Zions National Park: Keyhole Slot Canyon

On Wednesday, we went on our first repel hike. We hiked a canyon called Keyhole. It was one that only took 1 1/2 to 2 hours to do. Marilynn, Jennifer's dad's wife, watched the little ones under a cool rock bridge while the older ones went repelling.

Here we are hiking up the road.

The bridge had sand under that made a great place for the babies to play

Garren is repelling the first repel of the hike.

At the bottom of the first repel there was a pool of water that was FREEZING!!!! Jennifer's dad had on a wet suit but the rest of us had to freeze.

Jennifer repelling. We had a piece of sand stuck in our waterprrof camera and we couldn't push the button for a little while. We didn''t get all the picture we would have liked so we had to take only videos. Watch the video for more...

This shows how narrow the canyon can be inplaces.

Yes, it is very cold!!! Might as well smile while you freeze.

We had to swim in some places. The rest of us coulod keep our heads out of the water, but for Garren it was a little to deep.

At the end, we came out cold and ready to defrost in the heat. Maybe the cold was not so bad.

The bridge where the little ones played.

All the kids slept on the way home.

Rating:		3B II
Season:		Summer or Fall. Keyhole is very cold.
Length:		Around 2 Hours.
Equipment:		100' rope, rappelling gear, at least summer wet suits, drybags for gear (if you bring any).
Drinking Water:		Bring a quart or so.
USGS 7.5' Map:		Springdale East.
Difficulties:		A few short rappels, some downclimbing, much swimming including difficult swimming.
Logistics:		Park on the road and return to the same spot.
Permit:		Permit Required!
Flash Flood Danger:		Moderate. Weather Report available at Visitor Center.

VIDEOS: Click on the links below and see some of the fun.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0vp1LdIUtvk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J38_e7fYxNU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xkyyh6mHvy0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzuQi1y-Cuo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=naOrY6ws8A8