Keyhole Sink Trail,
Kaibab National Forest
In a tranquil area surrounded by forest is the Keyhole Sink Trail. While this is a short and easy trail to hike, it should definitely not be missed if hiking other locations within the Kaibab National Forest. The trail is mostly known for its petroglyphs, inscribed on volcanic basalt rock sometime between 700 and 1100 AD by the ancient Cohonina people. Archeologists estimate these ancient Puebloans resided in northwestern Arizona between 500 to 1200 AD. Further information about the rock art is located at the trailhead.
During various times of the year a seasonal waterfall can also be viewed here, especially during the monsoon season or when the snow is melting. Snow shoeing, tubing and cross country skiing are also a popular sport in the nearby Oak Hill Snowplay area of the Kaibab National Forest.
Elevation
The Keyhole Sink Trail has a maximum elevation of 7,070 ft., a minimum elevation of 6,960 ft. and an elevation range of 110 ft.
Metrics
| [ A to B ] or [ B to A ] | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Length 2 | Min Ele 3 | Max Ele 4 | Range 5 |
| 0.7 mi | 6,960 ft | 7,070 ft | 110 ft |
| [ A to B ] | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Time 6 | Floors 7 | Gain 8 | Loss 9 |
| 17 min | 1.8 | 22 ft | 101 ft |
| [ B to A ] | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Time | Floors | Gain | Loss |
| 18 min | 8.4 | 101 ft | 22 ft |
Calories
The following chart shows the total calories that you may expend on the trail while hiking in both directions. The chart is based on data derived from a statistical model of energy expenditure that relates gross weight, typical speed and trail topography.
Topo Maps
Download the PDF Keyhole Sink Trail topo map and the adjoining quads to plan your hike. These are full-sheet, 7.5 Minute (1:24,000 scale) topographic maps.
Adjoining 7.5' Quadrangle Legend
- Northwest Topo Map: Howard Mesa, AZ
- North Topo Map: Squaw Mountain, AZ
- Northeast Topo Map: Moritz Ridge, AZ
- West Topo Map: Williams North, AZ
- Topo Map: Sitgreaves Mountain, AZ
- East Topo Map: Parks, AZ
- Southwest Topo Map: Williams South, AZ
- South Topo Map: Davenport Hill, AZ
- Southeast Topo Map: Garland Prairie, AZ
Difficulty
The following chart illustrates the difficulty of hiking the Keyhole Sink Trail compared to two other trails. The x-axis is cumulative elevation gain and the y-axis is maximum elevation. The length of the trail is reflected in the size of the bubble.
FAQ
Is this trail known by any other names?
Yes, this trail is also known as Keyhole Sink Trail #114.
What is the length of the Keyhole Sink Trail?
The length of the trail is 0.7 miles (1.1 km) or 1,449 steps.
How long does it take to hike the Keyhole Sink Trail?
A person in good physical health can hike the trail in 17 minutes in one direction and in 18 minutes in the opposite direction.
Warnings
Prevent tick bites: Treat clothing and gear, such as boots, pants, socks and tents with products containing 0.5% permethrin.
(cdc.gov)
- The Brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) may be present in this area. The Brown dog tick transmits Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.
Footnotes
- Steps is a unit of distance equal to the sum of stride lengths that vary with the terrain.
- Length is the distance of the trail between the two trailheads, measured on the trail.
- Min Ele is the minimum elevation on the trail.
- Max Ele is the maximum elevation on the trail.
- Range is the difference between maximum and minimum elevation.
- Time is the typical total time required to hike the trail.
- Floors is the gain divided by twelve feet, the height of one floor.
- Gain (cumulative elevation gain) is the sum of every gain in elevation.
- Loss (cumulative elevation loss) is the sum of every loss in elevation.