The Subway Introduce
Located in the heart of Zion National Park, The Subway is a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. This iconic hike offers a unique blend of adventure and scenic beauty, making it a favorite among hikers. The trail is known for its striking rock formations, narrow canyons, and the unforgettable "subway" section that resembles a tunnel carved by nature.
To embark on this adventure, you’ll need a permit, which can be obtained through a lottery system or by checking for last-minute availability. The hike is moderately challenging, with a steep descent and ascent at the beginning and end. However, the effort is well worth it once you reach the breathtaking views of The Subway. The trail is less crowded, offering a serene and immersive experience in nature.
Here’s what makes The Subway special:
- Scenic Beauty: The trail features stunning rock formations, narrow canyons, and the iconic "subway" section that is a photographer’s dream.
- Moderate Challenge: While not overly difficult, the hike requires some physical effort, making it a rewarding experience for hikers of all levels.
- Serene Environment: With fewer hikers on the trail, you can enjoy the peace and tranquility of nature.
Customer feedback highlights the unforgettable experience of hiking The Subway. Many hikers recommend packing appropriately, including extra layers, food, and water, as the weather can change quickly. The hike typically takes around 7 hours, but taking your time to enjoy the views is highly encouraged.
If you’re planning a trip to Zion National Park, don’t miss the chance to explore The Subway. It’s an adventure that will leave you with lasting memories and a deep appreciation for the beauty of the outdoors.
Location
Customer Reviews
Doing "The Subway" hike is a must if you are in Zion and love the outdoors. You do need a permit to do this so make sure you have one. We did not win the lottery, but we were able to get a pass the day before since they had some available. We are not "avid hikers" but we are in decent shape. For us the hike was not too difficult, but it does take some work since we had to climb over some large rocks. The descent/ascent at the beginning/end (bottom up hike) was by far the most strenuous part of the hike. It is around 400ft at around 0.5miles long. Just take your time and everything will be fine. Once you get to "The Subway" portion, the views are incredible. We went in the middle of October, and it got very chilly in "The Subway" (around 50 degrees F). Thankfully we brought extra layers to deal with the cold. It took us around 7hrs to do this hike, but we were pretty slow going to make sure we took in all the views. On the way back we also found a nice large rock to sit on and eat lunch. If you do this hike, make you you pack accordingly. We only saw around 8 people in a 7 hour hike, so there may not be many people to help you if needed. Bring plenty of food and water, and extra layers depending on the season you go. If you can get a permit, this is a definite hike that must be done.
You will need a permit, and you should check in with the park ranger to learn about the trail and the weather in the day you are hiking. It is the unforgettable view at the subway.
I’d recommend starting early. The drive at sunrise is pretty awesome. Plus you’ll be hiking in the shade most of the time. The descend hike is about 3/4 a mile. So that’s really the hardest part climbing back. Hike along the creek is flat with a few boulder climb. As a solo hiker, it took me 4 hours round trip. Restroom at the trailhead. Go early to the visitor center when picking up the permit. It’s very hard to find parking. Good luck!
Just a phenomenal hike. Due to boulders and debris forcing one to cross the river a lot, you'll rack up a lot more miles than what AllTrails will suggest so plan more time if you're hiking bottom up.... but the views are definitely worth it. I took two of my kids and that's hands down their favorite hike we've ever done.
It is a challenging and stunning hike. The Subway is so unique. A Zion Park treasure.
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