Overview:
Hundreds of Zion addicts admit it was the "Subway" that permanently hooked them on Zion's backcountry landscape and the sport of canyoneering. "Subway" often serves as a leaping-off point for hikers making the transition from the safety of the front-country to the adventure and risks of backcountry travel. Although the "Subway" sees high traffic for a backcountry hike, make no mistake: this is a serious, remote route, worthy of thorough planning and a solid understanding of trip logistics. "Subway" hikers should own a map and compass and know how to use them in the backcountry. Verify your party has the correct equipment to manage the cold swims of the Subway and the equipment and skills necessary to negotiate the significant vertical drops along the way. A Canyon Adventure Day or One-Day Basic course can prepare most parties for a Subway descent.

*** 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. If you have two vehicles to provide your own shuttle, drop one vehicle at the well-marked Left Fork Trailhead, 8.1 miles north of Virgin, on the east side of the road. Next, pack everyone in the remaining vehicle and drive until the odometer reads 16.0 miles north of Virgin, near the posted Wildcat Canyon trailhead. If you do not have two vehicles, contact Zion Adventure Company to make shuttle arrangements.

Mileage: 9.5 miles (15.3 km), one-way (SHUTTLE REQUIRED)

Elevation Loss: 1600 feet (486 m)

Approximate Hike Time: 7 - 12 hours

Difficulty: Requires some physical endurance and high logistical awareness

Best Times of Day: Requires most of the day. Early departures (5am - 7am) avoid the crowds and find great light for photography.

Best Times of Year: Summer, when days are long and the cold water is warmest. Fall descents are reasonable with good equipment and planning.

Crowds: The Subway can seem very crowded at times, despite the limited number of permits. Leave early to find 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. To camp close to the trailhead, obtain a permit for the Northgate Peaks area, or car-camp for free at Lava Point.

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" descent, complete with maps and technical orientation.