Keyhole Hot Springs
Keyhole Hot Springs
3
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
3.0
9 reviews
Excellent
3
Very good
1
Average
1
Poor
1
Terrible
3
Michele K
11 contributions
Mar 2017 • Friends
This is a very do-able adventure if you are prepared. We drove in a small Toyota Corolla, although I would advise taking a bigger car, we still made it to the hot springs just took a lot longer then expected. Drive slow on the dirt road, and take your time. We passed a car which had turned back due to a flat tire. The road is filled with potholes and on a wet day it was super muddy. We made it the 42km in an 1hr 15min.
The hike is beautiful. You walk along the river and have stunning views of the mountains. There was lots of snow so we had to slide down a few of the hills. Again we are not experienced hikers and we just took our time in order to get to the hot springs. Leaving early in the morning is key so that you can go at your own pace.
The hot springs were incredibly hot but one of the pools had a bucket to add cold water to it. There were quite a few people at the springs once we arrived, so it was hard to find space. It was still worth the hike.
Make sure to pack food and water, so that you can stay at the springs longer. We didn't have proper shoes and it was fine but I would recommend in the snow something with a grip. Also ensure you leave the springs early enough so that you don't have to venture back in the dark.
It was a great experience just take your time and be prepared for a challenge.
The hike is beautiful. You walk along the river and have stunning views of the mountains. There was lots of snow so we had to slide down a few of the hills. Again we are not experienced hikers and we just took our time in order to get to the hot springs. Leaving early in the morning is key so that you can go at your own pace.
The hot springs were incredibly hot but one of the pools had a bucket to add cold water to it. There were quite a few people at the springs once we arrived, so it was hard to find space. It was still worth the hike.
Make sure to pack food and water, so that you can stay at the springs longer. We didn't have proper shoes and it was fine but I would recommend in the snow something with a grip. Also ensure you leave the springs early enough so that you don't have to venture back in the dark.
It was a great experience just take your time and be prepared for a challenge.
Written March 5, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GinnyLG
Burnaby, Canada3 contributions
Feb 2017 • Friends
the pluses include fabulous views of snow covered mountains and the amazing snowscape will take your breath away. I saw a majestic frozen waterfall. pretty rigorous for a first timer in snowshoeing.
the minuses are the few sharp cliffs you will have to get up and down to get to the hot springs, the water was way too hot and i couldn't get more than my toes in despite cooling it down with snow. zero phone signals so bring along your walkie talkies if u need to communicate with team mates.
Be sure to bring your own lunch. not good for kids. probably for friends or couples.
the minuses are the few sharp cliffs you will have to get up and down to get to the hot springs, the water was way too hot and i couldn't get more than my toes in despite cooling it down with snow. zero phone signals so bring along your walkie talkies if u need to communicate with team mates.
Be sure to bring your own lunch. not good for kids. probably for friends or couples.
Written February 14, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NorthStar554239
1 contribution
Mar 2019 • Friends
Drove up the Lillooet River Forest Service Road as far as we could go today - March 03 - 2019. Road is open to about 39km, but is not plowed to the Keyhole Hot Springs trail head!! Which means you have to walk an additional 2km+, before you get to the trail head - then the 2km on the trail to get to the Hotsprings. An 8km round trip on foot. Best be very well prepared and fit to pull this off on a day trip. We did not make the hike in - did not seem worth the effort.
ps - road may be closed at 9km due to avalanche hazard at any time.
ps - road may be closed at 9km due to avalanche hazard at any time.
Written March 3, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mconners01
Coquitlam, Canada10 contributions
Jan 2019 • Friends
After phone the Squamish Ministry of Forests and Natural Resources Operations and being told Keyhole was open, we hit a gate at about 7 K in that is locked and there is no access. So unless you want hike 35K in or can drop your Ski doo over the gate the road is closed. Even though most of what you google says its closed only till Nov 15th due to bears, no its just closed. And its sad cause it just BS on why its closed during winter when the bears are sleeping!
Written January 14, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pemberton G
Pemberton, Canada20 contributions
Sep 2015 • Friends
Fabulous views from the new trail above along the white water Upper Lillooet River. In summer it’s an easy 1 mile 45 min hike with newly built stairs at the steeper sections. In deep winter it’ll take a lot longer. Snow shoes &/or crampons maybe needed for the trail. There are bird’s-nest- style cascading pools that hang from the steep cliffs. The lowest one is beside the river, & easiest to cool as you don’t need to carry water up hill. We kept the temperature down by adding buckets of water right out the river. Each pool is fashioned out of rock found en situ. All the masonry was done by local volunteers, from Pemberton to Vancouver. A lot of work carrying in all the cement to make mortar.
It was also called Pebble Creek & Boulder Creek Hot Springs. A short 1 hr drive west of Pemberton town site, on a serviceable dirt road, that’s still being improved. In good condition till 22km then its rougher for the last 20 km along Upper Lillooet Forest Service Road (FSR). 4x4s or Pickups only – No little city cars! We used our pickup & left it in 2 wheel drive most of the way.
Its free, with not cost & free camping. It’s part of “Meager Creek Hot spring Geothermal Vent” System & way easier to access than Meager Creek!
