Parker
07-04-2010, 06:28 PM
Keyhole Canyon NV
A nice canyon tucked in the middle of nowhere. The canyon it pleasantly surprising and has 5 rappels and a few down climbs. The canyon has awesome fluted raps in the limestone and there is a lot of shade to escape the heat after the hike in.
Rating: 3AII
Time Required: 2-6 hrs
Longest Rappel: 90’
Permit Information
No permits required
Preferred Season
All year round, but it is hot in the summer.
Water Concerns
None
Special Challenges
Natural anchor problems. Be Careful not to stick your rope on the last rap.
Equipment Suggestions
Standard Technical Gear (harness, descending device, helmet, multiple locking carabineers, slings, etc), 1 200’ foot rope or 2 100’s, about 30’ of webbing, 5-6 rap rings/links, ascenders. Bring water.
Directions to Trailhead
From the Junction of the I93 & I95 on the saddle between Las Vegas and Boulder City, head south on the 95 towards Searchlight for 15.75 miles. There is a turn lane into a dirt road (access road) heading east. Follow the dirt road to the power line road 2 miles and head south again for 1.8 miles. The mouth of the canyon is very obvious.
Trailhead UTM Grid Coordinate
35°43.017’N
114°55.532’W
Approach
The easiest way to the top is by following the drainage just North of the canyon up until you are above the orange sandstone and limestone. Then just follow the game trails south. Make sure you are above the rock for the easiest hiking. You will cross over 2 small canyons (the 1st is Mini Keyhole 3AI) and finally drop into the 3rd which is the main canyon.
Canyon Entry UTM Grid Coordinate
35°42.60’N
114°55.27’W
Description
There are 5 raps and some great down climbs. The carvings from the water make beautiful fluted raps. Keep your eyes peeled for cool Indian writings all over the canyon.
Exit
As you come out of the canyon you’ll be right where you started and should see your vehicle.
Canyon Exit UTM Grid Coordinate
35°42.918’N
114°55.57’W
A nice canyon tucked in the middle of nowhere. The canyon it pleasantly surprising and has 5 rappels and a few down climbs. The canyon has awesome fluted raps in the limestone and there is a lot of shade to escape the heat after the hike in.
Rating: 3AII
Time Required: 2-6 hrs
Longest Rappel: 90’
Permit Information
No permits required
Preferred Season
All year round, but it is hot in the summer.
Water Concerns
None
Special Challenges
Natural anchor problems. Be Careful not to stick your rope on the last rap.
Equipment Suggestions
Standard Technical Gear (harness, descending device, helmet, multiple locking carabineers, slings, etc), 1 200’ foot rope or 2 100’s, about 30’ of webbing, 5-6 rap rings/links, ascenders. Bring water.
Directions to Trailhead
From the Junction of the I93 & I95 on the saddle between Las Vegas and Boulder City, head south on the 95 towards Searchlight for 15.75 miles. There is a turn lane into a dirt road (access road) heading east. Follow the dirt road to the power line road 2 miles and head south again for 1.8 miles. The mouth of the canyon is very obvious.
Trailhead UTM Grid Coordinate
35°43.017’N
114°55.532’W
Approach
The easiest way to the top is by following the drainage just North of the canyon up until you are above the orange sandstone and limestone. Then just follow the game trails south. Make sure you are above the rock for the easiest hiking. You will cross over 2 small canyons (the 1st is Mini Keyhole 3AI) and finally drop into the 3rd which is the main canyon.
Canyon Entry UTM Grid Coordinate
35°42.60’N
114°55.27’W
Description
There are 5 raps and some great down climbs. The carvings from the water make beautiful fluted raps. Keep your eyes peeled for cool Indian writings all over the canyon.
Exit
As you come out of the canyon you’ll be right where you started and should see your vehicle.
Canyon Exit UTM Grid Coordinate
35°42.918’N
114°55.57’W