Keyhole Hot Springs Hike

Keyhole Hot Springs has become an increasingly popular spot over the last few years due to its picturesque setting and relaxing pools of water, and it is this popularity that has provided some benefits and several drawbacks for the area. Firstly, the remote location of the trail northwest of Pemberton has become more accessible, as the service roads used to get there are better maintained due to the influx of visitors. Unfortunately, these visitors and their poor camping practices – especially in terms of food and waste management – have caused local grizzly bear populations to move into the area, greatly increasing the frequency of their interactions with humans. As a result, officials have decided to close the hot springs annually from April to mid-November in an effort to rehabilitate the local bear population.

The remote nature of the trail and the fact that you can only use it in the winter/early spring makes the logistics of reaching the trailhead into a bit of an issue. Make sure that your vehicle can handle the rugged roads before setting out on your trip. Additionally, the trail itself has some steep sections, so don’t be fooled by the short length of the hike. Make sure to wear proper hiking footwear and bring crampons or microspikes to safely traverse any snowy/icy trail conditions.

If you can manage to plan a visit for when the Keyhole Hot Springs and the trail are open, you will be rewarded with some beautiful backcountry scenery, as well as the opportunity to soak in the steaming waters of the thermal pools. The trail contains several stream crossings and skirts closely alongside the milky-blue waters of the Lillooet River before arriving at the hot springs themselves. Here, you will be able to soak in the hot pools as you take in the beautiful riverside landscape. This hike may be a short one, but that just leaves you extra time to enjoy the natural spa-like waters of the Keyhole Hot Springs.

Setting out from the parking area off Lillooet FSR, make your way west along the trail marked with tape and reflectors as it heads towards the rushing waters of the river. Head through the forest of massive cedar trees and cross over the creek, following the trail north as it skirts alongside the river. Here, you will pass through a boulder field and cross over several creeks while taking in the fleeting views of the surrounding mountains. Make your way over the bridge spanning “Truckwash River”, before meeting up with another trail just short of the Keyhole Hot Springs.

Pass by the trail and continue along the water’s edge to find the tiered pools of the hot springs nestled against the coursing waters of the river. Spend the afternoon soaking in the thermal waters as you take in the picturesque views and likely meet a few new friends. When you have had enough of the Keyhole Hot Springs, dry off and make your way back along the same path to return to the parking area.

Hiking Route Highlights

Keyhole Hot Springs

Named after nearby Keyhole Falls that were formed by the volcanic activity of Mount Meager nearly 2400 years ago, the Keyhole Hot Springs are a series of thermal pools that can be found along the banks of the Lillooet River. The eruption of Mount Meager was the most recent major volcanic activity in Canada within the past 10,000 years, spreading ash as far away as Alberta.