In the summer 2014, the new longer but easier trail opened. It’s about 1mile / 1.5 km. The new parking lot at ~ 42.5 Km is hard to find. It’s just a slight widening of the road on the north side just big enough for 4 trucks. The trail head is opposite it on the south side of the road & not clearly marked, a bit hard to find.
Please respect nature. The zone above the hot springs is officially set aside as a "Ungulate Area" for both Mountain Goats & Sheep . All dogs must be kept leashed - also a good idea because of all the black bears around – not to mention grizzlies. Keep the hounds leashed for your safety & theirs.
Road ploughing is planned for Upper Lillooet "Dams" Hydro Projects. They may not plow the parking area. Snow shoes &/or crampons maybe needed in deep winter along the trail.
Check official government sites to verify road is open before any trip, as there have been summer & winter closures due to fires, dry avalanche, & avalanche dangers. Link to Road reports with search keywords;
” Government BC Engineering road information Upper Lillooet”
It was also called Pebble Creek & Boulder Creek Hot Springs. A short 1 hr drive west of Pemberton town site, on a serviceable dirt road, that’s still being improved. In good condition till 22km then its rougher for the last 20 km along Upper Lillooet Forest Service Road (FSR). 4x4s or Pickups only – No little city cars! We used our pickup & left it in 2 wheel drive most of the way.
Its free, with not cost & free camping. It’s part of “Meager Creek Hot spring Geothermal Vent” System & way easier to access than Meager Creek!
In the summer 2014, the new longer but easier trail opened. It’s about 1mile / 1.5 km. The new parking lot at ~ 42.5 Km is hard to find. It’s just a slight widening of the road on the north side just big enough for 4 trucks. The trail head is opposite it on the south side of the road & not clearly marked, a bit hard to find.
Please respect nature. The zone above the hot springs is officially set aside as a "Ungulate Area" for both Mountain Goats & Sheep . All dogs must be kept leashed - also a good idea because of all the black bears around – not to mention grizzlies. Keep the hounds leashed for your safety & theirs.
Road ploughing is planned for Upper Lillooet "Dams" Hydro Projects. They may not plow the parking area. Snow shoes &/or crampons maybe needed in deep winter along the trail.
Check official government sites to verify road is open before any trip, as there have been summer & winter closures due to fires, dry avalanche, & avalanche dangers. Link to Road reports with search keywords;
” Government BC Engineering road information Upper Lillooet”
Written November 10, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Raymond B
1 contribution
Mar 2020 • Friends
Gate was closed at km 9, 35 km away from the trail head for unknown reason, just a heads up if anyone is looking at going there soon. You can get around the gate with a snowmobile and that's it.
Written March 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
vancitykei
181 contributions
Mar 2016 • Friends
A place with no cellphone and GPS signal.. follow your instinct and keep going! It will all be worth it. At first, looks like a never-ending off-road, make sure you bring a 4x4 truck. Snow shoes or spikes is recommended, some part of the hike is quite steep. Spend a good 30 mins to an hour (maybe) on the hot springs.
Written March 23, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elena G
Burnaby, BC70 contributions
Nov 2018
This is an amazing natural gem, featuring several natural stone tubs with running hot water overlooking Pebble Creek near Pemberton. The Keyhole hot springs aka Pebble Creek hot springs have become less accessible recently due to closure of access to access road (Upper Lillooet FSR) from April 1st to November 15th due to high grizzly activity in the area. We visited Keyhole hotsprings several years ago before the closure was in effect and in late November 2019. The last November visit was much more enjoyable as our family were the first and only group enjoying the hot springs in the morning for 2 hours before other visitors arrived. Crampons are recommended on the trail as some sections of the trail are icy.
Written March 23, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Michele! Do you remember when did you go? Is that gonna be safe for me to go at the end of March/beginning of April ? (I will be driving from Vancouver and I am not an experienced hiker)
Thank you for your help!
Federica
Written March 4, 2018
I know Keyhole is supposedly permanently closed due to bear problems but would that mean we can still go during the winter? I assume that's why nowadays I only see snowy pics from Keyhole. Wondering if people are allowed to go during hibernation season.
Written February 14, 2018
Planning a trip for the end of May and would really like to visit Keyhole Hot Springs. I know it closed last year due to aggressive bears, but does anyone know if this trail is open again/safe?
Written April 29, 2017
I've heard through a hiking group I'm in that they're closed indefinitely due to bear activity. Rumour has it a fence was being built and everything to keep people out. Definitely don't go. Find the whistlerquestion website and search 'keyhole' for an article.
Written May 22, 2017
How long did it take to hike to the hotsprings in the snow?
Written March 5, 2017
I just wrote a review, which you can read about the hot springs since we went last week in the snow. The actual hiking portion probably takes from 40-60min, depending on how fast you walk. We went fairly slow since there is a lot of snow, it was slippery, and we were not prepared with proper shoes. Some portions we bum slid down the hill to make it easier. I would highly recommend the hike, it has beautiful views and worth it. Just go slow and take your time. Make sure you leave with enough time so you are not walking back in the dark.
Written March 6, 2017
mariaerickson
Seminole, Florida
Do you need a 4X4 to get to keyhole hot springs, and is it a difficult hike to get there. We are in our early 60's but in good shape
Written July 13, 2016
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