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Do I need a permit to descend The Subway?

Yes. You need a permit to descend The Subway in Zion National Park, and it is awarded by lottery rather than first come, first served. The permit is the The Subway Permit.

Lottery permit

What the The Subway permit costs and covers

Fee
$6 application + $10/person
Group size limit
12 people
Applications open
Quarterly: February 1, May 1, August 1, November 1
Applications close
The 25th of the opening month
Results
Two days after the lottery closes
Season starts
Year-round

What the rules require

  • Wilderness permit required year-round for all trips (top-down or bottom-up)
  • Group size limited to 12 people
  • Groups may not split into multiple trips to exceed the 12-person daily limit
  • Commercial guiding prohibited—groups must be self-reliant
  • Human waste must be packed out (WAG bags required)
  • No pets permitted

Published rules for the The Subway Permit, quoted as written.

Getting one

Lottery winners cancel and miss payment deadlines, and those dates go back into the booking system through the season. PermitSnag watches The Subway Permit and sends you an alert the moment one reappears.

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Common questions about the The Subway permit

Do I need a permit to descend The Subway?

Yes. You need a permit to descend The Subway in Zion National Park, and it is awarded by lottery rather than first come, first served. The permit is the The Subway Permit.

How much does a The Subway permit cost?

$6 application + $10/person.

When can I apply for a The Subway permit?

The application window opens Quarterly: February 1, May 1, August 1, November 1. It closes The 25th of the opening month. Results: Two days after the lottery closes.

How many people can be on one The Subway permit?

12 people.

When is the The Subway permit season?

Season starts: Year-round.

What if I lose the The Subway lottery?

Lottery winners cancel and miss payment deadlines, and those dates return to the booking system through the season. PermitSnag watches The Subway Permit for those cancellations and sends an alert when one appears.