Zion Canyoneering Permit — Keyhole Canyon
Zion National Park · Utah
Technical canyoneering permit for Keyhole Canyon in Zion National Park.
Get an alert when Keyhole Canyon opens on your dates.
70% of the openings our scanner caught on Keyhole Canyon were gone within 10 minutes.
Keyhole Canyon reservation dates
- route distance, point to point
- 1mi
- elevation gain
- 50ft
- max group size
- 12people
Keyhole Canyon elevation profile
Keyhole Trailhead Pullout to Exit Wash450 ft of descent · 0.9% average grade
Keyhole Trailhead Pullout
Small pullout on east side. Limited parking.
- Mile
- 0
- Elevation
- 5,500 ft
Keyhole Canyon landmarks
How to get a Keyhole Canyon permit
As of September 2026, Keyhole Canyon in Zion National Park, Utah requires a permit issued via reservation. Keyhole Canyon rates 6/10 on PermitSnag's demand index. Cancelled Keyhole Canyon permits are re-released on the booking system, and PermitSnag alerts you the moment one opens. The Keyhole Canyon route covers 1 miles with 50 feet of elevation gain, rated easy.
- Type
- Canyoneering
- Location
- UT
Step 1: Create a Recreation.gov account
Sign up at Recreation.gov if you don't have an account. Have your payment info ready.
Step 2: Know the release schedule
Permits release on a rolling basis. Check the release time for your dates.
Step 3: Be ready when permits drop
Log in a few minutes early. Have your dates, group size, and payment ready to go.
Step 4: Monitor for cancellations
If your dates are sold out, people cancel all the time. Set up PermitSnag alerts to catch openings instantly.
More on Keyhole Canyon: Live availability activityWhen Keyhole Canyon permits open up
The Keyhole Canyon hike
- Distance
- 1 miles
- Elevation Gain
- 50 ft
- Route Type
- Point to Point
- Duration
- 2-3 hours
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Elevation Range
- 5,100 - 5,500 ft
Drop into Zion's most accessible technical canyon, where three short rappels introduce the sport in a red-rock setting.
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 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.
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 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.
Keyhole Canyon hike 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
How hard the Keyhole Canyon hike is
- Physical DemandFitness and endurance required2/5
- Technical SkillClimbing, scrambling, or specialized skills2/5
- Exposure RiskSteep dropoffs and fall potential2/5
- NavigationRoute finding and trail clarity1/5
- CommitmentDifficulty of bailing out mid-route2/5
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.
When to hike Keyhole Canyon
Best time to visit
Year-round when dry. Summer is warmest for the pools. Spring and fall are ideal. Winter is possible but cold.
Weather Forecast
Trailhead (5,100 ft)
Today
76°
55°
57%
Wed
85°
56°
Thu
82°
63°
Fri
85°
67°
Sat
87°
70°
Sun
88°
70°
Mon
84°
68°
Keyhole Canyon photography 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
Keyhole Canyon rules, gear and safety
Gear checklist
Required- 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
Rules & regulations
- 01Wilderness permit required
- 02Group 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
- 03Commercial guiding prohibited
- 04Day use only
- 05Stay on designated route
Hazards & considerations
- Flash floods (check weather obsessively)
- Cold water even in summer
- Slippery rocks in pools
- Limited parking (arrive early)
- Sun exposure on approach
Safety & planning
Emergency Info
Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Keyhole Canyon.
Food Storage
Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit.
Gear Checklist: Required and recommended gear for Keyhole Canyon · Shuttle Services: Trailhead transportation options · Guide Services: Experienced wilderness guides
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Keyhole Canyon FAQ
How do I get a Keyhole Canyon permit?
PermitSnag alerts you the moment a Keyhole Canyon cancellation opens, so you can book it before anyone else. Keyhole Canyon permits use a reservation system.
When is the best time to visit Keyhole Canyon?
Season dates are on the agency's page. Weekdays 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.
Keyhole Canyon trail conditions and trip reports
Trail Conditions(1)
Questions
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Trip Reports
Write ReportAlternatives to a Keyhole Canyon permit
- Similar ExperiencePermit required
Pine Creek Canyon
Next step up with 5 rappels up to 80 feet. Natural progression after Keyhole.
Tradeoffs
More committing, longer day. Good second Zion canyon.
- Similar ExperiencePermit required
Orderville Canyon
Technical canyon with water, exiting into The Narrows.
Tradeoffs
Full day. More technical. Better training for advanced canyons.
Where to stay near Keyhole Canyon
- South Campground (Ut)Zion National Park
- Watchman CampgroundZion National Park
- Lava Point CampgroundZion National Park
- All Utah campgrounds
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