Left Fork The Subway Zion National Park
An iconic slot canyon hike in Zion, featuring stunning sculpted walls and a challenging trek through a riverbed. Requires permits.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant temps, fewer crowds
Left Fork The Subway Zion National Park
Best Time
Pleasant temps, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An iconic slot canyon hike in Zion, featuring stunning sculpted walls and a challenging trek through a riverbed. Requires permits.
"This is one of the best hikes you will ever do! Definitely worth every moment."
Permit Lottery is Key
Apply months in advance for the lottery or try for same-day permits. :ticket:
Water Shoes are a Must
Essential for navigating the creek and protecting your feet. Rent them in Springdale. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Subway Slot Canyon
Main feature of the Left Fork Trail
Iconic tubelike formations carved by water, offering a unique and awe-inspiring natural spectacle.
River Hiking
Along North Creek
Traverse the creek bed, navigating water and rocks for an immersive canyon experience.
Steep Descents and Ascents
Trailhead areas
Challenging but rewarding climbs at the beginning and end of the bottom-up route.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Permits are Essential
Prepare for the Elements
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Permit Lottery is Key
Apply months in advance for the lottery or try for same-day permits. :ticket:
Water Shoes are a Must
Essential for navigating the creek and protecting your feet. Rent them in Springdale. :athletic_shoe:
Hydration is Critical
Carry at least 8 liters of water per person; you'll need it! :droplet:
Start Your Hike Early
Beat the heat and secure limited parking. Aim for sunrise! :sunrise:
Tips
from all over the internet
Permit Lottery is Key
Apply months in advance for the lottery or try for same-day permits. :ticket:
Water Shoes are a Must
Essential for navigating the creek and protecting your feet. Rent them in Springdale. :athletic_shoe:
Hydration is Critical
Carry at least 8 liters of water per person; you'll need it! :droplet:
Start Your Hike Early
Beat the heat and secure limited parking. Aim for sunrise! :sunrise:
Embrace Getting Wet
You will get wet, so wear quick-dry clothing or a swimsuit. :swimmer:
Navigation Aids Recommended
The trail is unmarked; a GPS device or map is helpful. :compass:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Subway hike is an unforgettable, challenging adventure with breathtaking scenery, though it demands significant preparation. Visitors rave about the unique slot canyon formations and the immersive river trekking experience. However, the strenuous nature, need for permits, and potential for extreme heat and water crossings are significant considerations.
"One of the best hikes you will ever do! Top-down is the only way to experience the full subway! Definitely worth every moment. Once you exit the subway and hike down the river, the hike becomes less enjoyable. Those who hike bottoms up to part of the subway have to do the river hike twice. I could not do it once.
Top-down consists of scrambling, rappelling, and swimming. Totally worth it!"
Ryan Hutchins
"It's a very unique and impressive hike.
It is hard; 9miles, +1500ft, took us 8 hours.
The trail is not clear, no blazes or sign, some places don't even have right or wrong path to walk to, you can slightly go around anytime which makes it harder to navigate and make it longer in total.
Walking through water could be easier to navigate and help to cool your body but also makes your feet heavy and water was freezing cold.
It gets pretty hot in the afternoon. We had 8L of water and ended with less than 500ml left.
The rock scrambling could be fun for some people but hard for some people.
This is not for everyone.
However, the views, especially the last one, is totally worthy to risk it all.
You need permit from visitor center. And permit station close earlier (5pm) than other departments. Go early to get your permit. We had to start at 10am to get the permit for the day and almost had no parking space.
The parking is limited even with permit. Try to start as early as you can to get a parking space and avoid afternoon heat."
Sin Jeon
"I absolutely loved this hike. I'd been trying to get a permit for a few years, and finally got one for May 2025. We took the bottom up route, as neither of us have canyoneering skills which is necessary for the top down route. The total hike took us about 10 hours total, but we are purposely slow (we both take tons of photos on our hikes). There is a small section that could be difficult for some people who do not like steep rocky declines, but other than that, it's mostly walking through the stream and some fun bouldering throughout the stream. There are also paths on both sides of the stream, which criss cross the stream often, if you prefer to not hike the whole way in the water (staying on the paths also keeps you in more shade than if you stay walking in the stream). You will not see many people on the trail, which was wonderful. You can rent water shoes and socks at the Zion Outfitters store right inside the main entrance to Zion NP. The entire hike is absolutely beautiful and photogenic. I would suggest you hike in your bathing suit (or bring it if you want, there's a spot right before the entrance to the subway where you can probably change out of sight) or in waterproof/resistant hiking clothes for the slot canyon section which can have waist deep water. Bring sunblock, bug spray, LOTS of water, and some snacks. This hike falls into the pefect hike category for me, so do it if you can!!"
Ashley Fountain
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Left Fork Trailhead is located off Kolob Terrace Road in Zion National Park. Access requires a permit and can be challenging. The road is unpaved in sections and may be unsuitable for low-clearance vehicles.
Parking at the Left Fork Trailhead is very limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis, even with a permit. Arriving early in the morning is highly recommended to secure a spot.
