The Subway, Zion National Park
Facts and practical information
The Subway in Zion National Park is a breathtaking natural landmark located in Washington County, Utah, that offers an extraordinary adventure to its visitors. Not to be confused with an urban transit system, this geologic wonder is a uniquely shaped slot canyon that resembles a subway tunnel, carved out by eons of flowing water.
This semi-technical slot canyon is part of the Left Fork of North Creek and is renowned for its tubular, subway-like channels and emerald pools set against the backdrop of Zion's iconic Navajo Sandstone. Hikers and canyoneers are drawn to The Subway's challenging terrain, which requires permits, preparation, and often technical skills including route finding, rappelling, and sometimes swimming.
The route to The Subway is a strenuous backcountry hike that is roughly 9 miles round trip, involving creek crossings, boulder scrambling, and navigation through sections with no defined trail. The hike can be approached from two directions: the bottom-up hike, which is non-technical and allows hikers to reach the lower section of The Subway, and the top-down route, which is a technical canyoneering route and requires ropes, harnesses, and knowledge of rappelling.
Visitors looking to explore The Subway must obtain a permit from Zion National Park, which are distributed via a lottery system due to the high demand and to preserve the delicate environment. The best time to visit is late spring through fall, as the water levels are generally lower and temperatures more favorable.
Utah