The Subway permit day: trail was better than expected
Jan 30-30, 20263 people1 min read
M
Maja Eriksen
1 reports
5.0
Difficulty
4
Scenery
4
Trail Conditions
5
The Subway: blunt notes
Do not overthink it, but do not wing the basics either.
Route: Out-and-back through Left Fork from Wildcat Canyon side. Start: 6:00 AM. Crowds: light.
Weather and trail: Cool morning air helped us move fast before the canyon warmed up. Route finding was straightforward if we stayed on cairns and creek turns.
Water: Water was running and cold, so we packed extra socks for the exit.
Best advice: Do not trust parking to work out at the last minute.
Mistake I see a lot: people start late and then rush the exit.
Ratings: overall 5/5, difficulty 4/5, scenery 4/5, conditions 5/5.
Tips
- Have a turnaround time before you get committed to the hardest section.
- Pack a dry layer even if the forecast looks perfect.
- Carry a small trash bag. You will find micro-trash.
- Do not trust parking to work out at the last minute.
Conditions at Time of Trip
Jan 2026Weather
Cool morning air helped us move fast before the canyon warmed up.
Trail
Route finding was straightforward if we stayed on cairns and creek turns.
Water
Water was running and cold, so we packed extra socks for the exit.
Crowds
Light
💡Tips from the Trip
💡
General
- •Have a turnaround time before you get committed to the hardest section.
- •Pack a dry layer even if the forecast looks perfect.
- •Carry a small trash bag. You will find micro-trash.
- •Do not trust parking to work out at the last minute.
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