Zion: The Subway trail (bottom up or top down exit trailhead)

By Wendy and Justin in the Zion And Surrounding Area Guide
trailhead hiking / walking
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Semi-technical wet slot canyon requiring a permit

  • We have been waiting 11 years to do this - so glad we finally got the chance! It was well worth it.
    • Park here, at the Left Fork trailhead. If going top-down, get a shuttle to the start of the hike at the Wildcat Canyon trailhead (7 miles up the road)
    • Requires a permit
    • Book shuttles and rent gear from outfitters in Springdale (we booked a shuttle and rented wet suits, a back pack, helmets, and boots from Zion Adventures)
    • 8-10 miles
    • Solid, enjoyable adventure; the hardest part was initial route finding into the canyon (so bring a good trail description and an app like Gaia or All Trails)
    • The canyon is always changing, so ask about recent conditions before you go since many trail descriptions are out of date (for example, there is now a log jam at the bowling ball so you can't duck under it any more and need to go over it; when we were there, there was a webbing hand line someone had left behind - but you can't count on that)
    • The hike out is a bit slippery in the beginning and a full on slog by the end (often hot) - I would have given this 4 stars if it wasn't for the hike out
The lower terraces were spectacular. (These can reached from bottom up.)
The lower terraces were spectacular. (These can reached from bottom up.)
The lower terraces were spectacular. (These can reached from bottom up.)
The final rappel.
The final rappel.
The final rappel.
Swimming was involved.
Swimming was involved.
Swimming was involved.
It actually looks like a subway tunnel.
It actually looks like a subway tunnel.
It actually looks like a subway tunnel.

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Last updated: October 30, 2024