 single-permit alerts are checked about every minute, 24/7; free accounts are checked hourly.
👥Community
Trail Conditions(2)
Questions
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Trip Reports
Write ReportPhotography Guide
Golden Hour
The slot faces east and catches morning light beautifully. Go early for best photography.
Best Light
Morning light penetrates the slot. Midday is flat. Late afternoon creates interesting shadows.
Beat the Crowds
Popular with commercial groups. Go at first light to avoid crowds.
Classic Shots
- 📍The Keyhole formation
- 📍Canyoneer on first rappel
- 📍Light beams in narrows
- 📍Reflections in pools
- 📍Looking up from inside slot
Can't Get a Keyhole Canyon Permit?
Consider these alternatives if your preferred dates aren't available.
Pine Creek Canyon
Similar ExperienceNext step up with 5 rappels up to 80 feet. Natural progression after Keyhole.
Permit required
Tradeoffs
More committing, longer day. Good second Zion canyon.
Orderville Canyon
Similar ExperienceTechnical canyon with water, exiting into The Narrows.
Permit required
Tradeoffs
Full day. More technical. Better training for advanced canyons.
🏕️
Where to Stay
Nearby campgrounds to complete your Keyhole Canyon trip
Very HardIn Demand26 sitesCanyonlands National Park Needles District Campground
Canyonlands National Park
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Canyonlands National Park
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Arches National Park
Book campsite
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