The Subway (Bottom-Up from Left Fork Trailhead)(edit)

based on 366 tracks & routes | |

DIFFICULT

#3 hike out of 114 in Zion National Park |

DIFFICULT

10.3 mi

Distance

4 hrs 38 min

Time

1,257 ft

Elev Gain

Overview

This out and back trail in Zion National Park is rated difficult. The trail begins on a forested mesa but soon descends steeply into the Left Fork of North Creek. The fairly easy to follow trail crosses the creek numerous times as it wanders up to the Subway. The trail can be slippery at times, has plenty of boulders and trees to climb over and (depending on the time of year) can have deep water. A Zion backcountry permit is required for this trail. The deep, shady nature of the canyon along with the crystal waters of North Creek make this hike an all time favorite during the warmer months of the year in Zion!

Getting Started

First time visitors to Zion may not realize that there is a whole section of the park to the west, stretching all the way to I-15. For this hike, you will turn off of Highway 9 onto North Kolob Terrace road, located on the east side of Virgin, Utah. Once turning left off of Highway 9, you will drive uphill approximately 8 miles to the Left Fork Trailhead which will be on your right. The trail begins to the left of the restroom located in the parking lot.

Taking Children

Due to the length of the hike, the large boulders and trees to cross and the long, uphill climb at the end, this trail is not a great one for children under 10. We rate the Subway an 8 for kids. While they may have a great time getting to the Subway, the long return trip can distract from the fun. Make sure your kids love hiking if you plan on taking them to the Subway and back!

Sights to See

Rate this Hike

★★★★★

mikosz 7 months ago

So first of all I had an absolutely great time. I really wish the people who scored it 1 star would leave a comment as to why. It took us about 6h40m and I guess we were rather quick, however we also had two fairly long stops for food, drink and photos. I drank around 3 litres of water and used a UV filter. You get to meet some other hikers, but quite rarely, you’re mainly going on your own. It’s tricky, yes, mainly because it’s a wilderness trail, so you have to figure out some stuff for yourself, e.g. whether to cross the creek, which path to choose, whether you should scramble over some boulders or find a way around and so on. But this makes it stimulating and so much more exciting than going by a well marked path. We bought used neoprene socks at that adventure place in Springdale and that was definitely the right call clothing-wise. We rarely had water above their level and it was certainly very cold, so while these long water pants-boots would have been overkill and a problem during the rest of the trail, our feet would have definitely went numb without them. We didn’t have sticks, which made it harder at the very last portion of the trail, which is the subway itself, while probably making it easier scrambling over boulders. The Subway itself is quite short, you get to a tunnel at the last few hundred yards of the way, then if you manage to get over a waterfall there’s an even narrower one - apparently this is not doable even with sticks as there’s no ground to be found. Can’t confirm it as we stopped about ten yards short of it as without sticks the water was getting a bit too treacherous to navigate. The last portion- which is climbing up the steep hill you start off from I found just a tad harder than Angels landing. Quite steep and long, but I don’t get how some say them find themselves off the trail. It was quite easy to follow when we did it. As a last warning, make sure you look where you step and put your hands. I very nearly grabbed a snake that I think might have been a viper, which after I pulled back just carried on with its day. Enjoy it, it’s quite hard, but really enjoyable and not one you’ll easily forget.

★ ★ ★ ★

Suslovesparks 2 years, 4 months ago

This hike is epic! It’s hard, yes, but anything worth doing is hard. There were very few people along the trail. The waterfalls are beautiful. The subway was amazing. Pools everywhere, filled with ice cold water. What fun! We made it to see the waterfall at the end. Yay me!

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Kim 3 years, 9 months ago

The Subway from the bottom up is a wonderful journey any time of the year. While I wouldn't go in snow, it is definitely worth going during warm winter days as you can have the entire canyon (almost) to yourself! The "trail" is rough going as it crosses the creek, boulders and trees numerous times. In addition, you must be prepared for a long climb back up to the trailhead at the end of the day! The canyon itself is gorgeous as are the crystal clear waters of North Creek. I carried a UV Filter water bottle so that I could drink whenever I felt like it without the burden of heavy water bottles. This hike is a must do for the intrepid!

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

cougblue 5 years, 4 months ago

This is a great hike! The software makes it super nice to find your way out. I had heard stories of hikers missing the trial up out of the canyon. I used the software to easily identify the way out. The hike is amazaing! So much water and beauty. I would do again, but not for awhile - I was tired by the time I got out. I packed water, but also had a filter - I drank at least 3 liters of water on the hike.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

markv 5 years, 5 months ago

This was a hike that was brutal from start to finish. Started at the rim of the canyon at 9:00 am and came out about 5:00 pm. You can judge that comment as it came from a 62 year old male who discovered he ain’t as young as he used to be. You basically get to the river and make your own way in and back, scrambling over boulders and crossing the river more times than you could remember. Would I do it again? ABSOLUTELY YES! I couldn’t walk well for two days but now I know I need to work on the legs before anything like this hike again. Do not get caught down there if rain is in the forecast or you could be looking for a high perch to wait out the rush of water. Feeling adventurous, go for it!

★ ★ ★ ★ ★