The Subway route is a hike-canyoneering route in Zion National Park that needs little introduction.   People come from all over the world to do this and we were lucky enough to get a permit, then be informally guided down the route by our friend Deborah.   We were a party of 9 and we got an early start up to the Kolob Terrace, dropping off a shuttle vehicle at the endpoint.   We enjoyed the scenery on the drive up, but also along the Wildcat Canyon Trail, then the slickrock approaches in Russell Gulch.

There was a steep drop into the Left Fork where we put on our wetsuits, harnesses, and watershoes.  The next two hours was wading and swimming through cold water potholes, hiking down slots, downclimbing wet slopes and finding various ways past obstacles.   We had to rope up 3 times to rappel down drop-offs, including a 30 foot drop past Keystone Falls.

The Left Fork Canyon changes constantly and each section was unique.

At the end of the technical section of the canyon is the Subway, an amazing corridor or rock, water, and filtered light.

It is possible to hike upstream to this spot too, but all the fun is coming down to the Subway.

A series of step-waterfalls greeted us coming down the canyon.

The last part of this canyon is a long, rough trek hopping on boulders and weaving around obstacles.   Dinosaur tracks can be seen on mudstone slabs not far above the junction.   The trail climbs a steep sidehill to the terrace above, then winds through open forest to the parking area.   It is about 14km, but it takes 6 to 10 hours depending on conditions and the abilities of the adventurers.

This was a highlight of the year for us and one we would love to do again.   Our account here is brief because there are many sources of information on The Subway online.

• The Subway (Zion website)
• The Subway (NPS)
• A number of good videos can also be seen on You Tube