Keyhole Falls is a 10-foot tiered waterfall falling in two drops through James Canyon, a seasonal drainage in Coconino National Forest southwest of Flagstaff, Arizona.
The falls
The named pour-off drops through sandstone into a pool, and the canyon holds other falls and deep pools along the same stretch. A current listing gives the total height as 10 feet and marks the entry Confirmed. A separate route account splits the same obstacle differently: a roughly 20-foot rappel followed by drops of about 4 and 6 feet.
Getting there
The usual approach starts at Kelly Canyon Road, also known as Forest Road 631, off Interstate 17 exit 331, then crosses open forest to reach James Canyon. There is no maintained trail once inside the canyon.
When to go
Summer and fall are recommended, after winter snowmelt has passed and water levels are lower.
On site
A full descent of the canyon can require route-finding, rappelling, wading, and swimming through cold, deep pools. The origin of the name is not documented.
Nearby
Cookstove Draw Falls is about 3.1 miles away, Slide Rock about 7.6 miles, and Encinoso Falls about 8.3 miles.
Distances are straight-line.