Guide To Hiking and Photographing the Subway in Zion National Park
What is “The Subway” in Zion?
The Subway is located in the backcountry of Zion National Park. It is an extraordinary slot canyon that gets its name because of its resemblence to an underground subway tunnel. Carved by erosion this geological marvel features narrow passages and mesmerizing pools reflecting intricate rock textures and colors. The Subway in Zion is an amazing place for landscape photography and outdoor lovers!
Getting Subway Permits
Due to the popularity of The Subway, access is tightly controlled through a permit system. Permits can be obtained through advance lotteries, reservations, or last-minute drawings, depending on the time of year. It's crucial to plan ahead and secure permits well in advance, especially during peak seasons. The Zion National Park website has information on obtaining permits for The Subway in Zion. You will also need to arrive one day in advance of your permit for hiking The Subway so plan in advance.
Finding the Trailhead and Hiking to The Subway
To get to the trailhead for The Subway it is about a 35 minute drive from the Visitor Center in Zion National Park. The trail head is called Left Fork Trailhead and can easily be found on Google or Apple Maps. The road there is paved and there is a dirt parking lot but it is easily accessible for any vehicle. Make sure to leave your parking pass for the hike on your dashboard before hiking in.
The hike to this iconic destination is a strenuous 9-mile round trip, with an elevation gain of approximately 1,000 feet. The trail crosses the Left Fork of North Creek numerous times. You will be required to navigate over boulders and through shallow waters. Because you need to cross water it is helpful to have water shoes or old shoes that you can get wet. If you take off shoes every time you cross you likely won’t make it to The Subway and out within a day. The hike begins going down a steep hill which on the way in is easy, however you will need to climb this hill at the very end of your hike and it is the hardest part especially in warmer months so save energy and water. Another important thing to note about The Subway in Zion is that the water in the creek is NOT DRINKABLE! It has cyanobacteria and it is very harmful to drink it so bring plenty of water for the hike.
I used the AllTrails app to help navigate on this hike. The Park Rangers told me multiple times not to rely on the AllTrails app for this hike as many people got lost and it would be stupid and dangerous. They were very against using AllTrails. However, I used the directions on the app and it worked just find and I had zero issues at all. I think the park just wants people to be well prepared, but as long as your phone is charged and you have the offline maps you will be fine.
Photographic Opportunities Along the Way to The Subway
While The Subway is undoubtedly the main attraction, the hike itself offers a wealth of photographic opportunities. Along the way, you will see Archangel Falls, a series of cascading waterfalls that provide stunning compositions. The Crack is another unique geological feature, it is a narrow chute carved into the ground with water flowing through it. It offers some unique abstract photography opportunities.
Tips for Photographing The Subway in Zion
When I first laid eyes on The Subway I was amazed at the view. The photos of this iconic location are stunning but don’t do it justice. The subway was a stunning tubular canyon filled with vibrant hues of red, orange, and green. The clear, turquoise pools were a sight to see in their own regard as well!
Use a wide-angle lens to capture the grandeur and scale of The Subway canyon.
Hike in early and arrive around 10 a.m. to get the best glow of the sun in The Subway.
Bring a tripod to allow for longer exposures, it will be darker in The Subway so this will help keeping your ISO setting low and also can help smooth out the water's movement.
Use a polarizer filter to reduce glare on wet surfaces and enhance the colors and contrast of the rocks and pools.
Consider including people in your compositions to provide a sense of scale.
Be careful with your gear and yourself when hiking around in The Subway because it can be slippery!
The Subway in Zion | Conlusion
The Subway is a true gem in Zion National Park, offering a fun adventure and stunning photographic opportunity. With proper planning, preparation, and respect for the environment, this iconic destination promises to leave a lasting impression on every visitor's heart and camera.
Photograph taken in Zion National Park, Utah
