The Subway in Zion National Park

 My favorite rappel.

WOW!  What an experience!  The Subway hike in Zion National Park has been on my bucket list for many years and now it's completed - CHECK!! Double check!!  This hike was challenging, taking us novices 10 1/2 hours to complete.  It was thrilling, first time rappelling. (I rocked those rappels)  It involved swimming short distances in very cold water.  It was spectacular! scenery beyond amazing.  It was exhausting, about 11 miles of hiking including getting a little lost and backtracking.  Would I do it again?  Yes, if the right opportunity presents itself - yes!  There are basically two ways to hike the Subway, round trip from the Left Fork Trailhead (easier) or top down from the Wildcat Trailhead which involves rappelling and swimming.  Our group of five hiked top down from Wildcat Canyon leaving a shuttle car at the Left Fork parking area.  Both trails require a wilderness permit. Visit www.zionpermits.nps.gov  for more information.  We were lucky enough to draw out a last minute permit which we picked up at the Zion Park visitor center the day before we hiked.  Our hiking day October 25 was absolutely perfect!  Here are some pictures (wish I could have taken more) and a few tips for hiking the Subway.

One of only 2 or 3 trail signs, must rely on cairns to find trail.

Looking for trail

Canyon bottom

First rappel

Loved this slot canyon

Playing peek a boo!

Walking out of the Subway.

My super heroes!

Beautiful water

More beautiful water

Even more beautiful water!

The long trek out.

Dinosaur tracks 2.4 miles from Left Fork Trailhead.

Here are my tips for hiking the Subway in October.

#1. Be prepared!  Do a lot of research before hiking!  Know your ability and that of your hiking companions.
#2. Hit the trail early!  By 7 am.  We started hiking at 9:00 and we were rushed and didn't make it out before dark.  Carry headlamps!
#3.  Carry maps, GPS and reference material.  Zion Adventure Company sell a $5 Subway for dummies reference guide.
#4.  Wetsuits are a MUST!  Maybe not so much in summer months, but definitely during fall.
#5.  Neoprene water socks are also a MUST.  They help prevent blisters and keep feet comfortable.
#6.  Also take dry bags.  Not only do they keep your stuff dry, they were very helpful and buoyant on the deeper swims.
#7.  I didn't think the trail was very well marked so you will have to rely heavily on cairns.

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******Miles hiked tally

beginning March 22, 2013
Beginning of this Blog
386.5