After Tough Mudder 2012 I went to Keyhole Hot Springs to relax, and liked it. So I took one of my hiking buddies, Stephen, and his friend, Jen, back there for another trip in late September.
The road was just as dusty, no snow to be seen. Seemed to still be graded. Dusty as ever. The fjord that you cross is a lot lower.
The last short hill after the fjord.
First thing I noticed was that most of the flagging tape I had put up had been taken down. The route was still passable of course, and as steep as ever. Remember there is no access to drinking water at the campground or the hot springs, so carry extra with you (it’s a short hike in anyway).
You’ll be treated to some spectacular views on the way down.
Remember though, it’s steep. Be ready for careful footwork and slidy, dusty dirt on the way down.
This is what I mean, and there is 30 minutes of this, both directions.
Once you get there though, the camp ground is pretty good (but it doesn’t look it). Flat, lots of trees to keep the wind down and out of the sun so you’re tent doesn’t get too hot.
Then head north west (right if facing the river) to the pathway that takes you to the hot springs.
Once you see them, it’s more careful footing and hope you brought a towel along to get changed under. There is nothing private down there to say the least.
At this later point in the year, the lower pool was open. Warm, but not as hot as the upper one, and larger too. It’s great!
Ahhh! The hot springs at last (note the lower pool is now usable, see my other post for what it was like earlier in the year)
Remember, the original post has lots of links etc on how to get to Keyhole Hot Springs and the area.
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