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The Subway (Bottom-Up) — photo 1
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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

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Updated Apr 19, 2026 — may be out of date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.

Trail Details

  • No dogs
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

Verify by phone or mail

  • Operator:435-772-3256
  • Address:Zion National Park, 1 Zion Park Blvd., State Route 9 · Springdale, UT · 84767
We display cached information from agency feeds. Hours, fees, permits, closures, fire restrictions, and conditions change without notice. Outdoors is not the permitting authority. Confirm current conditions for this trail using the links above before you go — you are responsible for compliance. Last verified by us: Aug 2, 2026. Spot an error in our data?

Best Seasons

SummerFall

Highlights

The Subway formationWaterfallsSwimming holesSlot canyon

Reviews

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OpenStreetMap

Hunt context

This trail crosses hunting units

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

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In this park

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Stay nearby

Campgrounds near this trail

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