Keyhole has the deep dark slot of the bigger more well known canyons in Zion, but it has a really short approach and exit. Short rappels and lots of scrambles.
★
★
★
★
★
Solo hiked Feb 5 – Spent some serious time debating whether to start this hike from the East Rim TH just inside Zion’s east entrance or to go further east and then up North Fork County Road to Ponderosa Ranch and then northwest to the Stave Spring TH. I had heard recent stories about deep mud at the Stave Spring/East Mesa trailheads but they would cut down the trail miles on a day when I had to drive 480 miles home after the hike. And so I drove the back roads in the early morning darkness and found the mud doable until the actual last 50 feet of deeply rutted downhill mud at the trailhead. Already having seen the myriad of no parking signs posted every 10 feet on Pine Street, I drove about an eighth of a mile east on Pine until I found a dirt lot off the road with no signs or buildings and parked the rental car in shallow mud. Once on the trail, the mud disappeared after 20 minutes and the weather felt more like spring than winter. The trail meanders along the rim of Fiddle Me This Canyon with some really nice vertical overlooks before steeply descending to the bottom of Echo Canyon. Absolutely beautiful route through the canyon with well-cairned slabs/shelves and nice forest that reminded me of past Yosemite/JMT treks. Like another reviewer said, the trail itself is downright fun! After passing the junction with the closed portion of the Weeping Rock Trail, the trail switchbacks up wide shelves with one fallen tree and a washed out section to easily bypass before leveling out for the last stretch to Observation Point. The views from the point overlooking Zion Canyon are spectacular and well worth the effort. The return trip to the trailhead was actually just as much fun as the way in. When I got back to the car, there was a 5 x 7 “Unauthorized Parking” sticker strongly bonded to the driver’s side window that couldn’t be removed with rubbing alcohol and a scraper from my gear bag. I’m a considerate person when it comes to public parking so it was a surprise with nobody else around. After stopping at Walmart for a razor blade and solvent, I got the sticker off while thinking that at least the car wasn’t towed and I didn’t take a direct hit from a salt gun round! Maybe the California plates sent someone over the edge-LOL. Logged 10.0 mi /16.1 km & 2021 ft /616.0 m with Gaia
★
★
★
★
★
It was hard for me to go up because I don't usually walk.
My wife is a beginner in hiking, and seemed to be terrified of walking on a narrow ridge, but the joy when she climbed to the top of the mountain was great.
★
★
★
★
★
A recommended course if you want to enjoy hiking easily.
The ups and downs are also light. Recommended for hiking beginners.
★
★
★
(2025)パーミットは前日の日に抽選でwebから申し込みます。
後半は狭い場所で大変ですが行く価値あり。
水は2リットルは持って行った方がいい。
★
★
★
★
★
Beautiful off trail hike up into mountains and down river bed and canyon
★
★
★
★
★
This was my third time doing Orderville Canyon and it was the dryest I've ever seen it. Less water made it easier overall and allowed us to go faster, but less water also equals less fun in my opinion. We didn't see our first sign of water until 8.4 miles in, after passing the first couple major obstacles where there has always been water in the past. From the start (gate at the top of the dirt road) to the Virgin River confluence, it took us 5 hours and 45 minutes (including a 30 min. lunch) to do it work a group of 10. Inside the canyon will felt somewhat cooler than the actual daily temp so that was nice!
★
★
★
★
★
Great hike. Was a good 10 miles. Missed the dino tracks, so backtracked to see them. Amazing.
★
★
★
★
★
Easy beginner day hike with nice geology and views. Did not need microspikes in late feb 2025.
★
★
★
★
★
Although I was underprepared physically, this was still a great hike, a great trip, and a major accomplishment - especially with quadruple bone spurs, asthma, etc.
Note: bring 3-4x as much water as expected to need!
★
★
★
★
★
Hiked on 12/23. It’s a pretty long trail but not much elevation changes. The views are nice at the ends. Started from east rim and did both cable mountain and deertrap mountain. It’s a bout 24 miles total and finished in about 8 hours. Saw MANY deers, there were more deer tracks than human footprints in deertrap. Only saw a group of runners and a few others who started their hike from stave spring.
