Are dogs allowed on The Subway (Bottom-Up)?

No, dogs are not permitted on The Subway (Bottom-Up). This is typical in many national parks and wildlife refuges — check for a nearby dog-friendly alternative.

Do I need a permit to hike The Subway (Bottom-Up)?

Yes, The Subway (Bottom-Up) requires a permit. Wilderness permit required year-round for the Left Fork (Subway), including the bottom-up route. Apply through the issuing agency at https://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/thesubway.htm before your visit — many systems run lotteries with fixed application windows.

How difficult is The Subway (Bottom-Up)?

The Subway (Bottom-Up) is rated expert. It is 9.0 miles long with 1,499 feet of elevation gain. Difficulty ratings reflect a combination of distance, elevation gain, and terrain — your experience will depend on your fitness level and trail conditions.

What is the best season to hike The Subway (Bottom-Up)?

The Subway (Bottom-Up) is best hiked in summer and fall. Conditions vary year to year — check the trail status and weather forecast before your visit.

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ExpertOut and Back

Zion National Park/Utah

The Subway (Bottom-Up)

Virgin, Utah

9.0 mi

Distance

1,499 ft

Elev. Gain

3h 55m

Est. Time

Out & Back

Route Type

Expert

Difficulty

About This Trail

Imported description

Technical canyoneering route through the Left Fork of North Creek featuring the famous tube-shaped Subway formation. Requires swimming through cold pools and some climbing.

Trail Conditions

Open

Updated Apr 19, 2026 — may be out of date

No recent condition reports. Be the first to share what you see on the trail.

Hazards & Warnings

Wildlife encountersChanging weatherTechnical terrainRoute finding requiredRemote location

Trail Details

No dogs
Kid-friendly

Route Type: Out & Back
Surface: Mixed Surface

Permit required

Apply through the issuing agency. Many systems run seasonal lotteries or fixed application windows — confirm current dates on the agency page.

Wilderness permit required year-round for the Left Fork (Subway), including the bottom-up route.

Get permit

Official sources & verification

Managed by National Park Service

Verify before you go

Reserve or permit

Apply for permit
Required permit application for this trail. Many systems run seasonal lotteries or fixed application windows — confirm current dates here.

Source of truth

National Park Service unit page
Alerts, conditions, and the unit's plan-your-visit page.

Verify by phone or mail

Operator:435-772-3256
Address:Zion National Park, 1 Zion Park Blvd., State Route 9 · Springdale, UT · 84767

Best Seasons

Summer Fall

Highlights

The Subway formationWaterfallsSwimming holesSlot canyon

Reviews

No reviews yet

Be the first to share your experience and help others plan their visit.

OpenStreetMap

Hunt context

This trail crosses hunting units

During hunting seasons, wear blaze orange and check regulations — see the Utah hunting page

The Subway (Bottom-Up)

About This Trail

Trail Conditions

Trail Conditions

Hazards & Warnings

Trail Details

Best Seasons

Highlights

Reviews

No reviews yet

This trail crosses hunting units

Nearby Trails

Wildcat Canyon Trail

Northgate Peaks via Kolob Terrace

South Guardian Angel via Kolob Terrace

Wildcat Canyon Connector Trail

Hop Valley and Kolob Arch Trail

Grapevine Trail to Grapevine Spring

Other trails in Zion National Park

Angels Landing

Observation Point Trail

Canyon Overlook Trail

The Zion Narrows Riverside Walk

The Watchman Trail

Zion Canyon Overlook Trail

Campgrounds near this trail

Lambs Knoll Campground

Zion Wright Family Ranch

Lava Point Campground

The Virgin River Narrows Campsites 1-12 (Backcountry Wilderness Designated Sites)

Guacamole Trailhead Camping

Mesa Road - Zion Views Dispersed Campsite

Similar trails in Utah

Angels Landing

Fairyland Loop Trail

Devils Garden Primitive Loop

Lake Blanche Trail

Bells Canyon Trail to Lower Falls

Mount Olympus Trail