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Keyhole Sink Trail: Ancient Art and Natural Beauty

Discover ancient petroglyphs and a seasonal waterfall on this easy hike in Kaibab National Forest, a short drive from Flagstaff and Williams, AZ.

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Hike the easy Keyhole Sink Trail in Kaibab National Forest to discover ancient petroglyphs etched into volcanic rock and a seasonal waterfall. This short trail offers a glimpse into the past and the serene beauty of the Arizona wilderness.

A brief summary to Keyhole Sink Trail

Local tips

  • Wear sturdy shoes as the trail can be rocky in places.
  • Visit during the monsoon season or after snowmelt to see the waterfall.
  • Bring water, as there is no water available on the trail.
  • Respect the petroglyphs and leave them undisturbed for others to enjoy.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Flagstaff, AZ, head west on I-40 for approximately 16.8 miles to the Parks Road exit #178. Turn right onto N Parks Road and follow for about 0.1 mile, then turn left onto E Old Route 66. Continue for 4.1 miles to the trailhead. The parking area is across the road from the trailhead gate, located at the Oak Hill Snowplay area. Be careful of the dirt lot, especially after heavy rain. From Williams, AZ, begin on I-40 E and follow for approximately 8 miles to the Pitman Valley Rd/Deer Farm Rd exit #171. Turn left onto Cool Pines Rd and follow for approximately 0.2 mile, then turn right onto E Old Route 66/Wagon Wheel Road and follow for approximately 2.3 miles to the trailhead. There are no fees or permits required to park or hike at Keyhole Sink Trail.

  • Walking

    If hiking from a nearby trail within the Kaibab National Forest, use a map or GPS to navigate to Forest Road 302. Follow Forest Road 302 to the Keyhole Sink Trailhead. Ensure you have sufficient water and supplies, as the hike can be strenuous.

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Discover more about Keyhole Sink Trail

Keyhole Sink Trail, nestled in the tranquil Kaibab National Forest near Parks, Arizona, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and ancient history. This easy-to-moderate 1.5-mile round trip hike leads to a box canyon where prehistoric residents, ancestors of the Navajo, Hopi, and Zuni tribes, left their mark on the gray volcanic walls. Around 1,000 years ago, the Cohonina people carved images, known as petroglyphs, into the dark basalt rock. These images depict animals such as deer, snakes, frogs, and lizards, suggesting the area was an important hunting ground and watering hole. One notable petroglyph shows a herd of deer entering the canyon, a scene that reflects the area's continued importance as a wildlife habitat. The trail itself meanders through a ponderosa pine forest, offering shade and a pleasant high-altitude breeze. During the monsoon season or when the snow melts, a seasonal waterfall refills the sinkhole basin, adding to the area's allure. The keyhole-shaped lava flow creates a natural trap where animals gather, making it a significant spot for both survival and spiritual connection for native tribes. Visitors are encouraged to respect the fragile traces of the past by leaving the petroglyphs undisturbed. The Keyhole Sink Trail provides an accessible and enriching experience for hikers of all skill levels, offering a peaceful escape into Arizona's captivating landscapes.

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