Keyhole Canyon With The Family--Aug. 16, 2012

[Sandstone Addiction]

Our family (my wife Nancy, Justin (11), Brandon (9), Trevor (5) and I) needed to get a little vacation in before the start of school, so we decided to try some of the canyons in Zion out for the first time. We had been to Zion a time or two, but like most tourists, we didn't make it too far away from the shuttle bus.

With the help of kind folks on Bogley, we decided to first test our skills on Keyhole Canyon and we were blown away at how awesome it was for such a short canyon.

We left Happy Valley just before 6am and arrived at ZAC around 10am were we had 2 kids wetsuits reserved. The people at ZAC were very friendly and helpful outfitting my two youngest boys. The wetsuits they had, (only full wetsuits I could find to rent) were a little too big, but thanks to @moab mark , they both had a shortie to wear underneath for added protection.

Soon after, we were waiting in a long line at the gate and it was starting to get kinda hot outside. After what seemed like forever, we then had the fun of trying to find a parking spot at the Visitor Center to get our permits. No luck, we had to park illegally with Nancy staying in the Tahoe while I went in to shell out more money. Good luck though, no line at the Wilderness Desk and I soon had permits for both Keyhole and Echo for the next day. Learned some valuable lessons that day.

We were finally on our way to the trailhead through the tunnels and soon found the pull out to park and start the hike.

The approach was pretty straightforward and wasn't long before we were headed to hoodoo pass.




The boys were having a good time.




Steep decent into the canyon bottom.




Ahhh, nice and cool at the first pool. I'm trying out my new Landjoff Canyon pack.




The slot is beautiful and the pools cold.




Trevor having more fun than on the slides at 7 Peaks.




Everyone having fun in the pools.




Downclimbing under the remains of a tree long ago wedged in the canyon walls.




Trevor rappin with dad. He was very brave and seemed to enjoy all the raps.




Justin certainly has come a long ways. No more need for stacked ATC's!




Brandon having a great time!




Nancy opting for the dry disconnect.














Nancy ready to belay and avoiding the cold water.




Brandon rappin with his teeth chattering










The boys enjoyed all the raps.




Very fun and beautiful little canyon.





These two were looking for the warm sun! This was just after I'd asked Trevor "Isn't this canyon the coolest!?!?" He promptly told me "Not cool". He changed his mind soon after of course.










Everyone had a great time!



We made it back to the Tahoe just in time to meet Mr. Ranger looking for our papers. Being a noob and all, I had left them in the Tahoe which he didn't like too much but lucky for us, he received a more important call and had to leave promptly. He was very polite and I learned my lesson.


Thanks everyone for your insight, help, and shortie wetsuits that made this a very fun, positive, and memorable family event. We will surely do this canyon again and again.

[Iceaxe]

awesome... happy it all worked out well for your family.

[Taylor]

Excellent trip report. We ran through Keyhole yesterday morning before heading home to Draper.

[jman]

Always great to see whole families enjoying the great outdoors. Your boys will remember that trip for a LONG time.

[oldno7]

Nice Trip, Dave

[moab mark]

Looks like you had a great time. Did you do Echo to?

[Felicia]

Congrats on your venture - Canyoneering with your kids is the best kind of canyoneering!

[moab mark]

I see your kids are not wearing neoprene socks. If you put them in a calf high wool sock there feet will be a bit more comfortable.

[Sandstone Addiction]

Looks like you had a great time. Did you do Echo to?

Did do Echo as well, TR in the works soon.

[Mountaineer]

Very cool! We ended up in Keyhole and Middle Echo last week also. Had a fantastic time. Thanks for the pics and report. Looking forward to your Echo report.

[tanya]

Fun pictures. The kids look like they were mostly always smiling. !

[Sandstone Addiction]

Thanks everyone for your kind remarks and suggestions. This was indeed a great canyon and perfect for our first Zion canyon. The boys will remember this one for a long, long time and of the few we've been down, this is their favorite.