Epic Travel → North America → Mountain States → Utah → Zion National Park → ⊗ Subway (Top Down)

  ⊗ Technical Route ⊗
 Warning: Do Not Attempt Without Proper Training – click here for details

Location: Kolob Terrace Road, Zion National Park, Utah

Distance: 9.5 miles total, various short technical sections

Elevation Gain: 870 feet

Time Required: 5-10 hours

Rappels: 2 to 4, lengths up to 30 feet

Red Tape/Notes: Permit required – visit the Zion Permits website; shuttle required – route runs from the Wildcat Canyon Trailhead to the Left Fork Trailhead (shuttles from Left Fork to Wildcat Canyon are offered by various outfitters in Zion). For more info on this route (and others in Zion and around Utah), visit the Canyoneering USA website.

What’s Nearby?: Grafton Ghost Town, The Subway (Bottom Up) Hike, Right Fork of North Creek (Hammerhead Approach)

This is the classic descent of the Subway: a scenic hike through Zion’s backcountry, followed by a non-technical descent of Russell Gulch to reach the Left Fork of North Creek, where you’ll pass some interesting obstacles and rappels, some beautiful pools and lovely scenery and eventually reach the renowned Subway section with its beautifully sculpted, curving walls. This is a semi-technical canyon, meaning that the obstacles and rappels are fairly easy and straighforward (but don’t underestimate the canyon – you still need canyoning skills to descend it, especially if you want to enjoy the descent). The bigger challenge is in finding the route – mostly at the beginning when you’re trying to find the appropriate descent of Russel Gulch, since the exit route after the Subway is pretty straightforward (just don’t miss the steep exit trail heading back up to the parking area). If you score a permit, rejoice, because you’re in for a great day! If you liked this trip and fancy something more technical, consider running its big brother, The Right Fork.

Epic Travel → North America → Mountain States → Utah → Zion National Park → ⊗ Subway (Top Down)