Saturday, October 29, 2016

Zion Subway

 

Along with the Narrows and Angels Landing, The Subway is one of the classic hikes in Zion National Park. We would be taking the “easy” route out and back from the bottom, but it can also be done from the top, a more challenging trek which requires rappelling and swimming. Because this is a long hike, around 9 miles round trip, and involves much rock scrambling, boulder hopping, and walking through a creek, I was a bit hesitant to go along, but decided I would give it a try. Jim opted out of this one, since he figured there were far too many opportunities to slip and fall.

We arrived by 8:45 and were surprised by the number of cars already in the parking lot. The hike requires a permit, and only 80 people per day are allowed in the canyon. Andre and Rose were kind enough to fill out the application online and pick up the permit the day before.

DSC06678

The trail begins off Kolob Terrace Road, technically called the Left Fork Trail, as it makes its way to the Left Fork Of North Creek deep in the heart of Great West Canyon. The first half mile or so is a gradual descent along an easy, sandy trail, then it takes an abrupt downward turn along rocky, steep switchbacks, rapidly descending 400-500’. We got lucky as it had rained the previous day, so the wet soil made our feet much less likely to slip out from under us. It was still a challenging descent, which we would have to repeat in the other direction about 7 hours later, something none of us were looking forward to.

Our group consisted of Mark and Bobbie, Andre and Rose, Maikel and Susan, Chris, and myself.

DSC06679

DSC06683

DSC06684

We would soon be down in the canyon,

DSC06685

after the steep, rough part of the trail.

DSC06686

DSC06687

It turned out to be a perfect day, sunny and mid 50s when we started out.

DSC06690

Once down to the creek, this is where the fun begins. There is not really an official trail, but in some places it was obvious where others had walked.

DSC06691

DSC06693

There were many obstacles where Susan and I kept saying “Oh, shit!”. She joked that if she had a blog, that would be her title for this hike.

DSC06694

The hike involves many, many crossings of the creek. We tried to keep our feet dry as long as possible by hopping on rocks, but my foot slipped off a rock early on and the water went over my boot, so I just gave up and walked through the stream a good bit after that.

DSC06698

DSC06697

DSC06700

DSC06703

Around the halfway point there is a giant boulder covered with dinosaur tracks. You could easily miss it depending on the route you pick.

DSC06707

DSC06710

DSC06713

DSC06715

DSC06717

DSC06720

Approaching the Subway there are some lovely tiered cascades.

DSC06722

DSC06723

There were ways around but I joined Susan and walked through the creek. Surprisingly it was not slippery if we avoided the green rock.

DSC06724

DSC06726

DSC06731

DSC06732

The canyon walls were becoming more rounded.

DSC06733

But don’t forget to look up.

DSC06735

One more obstacle to get around before reaching the Subway.

DSC06737

At this crack in the rock spewing out rushing water, you are almost there.

DSC06740

DSC06741

DSC06742

DSC06744

It really does sort of look like a subway tube.

DSC06748

DSC06750

DSC06751

DSC06758

A group of young people were having a great time sliding down the rock into a big pool. None of us had any interest in joining them, as not only was the water cold, the air was pretty chilly, too.

DSC06759

DSC06760

Hanging gardens on the canyon walls

DSC06767

The last two photos I took before the memory card was full.

DSC06763

What an amazing place!

DSC06765

After a leisurely lunch break and photo session we made our way back. It took us 3.5 hours to get to the Subway and 3 hours to return, a long day of hiking. I had pretty sore legs for the next couple of days . Mark told me the next time I do this it will seem easier, and although I am so glad I went, I think this will be a once-in-a-lifetime for me!

23 comments:

  1. WOW what a place and I had never heard of it before!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Wow, wow, wow....now that is a never-ending beauty of a hike. I can't image why your legs are sore...lol
    Susan sounds like a humorous person. I think her idea of a title would say it all.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Beautiful place. Your photos will be as close as I get!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Don't you hate it when your memory card is full?
    Thanks for letting me see the hike. It isn't one I will try.

    ReplyDelete
  5. What a really fabulous hike. I have to agree though, few things more slippery than wet rocks. Really love the dinosaur tracks and the "tube". Really amazing pictures. I don't think I'd do it unless I did it like you did with a big group of people. Sure does look like fun though.

    ReplyDelete
  6. This looks like one of those times it's the terrain more than the distance that gets to ya'. Still on my list.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I hope you checked the train schedule before going into the subway...:=)...
    Great pictures..as usual!
    Thanks,
    Upriverdavid

    ReplyDelete
  8. Now that is a trail I'd love to do. I can see why you'd be sore afterwards though! Very, very cool!

    ReplyDelete
  9. What a great hike! We've never been that far. One day!! Sometimes it is easier to just get wet:) Your photos are beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  10. One of those marathon hikes where the afterglow of soreness is worth it :). Everyone did great!!!
    mark

    ReplyDelete
  11. Looks like a beautiful hike, we are heading there sometime within the next year and will have to do this one!

    ReplyDelete
  12. A fabulous hike with of course fabulous pictures. There are so many factors that go into whether a hike is suitable for any given person. I agree though sore legs are a small price to pay for priceless memories. Your wonderful pictures will allow you to visit them over and over again.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Super cool hike, a must do for me in the future...

    ReplyDelete
  14. Glad you shared The Subway for us couch-potatoes to enjoy it vicariously, it's a great report on your awesome hike.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Those are some gnarly rocks! The terraced falls are beautiful, and the subway tube is magical! What a wonderful hike that I'll never do. Thank you for sharing a great day.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Nice, but that's another hike I won't be doing.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Really glad we got to do this hike with everyone. It was not on my radar because of the permit hassles but when it all materialized it was an unexpected surprise and finale to our stay in the Zion area.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks again for getting the permit. It was a fun group to hike with in such a spectacular location! Next time when you do it from the top down I won't be coming along :-)

      Delete
    2. Thanks again for getting the permit. It was a fun group to hike with in such a spectacular location! Next time when you do it from the top down I won't be coming along :-)

      Delete
  18. This sounds like a phenomenal hike! I would love to experience it just once. Your photos are wonderful.

    ReplyDelete