Keyhole Sink

KEYHOLE SINK

Keyhole Sink surrounds a moist seep area

Not too far off Old Route 66 a few miles east of the town of Williams, a cloistered box canyon with vertical stone walls encircles a depression where water sometimes cascades over the cliffs and pool at the base of the pine-shaded oasis. 

The woodsy approach to Keyhole Sink

The sounds of tree frogs, birds, and scampering squirrels bite through a soundtrack of wind rustling through aspen canopies.  The moist, cool place vibrates with a life essence that transcends the moment.  It’s like walking through a sort of time capsule set on perennial-fill mode.

A petroglyph panel at Keyhole Sink

The Kaibab National Forest site’s ample forage grasses, water and quiet isolation made this a perfect spot for wildlife to congregate, feed, drink, and--oh yeah--be stalked.  

Aspen saplings on the Keyhole Sink Interpretive trail

From roughly 1,000 years ago, ancestral Native American hunters documented their experiences at this enchanting hideaway by pecking images of deer, bear and other local wildlife into the folds and panels of cliff faces that are the weathered remains of ancient lava flows.   Today, hundreds of the images are visible on the volcanic escarpments.

Keyhole Sink is a wildlife oasis

Dense galleries depict a vibrant, and resource-rich environment.  While the meaning and utility of the petroglyphs is best known to the makers, present day viewers may immerse in the pure beauty of the etchings and extrapolate the notes of celebrations, observations, and maybe just the plein air sketches they may have depicted.  Regardless, it’s clear that Keyhole Sink remains a living, breathing microcosm of life in the forest. 

Visitors must be front-line protectors of this heritage site

A short, interpretive trail and a descriptive brochure available online, guide visitors through the woodsy outdoor classroom.

Sadly, there’s a history of vandals defacing the rock art. Restoration involves hundreds of volunteer hours, thousands of dollars, and years of work with no guarantees of fully rehabilitating the artfacts.  Why this happens in a place that is sacred to modern Native American tribes is beyond comprehension. The place is not a “ruin”, it’s an ancestral homeland.

Although Keyhole Sink is monitored by Arizona site stewards, visitors must be the front-line protectors. As with all heritage sites, respect the irreplaceable artifacts. Do not touch or otherwise alter the rock art, stay on designated trails, pack out all trash, and leave what you find so that future generations may appreciate this Arizona point-of-pride.

LENGTH: 2 miles round-trip

RATING: easy

ELEVATION: 7,100 – 7,000 feet

GETTIGN THERE: From Flagstaff, go 16 miles west on Interstate 40 to the Parks exit 178. Connect with Historic Route 66 and go 4 miles west (left) to the Oak Hill Snow Play Area on the left. The trailhead is located across the road from the parking lot at a signed gate.

INFO:

Kaibab National Forest

https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/kaibab/recarea/?recid=11678

 

Hike with an archeologist

March is Archeology & Heritage Month in Arizona and the Kaibab National Forest is offering a series of archeologist-led Saturday afternoon hikes all month.  The featured trail will be Keyhole Sink---an easy, wooded route leading to a enclave decorated with hundreds of petroglyphs.  In addition, dozens of other events and presentations are planned--click the link below for details.  So, here's your chance to learn more about the history of one of our state's most scenic and storied forests. Participants MUST register ahead of time.

Keyhole Sink

WHEN: Saturdays, March 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31
TIME: hikes start at 2 p.m. See link below for where to meet & what to bring.
LENGTH: 1.5 miles roundtrip
RATING: easy-moderate
ELEVATION: 7,000'
INFO & REGISTRATION: Williams Ranger District, Kaibab National Forest, 928-635-5600

Petroglyph panel at Keyhole Sink

http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/kaibab/news-events/?cid=STELPRDB5352742

KEYHOLE SINK

KEYHOLE SINK Kaibab National Forest In a peaceful alpine meadow framed by a wispy band of aspen trees, lies a “perfect storm” for hunting. From within the 40-foot-high, crescent-shaped granite fortress of Keyhole Sink, there is no easy escape route for the game animals that come to drink from the pools of water that collect at the base of the knobby cliffs. Ancient hunters played this to their advantage by simply perching on the escarpments above the water and waiting for their “dinner” to arrive. A frenzy of 1,000-year-old etchings on the vertical monolithic walls documents the stalkers’ conquests. Dense and cluttered, the rock art seems to vibrate with laughter and celebration. The ashen, stony walls chatter with images of deer, elk, bears, turtles and birds with a spattering of human forms applauding the triumphs of many very good days. Highlights: Easy trail, hundreds of petroglyphs, interpretive signage. Length: 2 miles round-trip Rating: easy Elevation range: 7,100’ – 7,000’ Driving distance from Phoenix: 180 miles one-way Getting there: From Flagstaff, go west on I-40 to the “Parks” exit (#178). Connect with Historic Route 66 and go west (left) to the Oak Hill Snow Play Area on the left. The trailhead is located across the road from the parking lot at a signed gate. Information: (928) 635-8200 or fs.fed.us/r3/kai