You Ll Want To Find This Little Known Canyon Hiding In Arizona

Want to do a bit of exploring this weekend? If you’re headed up to the northern stretches of the state, you’ll want to check out one little box canyon that sits a short distance from the highway but is just out of view so that visiting on a quiet day makes this area feel like a little oasis. Let’s take a look!

This is Keyhole Sink, a hidden little canyon that sits a short distance from Historic Route 66. A short hike will take you up to this little piece of paradise.

Kaibab National Forest/Flickr

The name of this area comes from the box canyon’s shape, which resembles a keyhole: a circular area that flares out. Because of this, the area serves as a watering hole for the local wildlife.

LittlefieldEmery/Wikimedia Commons

A seasonal waterfall flows periodically and, if the flow is heavy, the water fills the entire canyon.

Kaibab National Forest/Flickr

It also helps that this picturesque area is beautiful no matter the time of year. In the spring and summer…

Kaibab National Forest/Flickr

…and in the fall when the nearby tree leaves change colors…

Kaibab National Forest/Flickr

…and in winter when everything—including the waterfall—freezes over.

Kaibab National Forest/Flickr

In addition to the lovely natural views, you’ll also find some stunning petroglyphs covering parts of the basalt cliffs. Estimated to be about 1,000 years old, the petroglyphs depict the area as an ideal hunting grounds.

Kaibab National Forest/Flickr

Have you visited Keyhole Sink before? What was your experience like?

Kaibab National Forest/Flickr

Keyhole Sink is located approximately 20 minutes from Williams and is accessible throughout the year. You can find directions and details about the area by visiting the U.S. Forest Service website. A hiking trail and description of the trail can be found on the Hiking Arizona website.

Kaibab National Forest/Flickr

LittlefieldEmery/Wikimedia Commons

Want to read about another fantastically preserved location rich in history and pretty views? Learn more about the ghost town Ruby by reading Nature Is Slowly Reclaiming This Arizona Ghost Town And You’ll Want To Visit.

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