Overview: This exit-trail for "Subway" through-hikers allows you to get a partial view of the classic slot canyon from the bottom-up. A series of gorgeous sandstone cascades and the famous "Subway" formation are the gems of this hike; to reach them, you must descend a steep, 450-foot slope and slog through 4.5 miles of North Creek. Canyoneering shoes help make this wet, slippery hike a more comfortable and carefree experience and save brutal wear on your hiking boots.

*** A permit from the ZNP Backcountry desk is required for this hike. Permits are limited to 50 people per day. Some reservations reservations are available on-line.****

Trailhead: From Springdale, drive west on SR 9 through Rockville and into Virgin (15 minutes). Just after the Zion River Resort, turn right on the Kolob Terrace road. Drive 8.1 miles north of Virgin to the well-marked Left Fork Trailhead on the east side of the road.

Mileage: 6.4 miles (10.3 km), round-trip

Elevation Gain: 175 feet (53 meters)

Approximate Hike Time: 4 - 6 hours, round-trip

Difficulty: Strenuous, with route-finding, bushwhacking, and wading

Best Times of Day: Early departures avoid boiling temperatures in the summer. Enjoy lunch and a nap at the cascades, then head out in late afternoon for an exit in partial shade. Spring hikers may want to hike in the heat of the day to balance the frigid, snow-melt waters.

Best Times of Year: Late spring and early autumn, when air temperatures are reasonable. Summer hikes are okay; leave early in the day and make use of the cold waters of North Creek to stay cool.

Crowds: The Subway can seem very crowded at times, despite the limited number of permits. Early departures usually earn some amount of solitude.

Water Sources: Spring-fed North Creek provides year-round water along the length of the trail. Water is not safe for drinking until purified.

Camping: Due to heavy use, camping is not permitted along the Subway route.

Don’t Miss:
- Dinosaur tracks walk across a tilted boulder on the north side of the creek, a few miles past the cascades.

- The famous "Subway," an incredible under-cut, tube-like tunnel sliced into the sandstone over millions of years by North Creek.

Special Notes:
- See Tom's Canyoneering for a detailed description of the "Subway" bottom-up route.