Canyoneer the Subway in Zion NP

Virgin, Utah

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Details

Distance

10 miles

Route Type

Point-to-Point

Description

Added by Taylor Glenn

The famous Subway in Zion NP is one of the most spectacular and rewarding canyoneering adventures in the world. Frigid water and a few rappels reward you with access to one of the most amazing canyons in the American West.

The Subway is located in the Great West Canyon area of Zion NP. You must obtain a permit form the Zion Backountry desk at park headquarters. It is one of the most popular backcountry adventures in Zion and can be very difficult to get permits during high season. The best time to go is Autumn and if you are lucky you can sometimes get a walk in permit. Visit the Zion NP website for more info on permits. https://zionpermits.nps.gov/

Canyoneering requires experience with ropes and rappelling. YOU MUST KNOW HOW TO SETUP A RAPPEL or you could wind up in a bad situation. This canyon is considered moderate on the canyoneering scale but the water is frigid and anything can happen in these canyons so it is crucial to be prepared and have a solid team for an outing like this. Because of the popularity of this canyon the anchors are fixed and usually in good shape but having backup webbing and anchor gear is a good idea.

The logistics of this adventure are fairly detailed so google "Canyoneering USA" and look through the site for the section on Zion and you will find a great description with maps. It requires a car shuttle.

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