★
★
★
★
★
Second time here. Took me 6 hours to complete with some breaks and photo time, the waterfall now isn’t as impressive as summer time. Started at 8 and finish by 2, I had the whole place to myself pretty much, only 2 other groups showed up when I’m heading out. It’s very slippery in some spots and the hike out was brutal.
★
★
★
★
★
The entrance to the canyon is crazy steep with few switchbacks. Water shoes are the right gear for this hike. The flow rate was low and the temp was mild (55-75 degrees).
★
★
★
★
Mystery canyon. Breathtaking views, a little bit of slot, and one hell of an adventure.
★
★
★
★
★
My first ever backpacking trip and I was blown away how fun it really is. Good views and a great hike. Going through the washes wasn’t to hard. Great first trip and it’s got me addicted and planning more trips.
★
★
★
★
Great hike with only a few dozen people on the trail. View at the end is absolutely spectacular. Not very hard.
★
★
★
★
★
Walked Sat 6/1/2024 – A very scenic, pleasant walk after Angels Landing and mountain biking up Zion Scenic Drive. Put on light weight water shoes to wade in the river pools at the start of The Narrows which was very refreshing. Lots of people enjoying the walk on a perfect weather day. Very photogenic places along the Virgin River with unique lighting. Definitely looking forward to coming back for The Narrows hike up to Big Springs. Logged 2.85 miles / 743 vertical ft with Gaia
★
★
★
★
★
Hiked Sat 6/1/2024 – Started up Zion Canyon Scenic Drive on mountain bikes at 4:45 AM coming from Springdale-Driftwood Lodge. Was a lot of fun going up and a good warm up for the hike from the Grotto parking lot. Perfect weather and great views on the hike up to Scout Lookout from which I decided to go further up the West Rim Trail for a few more great views while waiting for the rest of the group. Once back at Scout Lookout, the ranger checking permits said that we would be the first group heading up which was hard to believe. The chain section was something that most anyone able to step up on a kitchen chair would be capable of doing with no real difficulty if not rushed along. The real challenge for some may be the height/exposure which is low class 3 but on very grippy limestone. I found the chains useful on the way down (rapping style) but hardly used them on the way up. Lots of good hand and foot holds all the way up to make things fun. Didn’t realize that the chains are not continuous before the hike which attests to the route being on reasonably safe terrain for most of the way up. Was very surprised to be on the summit by myself just after 7 AM for 15 minutes which was very unexpected. Met a lot of nice people going down the chains which does demand a little patience with the 2-way traffic. Social media makes this hike out to be more dangerous than it really is if done in good weather. If you’re not sure about going up the chains, the hike to Scout Lookout is nice in itself. Better yet, be brave and at least try the first couple of chains before turning around! You can do it! Logged 3.32 miles / 1641 vertical ft with Gaia
★
★
★
★
★
Absolutely incomparable views!! Not for the faint hearted, but indescribably, stunningly beautiful!!!
★
★
★
★
★
We had the place to ourselves. Spry is a great canyon. A not too difficult approach and a comparatively good hike out. We got there early and so parking for both cars was easy.
★
★
★
★
★
So first of all I had an absolutely great time.
I really wish the people who scored it 1 star would leave a comment as to why.
It took us about 6h40m and I guess we were rather quick, however we also had two fairly long stops for food, drink and photos. I drank around 3 litres of water and used a UV filter. You get to meet some other hikers, but quite rarely, you’re mainly going on your own.
It’s tricky, yes, mainly because it’s a wilderness trail, so you have to figure out some stuff for yourself, e.g. whether to cross the creek, which path to choose, whether you should scramble over some boulders or find a way around and so on. But this makes it stimulating and so much more exciting than going by a well marked path.
We bought used neoprene socks at that adventure place in Springdale and that was definitely the right call clothing-wise. We rarely had water above their level and it was certainly very cold, so while these long water pants-boots would have been overkill and a problem during the rest of the trail, our feet would have definitely went numb without them.
We didn’t have sticks, which made it harder at the very last portion of the trail, which is the subway itself, while probably making it easier scrambling over boulders.
