
Keystone Canyon Valdez Alaska
A breathtaking natural wonder on the road to Valdez, Alaska, famed for its dramatic cliffs and numerous cascading waterfalls.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best light for waterfalls

Keystone Canyon Valdez Alaska
Best Time
Best light for waterfalls

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A breathtaking natural wonder on the road to Valdez, Alaska, famed for its dramatic cliffs and numerous cascading waterfalls.
"Absolutely unreal. Unforgettable views."

Pull-off for Views
Stop at designated pull-offs to fully admire the numerous waterfalls and canyon views. :camerawithflash:
Drive Carefully
The road is scenic but can be dangerous. Drive cautiously and be aware of your surroundings. :oncoming_automobile:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Bridal Veil Falls
Keystone Canyon
A breathtaking 600-foot tall waterfall, a true gem on the scenic drive to Valdez.

Horsetail Falls
Keystone Canyon
Witness this impressive waterfall in full flow, especially vibrant with melting snow.

Old Town Railroad Tunnel
Keystone Canyon
Explore the remnants of a hand-cut railroad tunnel from 1905, steeped in Alaskan history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Waterfall Wonders
Road Safety and Timing
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Pull-off for Views
Stop at designated pull-offs to fully admire the numerous waterfalls and canyon views. :camerawithflash:
Drive Carefully
The road is scenic but can be dangerous. Drive cautiously and be aware of your surroundings. :oncoming_automobile:
Don't Miss the History
Look for the historic Old Town Railroad Tunnel, a fascinating piece of Alaskan history. :historic_building:
Drone Photography Potential
If conditions are right, consider flying a drone for unique aerial perspectives of the canyon. :drone:
Tips
from all over the internet
Pull-off for Views
Stop at designated pull-offs to fully admire the numerous waterfalls and canyon views. :camerawithflash:
Drive Carefully
The road is scenic but can be dangerous. Drive cautiously and be aware of your surroundings. :oncoming_automobile:
Don't Miss the History
Look for the historic Old Town Railroad Tunnel, a fascinating piece of Alaskan history. :historic_building:
Drone Photography Potential
If conditions are right, consider flying a drone for unique aerial perspectives of the canyon. :drone:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Keystone Canyon for its absolutely unreal and unforgettable views, particularly the spectacular waterfalls. Many describe the drive as one of the most beautiful parts of Alaska. Some reviewers noted a lack of clear signage, and a few mentioned the potential dangers of the road.
"Drove by, stopped at pull-out had no idea that was it! No sign or for Goat Trail to hike to top. Beautiful."
Rochelle “wanderlust.or.bust” Duplessis
"I was traveling in a broken down Ford explorer that only went 45 miles and hour.....this was by far the most beautiful part of ak highway that I saw....I travel the entire ak highway though.....dangerous though.....avalanches...and wrecks everywhere and evil kenevil bike clubs out there"
Sarah Horton
"Absolutely unreal. Unforgettable views."
Arina Filippenko
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Keystone Canyon is located on the Richardson Highway, approximately a 5-6 hour drive northeast of Anchorage, on the way to Valdez. The drive itself is incredibly scenic, with many travelers calling it one of the most spectacular roads in North America.
The drive through Keystone Canyon is generally considered scenic but can be dangerous due to potential avalanches and road conditions, especially outside of summer. It's recommended to check local advisories and drive cautiously.
While winter offers opportunities for ice climbing, access to the canyon for general sightseeing might be limited due to snow and avalanche risks. It's best to check current conditions and advisories.
The drive through Keystone Canyon itself is about 20 miles, leading directly into Valdez. However, it's part of a longer journey from Anchorage.
Some visitors have noted a lack of prominent signage for Keystone Canyon, so it's helpful to know it's on the Richardson Highway en route to Valdez.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Keystone Canyon is a natural scenic area accessible via public roads, so no tickets or entry fees are typically required for driving through or stopping at pull-offs.
As a natural canyon and scenic drive, Keystone Canyon is accessible year-round, 24 hours a day. However, road conditions and safety can vary significantly with the seasons.
There isn't a dedicated visitor center within Keystone Canyon itself. Information about the area and Valdez can usually be found at the Valdez Visitor Center.
Parking is generally free at the pull-offs and viewpoints along the road through Keystone Canyon.
Yes, there are opportunities for hiking, including trails that lead to the top of some waterfalls, though signage for these can be minimal.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The primary attractions are the numerous stunning waterfalls, such as Bridal Veil Falls and Horsetail Falls, and the historic Old Town Railroad Tunnel. The entire drive is a scenic spectacle.
To truly appreciate the views and stop at various pull-offs, plan for at least 1-2 hours. If you plan to hike, allocate more time.
Absolutely! Keystone Canyon is incredibly photogenic, with waterfalls, dramatic cliffs, and the historic tunnel offering endless photo opportunities.
While not as renowned for wildlife as some other Alaskan locations, you might spot birds of prey or other small animals. The focus here is primarily on the dramatic landscape and waterfalls.
Keystone Canyon is an integral and highly recommended part of any road trip to Valdez, Alaska, offering some of the most breathtaking scenery along the route.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants or food services directly within Keystone Canyon. It's advisable to pack snacks and drinks or plan to dine in Valdez.
The nearest dining options are in Valdez, which offers a variety of restaurants, cafes, and bars.
📸 📸 Photography
Every pull-off offers a unique perspective! Focus on capturing the scale of the waterfalls like Bridal Veil Falls and the dramatic canyon walls. The historic tunnel also makes for interesting shots.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide softer light, reducing harsh shadows and glare on the water. However, the dramatic light at any time can be captivating.
Yes, tripods are generally allowed at pull-offs and viewpoints, allowing for longer exposures to capture the silky effect of flowing water.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vastness of the canyon and waterfalls. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details on distant falls. Don't forget a sturdy tripod and lens cloth for mist!
While specific tours for Keystone Canyon might be rare, many photography tours in the Valdez area will include stops here due to its scenic value.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚗 Road Trippers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Land of Waterfalls
Many travelers describe the experience of driving through the canyon as 'absolutely unreal' and 'unforgettable.' The constant presence of water, especially during the spring and early summer melt, creates a dynamic and awe-inspiring landscape. Even on rainy days, the waterfalls are impressive, though clearing skies offer the best opportunities for photography and drone footage. It's a place where you'll want to stop frequently to simply marvel at nature's power and artistry.
A Glimpse into Alaskan History: The Old Town Railroad
Exploring this abandoned tunnel offers a unique glimpse into the rugged and often contentious history of Alaskan development. While the tunnel itself is a testament to human endeavor, its unfinished state serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by early pioneers. It's a historical footnote etched into the very rock of the canyon, adding another layer of intrigue to the already spectacular scenery.
Driving the Scenic Richardson Highway
Travelers often report being mesmerized by the views, with some admitting to being so captivated they almost forgot they were driving. The sheer scale of the cliffs and the constant presence of waterfalls create an immersive experience. It’s a drive that demands attention but rewards with unparalleled vistas, making it a quintessential Alaskan road trip adventure.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit