The Subway

The Subway is one of the best kept secrets of Zion National Park. A little off the beaten path, but a hike that is a must see for any adventure seeking person out there. Hikers begin at the Wildcat trailhead and descend in to the slot canyon that is about 3 miles long.

Once in the slot canyon hikers are in and out of the Virgin river that cuts through this majestic landscape as you hike, swim, rappel, and climb through the subway. With majestic tunnels and lava tubes it is easy to see why this slot canyon was nicknamed the Subway. In one area of the hike it is not required to rappel down the wall but it may be safer and it adds to the sense of adventure this hike brings. Be sure to bring lots of fresh water as some of the water in the hike is stagnant and not safe for human consumption.

Hikers may start at either the Wildcat Canyon Trailhead or the Left Fork Creek trailhead. Although, it is recommended by Zion National park to start at Wildcat Canyon as it is a more natural decent into the slot canyon and the difficulty increases having to climb out of the slot canyon and having to avoid hikers coming down, instead of descending into the slot canyon.

During points of the hike, hikers are required to wade through the deep waters that fill the slot canyon. There are a couple points where hikers can swim through small lava tubes that come out the other side of the cliff wall. As you near the end of the slot canyon, the water is much more free flowing and cascades down the red rock adding to the natural beauty and wonder of the landscape.

A permit must be secured in order to hike the Subway. Permits must be purchased at least 3 months in advance. The price of a permit depends on the amount of hikers in your group. If there are 1-2 hikers in your group, the cost is $15, for groups of 3-7, the price is $20,and for groups of 8-12 the price is $25. Permits must be picked up in advance of your trip at a ZNP Visitor's Center. As you exit the Subway, exit on the Left Fork North Creek trail and as you reach the top a shuttle will be there to take you back to your car at the Wildcat Canyon trailhead.

This hike is definitely off the beaten path in Zion National Park but it is absolutely worth the long hike in and out of the slot canyon to see the breathtaking views only the Subway offers. Tourists come from all over the world to see Zion National park but mainly stick to the attractions offered within the main park. Come explore a natural wonder in one of the most unique parts of the world that few have seen with their own eyes!