The Subway itself is quite short, you get to a tunnel at the last few hundred yards of the way, then if you manage to get over a waterfall there’s an even narrower one - apparently this is not doable even with sticks as there’s no ground to be found. Can’t confirm it as we stopped about ten yards short of it as without sticks the water was getting a bit too treacherous to navigate.
The last portion- which is climbing up the steep hill you start off from I found just a tad harder than Angels landing. Quite steep and long, but I don’t get how some say them find themselves off the trail. It was quite easy to follow when we did it.
As a last warning, make sure you look where you step and put your hands. I very nearly grabbed a snake that I think might have been a viper, which after I pulled back just carried on with its day.
Enjoy it, it’s quite hard, but really enjoyable and not one you’ll easily forget.
★
★
★
★
So awesome !!! Not for the faint hearted lots of drop offs in chain section.
★
★
★
★
★
If you want to leave the crowds of the Zion Valley and see views that you only imagine from the valley floor, this is your hike. We joked that there are no “viewpoints” on this hike; everywhere you look is a view.
More shade than expected but would be a rough hike in hotter weather. The temps were in the low 80’s up high which was perfect.
★
★
★
★
★
The Upper Pools are worth the hike. Lots of rocks to step/climb over on sand. Busy Trail. Lower Pools are beautiful as well. Quiet hike from lower pools to court of patriarchs, only see some horse groups and a few hikers. Be prepared for sandy beach like terrain and lots of horse apples.
★
★
★
★
★
The hike up the narrows was incredible. It had been closed for the year due to high water and this was the first day opening. The water was still fairly high with a couple of spots about chest high. The wind further into the narrows was also really strong. Overall it was well worth it!
★
★
★
★
★
Super fun hike, the trail is amazingly well cared for. The last half mile to Angels Landing is tough!
★
★
★
★
★
The unofficial trail up patriarchs Valley to the waterfall/fern grotto was awesome and five stars. Send bench trail sucks…it totally lived up to its name.
★
★
★
★
★
Mind blowingly gorgeous hike with the added adventure of trekking through the beautiful Virgin River. Got to see American Dippers diving in the fast moving water. So cool. Highly recommend renting appropriate gear in Springdale to make this comfortable and safe. A lifetime memory for sure.
★
★
★
★
★
I’m a little afraid of heights but this was not nearly as scary as I thought. Will make anyone a better person after finishing!
★
★
★
★
★
Too beautiful to describe. A perfect quick jaunt in the Zion Wilderness!
★
★
★
★
★
The first mile is a paved walk, after is walking in the river. Magnificent walk! Morning start and renting the neoprene socks and boots are highly recommended! Walking stick is a must to help keep balance in the river.
★
★
★
★
★
This hike is epic! It’s hard, yes, but anything worth doing is hard. There were very few people along the trail. The waterfalls are beautiful. The subway was amazing. Pools everywhere, filled with ice cold water. What fun! We made it to see the waterfall at the end. Yay me!
★
★
★
★
★
A welcome opportunity to escape the crowds! Scenery was speculated. Brings more water than you think you’ll need.
★
★
★
★
★
We hiked this today and it was amazing! Perfect weather - cool and overcast. I cannot imagine doing this one in the heat of summer. The trail is paved up until the chains section, and easy to follow, though strenuous. If you've got dodgy knees like me, the way back down the switchbacks will not be your favorite.
Permits will be required after April 1st and it was obvious why. Gets backed up near the top with so many people trying to get past each other going both ways. I imagine it'll make it safer and more enjoyable without the bottlenecks of people waiting to get by. Probably goes without saying, but if you have a fear of heights you might wanna pick a different trail, though you can stop before the chains and it's still a great hike.
This was a bucket list hike for me and I am over the moon that we finally got to do this one! Carry plenty of water for this one, and expect a workout. 100% worth it!
★
★
★
★
★
This hike had amazing views and was very rewarding. But be careful and make sure you are physically capable. I would have done Angel’s Landing if I had the time. Be aware of the MANY switchbacks as well. It can be tiring. But it took me 2 hours round-trip without doing Angel’s Landing, so it’s actually somewhat quick. Fun note: I climbed over 2,120 feet and you will gain over 1,400 feet of elevation.