No, you cannot drive directly to The Subway. The hike begins at the Left Fork Trailhead and requires a significant trek through the canyon.
The most popular way to access The Subway is via the Left Fork Trailhead for the bottom-up hike. The top-down route is more technical and requires canyoneering skills.
Zion National Park does not offer a shuttle service directly to the Left Fork Trailhead. You will need your own vehicle to access it.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, a permit is absolutely required for hiking The Subway (Left Fork Trail). Permits are issued through a lottery system or limited same-day availability at the visitor center.
Permits can be obtained through the online lottery system at zionpermits.nps.gov or by visiting the Zion National Park Visitor Center for same-day permits. Apply well in advance.
Permit stations often close earlier than other park facilities, typically around 5 PM. It's best to confirm current hours when planning your visit.
Permit fees are generally nominal, covering administrative costs. Check the official Zion National Park website for the most up-to-date pricing information.
No, hiking The Subway without a permit is not allowed and can result in fines. Permits are essential for managing visitor impact on the fragile canyon environment.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The Subway hike is considered strenuous and challenging. It involves significant elevation changes, route finding, and extensive water crossings.
The bottom-up hike typically takes 6-10 hours, covering about 9-10 miles roundtrip. The top-down route is similar in distance but is a one-way technical canyoneering adventure. +1
Wear quick-drying clothing or a swimsuit, and sturdy water shoes with good traction. Bring layers for cooler temperatures, especially in the slot canyon.
The Subway hike is generally not recommended for young children due to its strenuous nature, water crossings, and potential for steep sections. Canyoneering skills are required for the top-down route.
Yes, safety concerns include flash floods, steep terrain, potential rockfall, and the need for navigation skills. Always check weather forecasts and be prepared.
🍽️ 🍎 Food & Dining
There are no dining facilities at the Left Fork Trailhead. You must bring all your own food and water for the hike. The nearest services are in Springdale.
Pack high-energy, non-perishable snacks and meals. Think trail mix, energy bars, sandwiches, and plenty of water.
There are no potable water sources on The Subway trail. You must carry all the water you will need for the entire hike.
📸 📸 Photography
The iconic curved walls of the slot canyon, the flowing creek, and the dramatic light filtering through the narrow openings offer incredible photographic potential.
A waterproof camera or a reliable phone with a waterproof case is highly recommended due to water crossings. A wide-angle lens can capture the grandeur of the slot canyon.
It can be challenging due to wet conditions, slippery rocks, and limited space. Be mindful of your surroundings and protect your gear.
Mid-morning to early afternoon often provides the best light as the sun is higher, illuminating the canyon walls. However, early morning or late afternoon can offer dramatic shadows.
Drone usage is restricted in Zion National Park. Check the NPS website for current regulations regarding drone operation.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
If you are determined to experience a taste of Zion's slot canyons with children, consider shorter, more accessible hikes like the Emerald Pools Trail or the Pa'rus Trail, which are more family-friendly and do not require permits. For older, adventurous teens, the bottom-up Subway hike might be manageable with careful planning and extra supervision.
💰 Budget Travelers
Packing your own food and water is essential, as there are no services along the trail. Renting specialized gear like water shoes can also add to the cost, so consider purchasing affordable options beforehand if you plan on frequent hiking. Carpooling with other travelers can help reduce fuel costs.
💑 Couples & Adventure Seekers
+2Consider tackling the hike together, supporting each other through the strenuous sections. The sense of accomplishment upon reaching the iconic Subway formations is immense. Remember to book permits well in advance to ensure your desired date.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Routes: Bottom-Up vs. Top-Down
The top-down route is a more challenging and technical adventure, typically undertaken by experienced canyoneers. This route starts from the Wildcat Canyon Trailhead and ends at the Left Fork Trailhead. It involves rappelling, scrambling, and swimming through slot canyons. This route offers a more complete and immersive canyoneering experience but requires specialized gear and expertise.
+1Both routes require a permit, and the bottom-up hike is often preferred by those without canyoneering experience. Regardless of the route, preparation for water, sun, and challenging terrain is paramount.
Permit System and Visitor Impact
This permit system is crucial for minimizing human impact on the canyon. Overcrowding can lead to trail erosion, disturbance of wildlife, and a diminished experience for visitors. By limiting the number of people allowed on the trail each day, the park aims to preserve the natural beauty and integrity of The Subway for future generations.
It's essential for all visitors to respect the permit requirements and understand the importance of Leave No Trace principles. This includes packing out everything you pack in, staying on designated trails where they exist, and minimizing your impact on the environment.
Essential Gear and Preparation
Beyond footwear and clothing, hydration is paramount. Carry a substantial amount of water – at least 8 liters per person is frequently recommended, as there are no water sources along the trail.
Finally, be prepared for variable weather conditions. While summer can be intensely hot, spring and fall can bring cooler temperatures, especially within the shaded slot canyon. Packing extra layers is a wise precaution. For those attempting the top-down route, specialized canyoneering gear such as ropes, harnesses, and helmets is required.
+1
Social
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