The Subway Permit
Technical canyoneering through a tube-shaped slot canyon.
“Descend into a tube-shaped slot canyon carved by water over millions of years.”
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The Subway Quick Facts
- Permit Required
- Yes
- Booking Method
- Lottery
- Demand Level
- High
- Cost
- $5
- Daily Quota
- 80 permits
- Max Group Size
- 12 people
The Experience
Why It Matters
The Subway gets its name from its shape: a tubular canyon carved through Navajo sandstone by the Left Fork of North Creek. The walls curve overhead, striped with desert varnish. Pools of emerald water collect in the bottom. It looks like something from another planet. Only 80 people per day are allowed to protect this fragile environment.
The Route
The technical top-down route starts at Wildcat Canyon trailhead and involves rappelling and swimming through cold water. The bottom-up route is a strenuous hike without technical requirements but involves scrambling and route-finding. Both routes are about 9 miles round trip.
The technical route requires rappelling up to 30 feet, swimming through pools, and navigating slippery rock. Water temperatures stay cold year-round. The bottom-up route gains 2,000+ feet on the return and involves Class 3 scrambling.
The Feeling
You rappel into darkness, then the canyon opens into a chamber of curved stone. Light filters down from above. Your footsteps echo off walls polished smooth by ancient floods. When you reach the famous keyhole, you'll understand why people enter lotteries for years to be here.
Permit Details
When to Go
Conditions
Cold water. Flash flood risk. Variable weather.
Crowd Level
ModerateAdvantages
- +Fewer people
- +Good photography light
Challenges
- !Very cold water
- !Flash flood risk
- !Snow on approach possible
Difficulty Assessment
Fitness and endurance required
Climbing, scrambling, or specialized skills
Steep dropoffs and fall potential
Route finding and trail clarity
Difficulty of bailing out mid-route
Best For
Experienced canyoneers comfortable with rappelling, swimming, and route-finding.
Recommended Experience
Canyoneering experience required for top-down. Strong hiking skills for bottom-up.
Not Recommended For
Non-swimmers. Those uncomfortable with heights or cold water.
How to Get This Permit
Create a Recreation.gov account
Sign up at recreation.gov if you don't have an account. Verify your email and add payment info ahead of time.
If unsuccessful, monitor cancellations
Permits get cancelled daily. Peak cancellation times are 24-48 hours before the trip date.
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The Subway FAQ
How do I get a The Subway?
The Subway is obtained through a lottery system. Use PermitSnag to track availability and get notified when cancellations occur.
When is the best time to get a The Subway?
Check with the managing agency for current season dates. Weekdays generally have better availability than weekends.
How competitive is the The Subway?
This permit has a demand score of 8/10, making it highly competitive. We recommend having backup dates and using PermitSnag's cancellation alerts.
What happens if I can't get a The Subway?
Cancellations happen daily. Set up alerts with PermitSnag to get notified the moment a spot opens up. We check availability every few minutes, 24/7.
Photography Guide
Golden Hour
Midday provides best light in the canyon itself.
Best Light
Overcast days reduce harsh shadows in the narrow sections.
Beat the Crowds
Weekdays have fewer people. Start early to have the canyon to yourself.
Classic Shots
- 📍The tubular subway section
- 📍Emerald pools
- 📍The keyhole
- 📍Dinosaur tracks near the exit
Can't Get a The Subway Permit?
Consider these alternatives if your preferred dates aren't available.
The Subway Bottom-Up
Easier AlternativeSame canyon, no rappelling required. Still requires permit.
Tradeoffs
Miss some technical sections. Much harder return climb (2,000+ ft).
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