★
★
★
★
★
Started at 4am, got to the Lookout while it was still dark. Spent a 45 rest at the lookout for it to be light enough to do the more dangerous part. Still plenty of time to see the sun crest.
★
★
★
★
★
Hiked in the Fall (Oct). Colors were awesome. Lot of people which takes away from the beauty
★
★
★
★
This hike was breathtaking and exhilarating! As an adrenaline junkie, 10/10 I approve! Crowds can make the hike last up to 8 hours. Get there early or wait till around 2 pm to start. I started at 2 and ended around 5:30 in and out :)
★
★
★
★
★
This is the first all trails “hard” rated trail I’ve ever done that’s actually hard. Mentally and physically. Only experienced hikers should attempt this. I did it solo, which was probably stupid and dangerous. But most of the trails in zion with the best views have been altered by humans for the masses. I was ready to get away from the chos. Mission accomplished! I didn’t see one other human until the Pine Creek Canyon overlook. Not going to lie…I was relieved to see people and know I took the correct route and wasn’t going to die alone. AllTrails GPS lost me a few times so I was glad to be using Gaia gps as a backup. For perspective, this is similar to angel’s landing without the chains, man made switchbacks, and signs. You’re on your own. You’d better be fit, strong, and know wtf you’re doing before attempting. Also, I went counter clockwise, ending at the overlook. No ropes or gear needed. Only used one trekking pole on the way down. Had to slide a few feet multiple times. Totally worth it!
★
★
★
★
★
Easy hike. I’m 68 and my wife is 70. We Made it out and back in 4 hours at easy pace. Destination hike, great view at end.
★
★
★
★
★
Zion is amazing. I love that cars are not allowed in the main canyon.
★
★
★
★
★
First time in Zion National Park. Highly recommend getting there at 6am. Very few people were making there way down as we assessed. The crowds were building up as we descended. Wonderful hike with great views. Save your pictures for the top, you won’t be disappointed.
★
★
★
★
★
It was way too busy (first week of may) for my liking. There needs to be some regulation on traffic because passing people with 4 feet of ridge line next to a 1000 ft drop made the Angels Landing section not really worth it.
★
★
The first 3.5 miles each way have been burned, so it’s a bit desolate and there’s no shade. But it’s all worth it when you reach the canyon rim.
★
★
★
★
Nice trail with multiple creek crossings, never more than few feet across, minor up and down, some rock steps in place where needed. Two historical cabins along route and at 2.4 miles up, a wonderful view of double arch alcove. Notice of a recent rock fall and evidence thereof above the second homestead cabin (Fife). Warnings in place to enter at own risk. Creek was dry just up from Fife cabin.
★
★
★
★
Really good hike. The switchbacks are very tiring so be prepared and take breaks as needed. The climbing part has very good views but you will be waiting a lot, as traffic can be bad as it’s the only way in and out and some parts are one way. Go early to avoid some of the traffic.
If you like this also do precipice at Arcadia
Also you get cell reception on the summit😃😂.
★
★
★
★
★
The Subway from the bottom up is a wonderful journey any time of the year. While I wouldn't go in snow, it is definitely worth going during warm winter days as you can have the entire canyon (almost) to yourself! The "trail" is rough going as it crosses the creek, boulders and trees numerous times. In addition, you must be prepared for a long climb back up to the trailhead at the end of the day! The canyon itself is gorgeous as are the crystal clear waters of North Creek. I carried a UV Filter water bottle so that I could drink whenever I felt like it without the burden of heavy water bottles. This hike is a must do for the intrepid!
★
★
★
★
★
This was a lovely and interesting hike. I considered it easy-moderate. The Double Arch Alcove at the turn around was fantastic. This was lightly trafficked out and a bit denser back. About 40% of the other hikers did not wear masks.
★
★
★
★
Great Hike. I actually filmed coming down so you would get a chance to see it. Check out Proof Possible - Angel’s Landing Zion Hike.
★
★
★
★
★
This was a nice out and back trail. The best part is that if you have time to kill before you get on a Zion bus, this is a great hike that takes you along the River and also gets you to a cool lookout for some views.
