The Subway - Bottom Up
Virgin, Utah
Details
Distance
6.82 miles
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
Added by Lindsay Daniels
See Zion's famous Subway feature and cool off by walking in the river for most of this hike. There's also an opportunity to swim in the pools above the Subway. This is the non-technical part of the Subway. Make sure you have a permit.
Start your day early at the Left Fork Trailhead on Kolob Terrace Road from the town of Virgin outside Zion National Park. This 6.5 mile out and back hike will take you to one of the most beautiful features in Zion National Park: The Subway. You'll start with a steep descent into the canyon. This will also be your exit, so make sure to orient yourself once you're in the canyon and remember where you came from. It can be easy to miss on the way out!
Don't be afraid to get wet! This hike is meant to be through the river, so make sure to wear the appropriate clothing/footwear. Along the way, wander a bit off trail to see dinosaur tracks (37°17.986 N, 113°04.207 W). Right before you reach the Subway, you'll reach beautiful cascades where many photographers stop to take photos. A little further up the trail is where a band of water shoots through slick sandstone. Just around the corner from the slots of rushing water is the Subway. Be careful in this area as it is really slippery! Meander your way up above the subway and look down into the curved canyon walls. When the sun is high, the light bounces off these walls and creates an amazing orange glow. Go further up the canyon to reach a waterfall and some deeper pools to take a dip.
After you've cooled off and enjoyed the beauty of the Subway, head back the way you came.
Be aware of flash floods possibilities and talk to park rangers about any potential dangers.
To obtain a permit, go to Zion National Park's website and apply for one. You'll have to pick up the permit in the park the day before your hike, so plan ahead.
Remember, this is an all day hike, so start early!
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Reviews
I made the zion subway hike in mid October. The weather was warm and clear that day, making it quite warm on the hike in. The subway itself is slightly cooler than the rest of the bottom up hike. With a little wind chill that comes down into the natural tunnel and it remains in the shade almost 100% of the time. If you plan on doing the bottom up hike in the fall I'd simply recommend being prepared for a warm hike and have some kind of wet or dry suit to keep warm while visiting the subway itself. The hike itself I feel is over exaggerated as being very rough. I thought it was extremely smooth, and quite relaxing .There isn't much of a trail so you'll waid up stream most of the bottom up hike, but it's not strenuous (in my opinion ) it's fairly flat the whole way with the exception of the first part of the hike; Which is a large set of switchbacks that go down several hundred feet. You will need to go back up these switchbacks when returning, which is the only hard part of the bottom up hike.
5.0
There are other hikes you can add unto with proper permits as well, like 'das boot, that adds to the excitement. Neoprene socks is all you really need during the hot summer if you're fit. Older folks, recommend a suit, I would. And if you're brave enough there's an underwater tunnel pothole at the subway! Have the proper canyoneering experience, of course. Be safe. Go Utes! 🙌🏽
5.0
This is without doubt one of my favorite hikes for several reasons. First of all, the fact that they hike goes stream up a is beautiful and fun, because you have to cross the water quite sometime. Second, the subway at the end is just mystical and magical in its appearance. The colors of the stone are beautiful. Last but not least, the hike is quite challenging and requires some fitness and hiking experience (simple navigation for example). The only sad thing is, that you campt go into the actually Subway deeply without getting soaked, wetsuit is required.
5.0
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