The Subway: early start paid off
Feb 5-5, 20262 people1 min read
E
Evan Carroway
1 reports
4.0
Difficulty
5
Scenery
4
Trail Conditions
3
Quick report from The Subway (Zion National Park). We went Left Fork approach with a quick weather check at dawn with a group of 2 and started around 5:10 AM.
Weather: Wind stayed light, which made the river sections easier to handle. Trail: Rock steps were stable, with a few muddy pockets by the creek. Water: Water depth changed by section but never forced a full stop.
We kept the permit handy and it saved time when someone asked to see it.
Nothing surprising, in a good way.
The part that surprised me was how much wind changed our pace.
Gear note: Keeping snacks and water accessible made the day smoother.
Wildlife: Saw mule deer on the drive in, nothing aggressive on trail.
Scorecard (out of 5): overall 4, difficulty 5, scenery 4, conditions 3.
Conditions at Time of Trip
Feb 2026Weather
Wind stayed light, which made the river sections easier to handle.
Trail
Rock steps were stable, with a few muddy pockets by the creek.
Water
Water depth changed by section but never forced a full stop.
Crowds
Crowded
💡Tips from the Trip
💡
General
- •Bring one extra liter if you are unsure about water.
- •Take photos of the permit and save them offline.
- •Carry a small trash bag. You will find micro-trash.
- •Poles help more than people admit on slick or steep exits.
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