★
★
★
★
This is the Must Do hike of Zion. Be prepared for the weather. We went on a day it was in the 70s - not in the Narrows as between the cool water (60s) and the lack of sun because of the canyon walls - it was cool. Also it is very important to look at water flow. I found this on a website that monitored the water flow of the river. This was a great experience even though I carried my 6 year old over any water that was higher than her knees. :)
★
★
★
★
★
This was a great child friendly easier hike. There was some changes in elevation but it was a great hike.
★
★
★
★
★
Interesting terrain with some very narrow sections. However sandy and rocky and a fair amount of road noise.
★
★
★
Generally easy with a couple of challenging spots and a steep sandy ascent to the saddle
★
★
★
★
Gorgeous hike along a creek, beautiful views, weather was perfect in early October. I did this toward the end of the day, and I’d recommend that, tho it would be beautiful any time.
★
★
★
★
★
We got a late start so I didn’t get to spend as much time at the Subway as I would have liked, but it was beautiful and the GPS made it really easy to find the path for the ascent at the end.
★
★
★
★
★
stars
Nice hike but not many views, good hike to add a few miles to the west rim hike. The trail is 1/2 open to sun & 1/2 shaded with trees. There are a few other trails that fork off this one which are very cool, good views.
★
★
★
stars
Short 3 1/2 mile in hike, you follow a stream the entire way which you cross about 20 times. Water is clean so you can filter. The hike is easy with a couple of light moderate sections which could be difficult for the elderly. Giant cave at the end of the trail.
★
★
★
★
Blends elements of what makes Zion and the Grand Canyon famous and going from the top down means you don’t have to hike back out. Plus you can easily add Angels Landing (which I did not do this time) to the route and turn a great hike into an epic hike.
★
★
★
★
Great views from up high. A bit crowded so go early also to avoid the heat.
★
★
★
★
★
Amazing experience but go early to beat the crowds. Also we have to walk the Scenic Drive because the shuttles were closed so it made for a long day (20 miles).
★
★
★
★
★
This is an easy hike through forests and Meadows. Perhaps a little bit boring. But generally very nice and pretty.
★
★
★
Angels landing with a jaunt further on the west rim trail. Angel’s Landing was great but crowded on our return... go early!
★
★
★
★
Great hike with amazing views. Make sure to get a very early start to avoid the crowds!
★
★
★
★
★
One of the greatest experiences of my life! Get there early! The climb up is not too difficult. The angels landing part is pretty scary but fun. Take your time, carry a small pack with a drink and snacks. No hiking poles needed, you will need your hands. If you get there early you will be done and at the bottom by lunch.
★
★
★
★
★
Awesome hike at sunset. It was 104F coming into the park but at the trail the temp was only 80F. Beautiful views of Kolob Canyon mountains.
★
★
★
★
★
This is a great hike! The software makes it super nice to find your way out. I had heard stories of hikers missing the trial up out of the canyon. I used the software to easily identify the way out. The hike is amazaing! So much water and beauty. I would do again, but not for awhile - I was tired by the time I got out. I packed water, but also had a filter - I drank at least 3 liters of water on the hike.
★
★
★
★
★
Went end of June and unfortunately the waterfall was dried up. Probably need to go earlier in the year. Insane amount of tiny flies in the parking area but along the trail wasn’t bad. Gorgeous hike in spite of the fact we didn’t get to dunk under the falls at the end.
★
★
★
★
★
This is where you park to hike about 100 yards to a flat rocky plateau to photograph the Zion crooked tree.
★
★
★
★
★
This was a hike that was brutal from start to finish. Started at the rim of the canyon at 9:00 am and came out about 5:00 pm. You can judge that comment as it came from a 62 year old male who discovered he ain’t as young as he used to be. You basically get to the river and make your own way in and back, scrambling over boulders and crossing the river more times than you could remember. Would I do it again? ABSOLUTELY YES! I couldn’t walk well for two days but now I know I need to work on the legs before anything like this hike again. Do not get caught down there if rain is in the forecast or you could be looking for a high perch to wait out the rush of water. Feeling adventurous, go for it!
★
★
★
★
★
Out and back to hidden arch. Crosses stream many times. Your feet will get wet. The views of the towers on both sides are fantastic. Ends in a river area.
★
★
★
★
stars
