The Subway: Zion National Park
Updated: 3 days ago
The Subway is an out-and-back hike that is about 8 miles in total. It is a strenuous hike and it will take most people all day to finish the hike because there are no trails. You will be walking in the creek and scrambling over boulders. You will need a permit for this hike. It has become very popular and it is limited to 80 people a day. You can get information on the permits HERE
Most people hike it in the summer or fall. We did it in the fall. You can hike in the spring but it is more difficult due to the spring run-off. Make sure you bring plenty of food and water and allow plenty of time to finish the hike. We started at dawn (pre-sunrise) and finished right after sunset. Make sure you check the weather and hiking conditions before starting.
Things you will need on the hike are a good pair of hiking/water boots, hiking poles or staff, a hydration day pack, and warm clothing. You can see what we used at the end of the article.
The trail starts and finishes at the Left Fork Trailhead. From the parking lot, it is about a half mile to the steep descent of 400 feet. At the bottom, there will be some vegetation and an exit sign. Stop and look around as you will be tired on your return and you don't want to miss the trail going up the steep climb. A lot of the cliffs and hills on the hike look similar.
This is where you will start hiking upstream along the creek. There will be some game trails along the way but it is better to not use them as it causes erosion. Do not hesitate to walk in the water because you will have to sooner or later.
Be sure to check out "10 Must-see Attractions in Zion National Park"
Also The Taylor Creek Hike in the "Hiking the Taylor Creek Trail"
Eventually, the canyon opens up and you will see more slick rock. There are 2 waterfalls that are very photogenic cascading over the slick rock. I don't know if it is the official name but I called them Arch Angel Falls.
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Trail Guide Guide
From there it is just a short hike to get to the start of the Subway. The canyon walls start to curve up and out until it appears you are walking through a tunnel.
Once inside the Subway: Zion National Park the footing gets very slick and I even fell twice. Luckily I didn't damage myself or my camera. It is very beautiful and quiet as all you will hear is the water moving over the rock and a waterfall way in the distance up the canyon.
From here you want to retrace your path and remember to leave yourself enough time to get out before dark and watch for that exit trail.
The gear that we used for the hike
