The Subway, formally the Left Fork of North Creek, is a technically demanding slot canyon route in the Kolob Terrace section of Zion National Park in Washington County, Utah. The canyon takes its nickname from a long section where water-worn Navajo Sandstone walls curve inward overhead to form a cylindrical tube resembling a subway tunnel — one of the most distinctive geological formations in the park. Two separate routes access The Subway: the bottom-up route (9 miles round-trip from Left Fork Trailhead on Kolob Terrace Road) involves log-jam scrambles, cold-water wading, and sustained off-trail route-finding through boulder fields without requiring rappelling equipment. The top-down route (9.5 miles one-way from Wildcat Canyon Trailhead to Left Fork Trailhead) requires two short rappels of approximately 8 and 15 feet, a wetsuit or drysuit in most conditions, and a car shuttle between the two trailheads. Both routes require a permit obtained through the recreation.gov lottery system, and demand is extremely high — advance lottery applications for the following calendar year open in October. The signature cylindrical section of the canyon is approximately 3 miles from the top-down entry, where walls smooth out and arch overhead with a shallow stream flowing along the polished floor. Dinosaur tracks have been documented on rock surfaces in the canyon floor along the bottom-up route. The water flowing through The Subway remains cold (50–60°F) year-round; a wetsuit is essential in May and October and strongly recommended through September. The route is not suitable for children under approximately 12 years due to log jam climbs, sustained cold-water exposure, and technical off-trail navigation requirements.
Good to know
- Hours
- Permit lottery through recreation.gov; permits required year-round
- Best time
- May–October; water is cold and cold-water gear required early and late season
Location
Kolob Terrace Road, Zion National Park, Springdale, UT 84767
37.3661, -113.0983 View on map
Highlights
- Hike or canyoneer through the iconic cylindrical subway-tunnel slot canyon walls of the Left Fork of North Creek
- Spot Jurassic dinosaur tracks embedded in the canyon floor along the bottom-up hiking route
- Navigate log jam scrambles and cold-water wades through a remote Zion wilderness corridor
- Photograph smooth curved walls and arching ceiling where afternoon light streams into the slot canyon
- Complete the technical top-down route with two rappels for the full canyoneering experience
Tips for visiting
- Permits are required year-round; apply through the recreation.gov advance lottery (opens October) months before a planned visit
- A wetsuit is essential in spring and fall — water temperatures remain 50–55°F even in late summer
- The bottom-up route (9 miles round-trip) is less technical and ideal for experienced hikers without rappel gear
- Trekking poles help with stability on log jams and while wading the creek; they significantly reduce fall risk
- Start by 7 AM from Left Fork Trailhead — the full bottom-up route takes 7–9 hours for most hikers
- Use a waterproof dry sack for camera gear; the entire route involves repeated cold-water immersion
When to visit
May through October for the bottom-up route, with late September and October ideal for fewer crowds and stable weather. The top-down technical route is most popular May through June and September through October. Flash flood risk is highest during the July through August monsoon season — check National Weather Service forecasts before entering any slot canyon.
Accessibility
The Subway is not accessible for visitors with limited mobility or wheelchair users. The parking areas at both trailheads are paved, but the routes immediately enter rough off-trail terrain requiring scrambling, cold-water wading, and in the top-down case rope skills. The park recommends visitors honestly assess their physical fitness and technical experience before applying for a permit.
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Frequently asked questions
Is a permit required for The Subway in Zion?
Yes, a permit is required year-round for both the top-down and bottom-up routes. Permits are obtained through a lottery system at recreation.gov; the advance lottery for the following year opens each October and is highly competitive.
How difficult is The Subway hike?
The bottom-up route is rated moderate-strenuous: 9 miles with log jams, creek wading, and boulder scrambling requiring off-trail navigation. The top-down canyoneering route requires prior rappelling experience, wetsuit, and technical gear.
Is The Subway accessible to beginners?
The bottom-up route suits fit, experienced hikers comfortable with off-trail navigation and cold-water wading, but not true beginners. The top-down route requires prior canyoneering and rappelling experience and is not appropriate for inexperienced visitors.