Seven Keyholes Slot Canyon

Seven Keyholes Slot Canyon is a quick and impressive hike within Gold Butte National Monument. This a great one to tack on after a longer excursion like Little Finland. 

You will start your hike from the parking lot and descend down a loose track to the valley floor below. It is not too steep of a grade. Once the trail has leveled out, it is a very short walk to the first panel of petroglyphs on the outside of the canyon.  Continue a few feet more and you will be at the entrance of the main portion of the slot canyon.

We have been through our fair share of slot canyons and the shape of this one is different from any other. There are a series of slots that are key-hole shaped and are oriented in multiple directions. There is no ‘squeezing through’ this canyon, but you will want to explore all around. Go through all the way to the rock fall at the end and walk up, there is a really cool petroglyph panel that almost feels like it’s a secret where it is tucked back and up high.

Difficulty: Easy.

Trail Stats: 1.2 miles, out and back. 

Trail Finding: Easy, although the entrance to the slot canyon area is behind a bush.

Conditions: Some sand, loose rock, packed dirt.

Would I Repeat This: You bet!

Parking: Parking lot present.

Timing: Shade once in the canyon, otherwise it is exposed.

Downloaded Map: Not necessary but always useful.

Fees: None.

Trails: Mud Wash Narrows, Whitney Pocket, Little Finland, Devil’s Throat sinkhole viewpoint, Gold Butte Trail, and more.