Desert Southwest - The Checklist Edition - The Subway - Zion National Park - September 2014

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The final part of the Subway route had now begun. Climbing a quite steep and un-switchbacked path up the right-hand side (western side) of the canyon of the Left Fork brought us to the rim, about four hundred feet of elevation above the creekbed. From here, a clear and smooth trail led through pine and juniper forest southwest-ward, mostly on the level. In another fifteen minutes or so, we arrived at the Left Fork Trailhead, and the end of our journey down the Subway Route.

To Trailhead

The only climb

Steep and Rough

courtesy RHanel

Left Fork

On the rim

Flat, easy path

Unnamed Crag

Basalt Boulders

Left Fork Trailhead

courtesy PChen

Left Fork Trailhead

So, after all of these years and many attempts at getting a permit, we finally managed to re-do the Subway. My thoughts? Definitely an excellent route, varied and interesting - except perhaps for the final couple of hours down the creekbed of the Left Fork. A bit too busy for my liking, but that is far outweighed by the interesting diversity and beauty of the place. Technically speaking, we didn't find it hard at all - although to be fair, conditions in the canyon were very good on this day.

Another checklist item achieved!

Interactive trackmap with photo points - The Subway - click map to view

Interactive trackmap with photo points - The Subway - click to view

The Subway Route - Hike Data

Start Time: 7:00a.m.

End Time: 5:07p.m.

Duration: 10h7m

Distance: 13.14 km (8.16 mi)

Average Speed: 1.3 km/hr (0.8 mph)

Start Elevation: 6940ft (2115m) *

Max Elevation: 6975ft (2126m) *

Min Elevation: 4712ft (1436m) *

End Elevation: 5093ft (1552m) *