The Zion Subway - The most beautiful canyon in Zion?

The Zion Subway - The most beautiful canyon in Zion?
Clint's take on our trip:
• ZION Subway will Blow ...
Clint's channel:
/ thenotlostnomad
Nick's channel:
/ @nclegg
Ah, the Zion Subway. You've seen the pictures. You may have it on a bucket list. It is one of my absolute favorite areas in Zion National Park.
There are two ways to experience the Zion Subway - You can hike in from the bottom, or take a technical canyoneering route from the top. I'll put out a video explaining the bottom up route since I realize that there are many more hikers than canyoneers. But for this trip, and my previous trips, I went top down.
There is a reason for this. From the top down route, you start up near Lava Point at the Wildcat trailhead. You soon break off from this and follow the mostly unmarked Subway route. And the route is absolutely beautiful. It switches between pine forests and slick rock, with incredible views of Zion National Park below.
Eventually you come to the Left Fork and face a steep climb down into the Subway. You can also rappel into hear (Russel Gulch), but having lesser experience canyoneers along, we opted for the easier route. Soon, you come up to a junction with the Left Fork itself. To your left is Das Boot, another technical route. To the right is the Subway route. Immediately you come to the first rappel, which can, under normal conditions, be downclimbed by experienced canyoneers. But for most of us, this is where the harness gets broken out.
Then you're in it. The canyon is absolutely gorgeous at this point. Alternating between swims, obstacles and creek walking. Sooner than you want, you'll come to another rappel just upstream of Keyhole Falls. This is my favorite section. There is a beatiful slotted up section after the rappel, complete with all sorts of strange formations in the rocks carved out by thousands of years of water flow.
Then, you round the corner and you are in the Zion Subway....upper? I'm not sure what you call this. The Zion Subway is named after the short section that is rounded out like a subway tunnel. Most people refer to the area just after the last rappel as the subway. But just above the rappel, the area is even more subway shaped. And then there is the North Pole, and iconic log jammed into the rock in the middle of the canyon. It is deeply embeded into one of the distinctive rounded holes in the rock or it would stand no chance of surviving the many flash floods through the canyon. And yet, there it sits, year after year.
Shortly after this, you reach Keyhole Falls. This is where you rappel down to the area where the bottom up hikers turn around. The picturesque Zion Subway section. Take your pictures, eat your snacks and enjoy the area. It's a truly incredible place.
Soon enough it's time to hike to the exit, about 3.5 miles downstream. The beginning of this section is amazing, with multiple waterfalls and a red rock streambed. I'm always surprised that no one talks about this area.
After that, you're faced with miles of creek walking. It's pretty enough, but it gets old after a while. Finally, you have a 400' climb out of the canyon and back to your vehicle.
The Zion Subway. I love this canyon and already can't wait to go back.
Music by Epidemic Sound:
We Are Giants - Silver Maple
Love for the Ocean - Martin Hall
Rabbid - Tigerblood Jewel
Breathe In, Breathe Out - Mattias Tell
In Our Hands - Ten Towers
Tired of You Being Tired of Me - Chester Malone
Crosscountry - Margareta

[@rossmeldrum3346]

I love places like this, where it can make you feel like you're the last man on earth and you have it all to yourself. At 67 it makes me wish I was at least 45 years younger again.

[@JerryArizona]

I hear you. I keep getting older....encourages me to get out every second while I can.

[@elizabethwalch7012]

You can still do this. I'm 66 and I'll be hiking bottom up in October.

[@antigonish63]

The boulder @ 5:15 and the tree @ 6:30 show the power that sometimes visits the canyon. Thanks for making the vid for all of us who can never make the trip.

[@annalynnzinnph.d.5337]

My gosh! Some people are just straight-up braver than others! I would never do what these folks are doing, so I appreciate getting to see these places due to their adventurous spirits.

[@GM-qq1wi]

They're literally just walking around a canyon

[@JerryArizona]

We all have varying degrees of what scares us. I love canyoneering but think rock climbers are crazy. Subway’s pretty mellow for a technical canyon though. Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@tnt3171]

You guys found a piece of heaven! But the path to this paradise was not easy! Thanks for showing your awesome journey!

[@jcam783]

The only thing better then watching this is actually being there . Wow ! What a beautiful place to go see , photograph , and record . I really enjoyed this .Thank you all for sharing this adventure.

[@Mr53000]

Dude, that was delightful. I wish I could have been on every inch of that hike so bad. Keep on keepin' on.

[@m.goedeker7381]

We just did the Sion, narrows hike today. About 7 miles. Not the whole thing but man was it awesome. If you do this, go in the morning. At 10am the crowds start to run the place in a frenzy.

[@JerryArizona]

Ropes, backpacks and early morning starts are the key to avoiding crowds in Zion.

[@jerryphillips7330]

Good to see Tina on your adventures again. Hope she is doing okay after her medical emergency. This hike looks a little too technical for me but it is so beautiful in the subway.

[@JerryArizona]

I was glad she decided to go on this trip. Great time, good people and a beautiful canyon. The top down route definitely requires gear and experience on rope, but you can also hike from the bottom up to the subway area right at the last rappel.

[@edwardhanson3664]

Hiked in Zion in 1971. To this day never heard of The Subway. Truly amazing. A geology student's dream.

[@JerryArizona]

There is so much in Zion to explore. Been there so many times and have barely scratched the surface.

[@austinham9495]

Did this in 2010. Me, my dad, uncle, cousin and two strangers. One of the best days of my life. Did Mystery Canyon a day or two later. Best trip ever. Hope to take my girls there someday

[@JerryArizona]

Hope you get to. Such a great place. I need to do Mystery one of these days.

[@steveogle3679]

The light , shapes and sounds. Really beautiful. Heaven is here.

[@JerryArizona]

Zion continues to blow my mind, no matter how many times I go there.

[@tamtolam]

Thanks for sharing. It looks amazing. Glad to see more people in this hiking.

[@samsonitte]

I was fortunate to have hiked this in my teen years, still stands out as one of the best hikes of all time. Thanks for such a stunning video, very well made!

[@JerryArizona]

Thanks! I've been lucky enough to go here several times, and it never ceases to amaze. All of Zion, actually.

[@shawtyjs]

Thanks for showing a beautiful hike in the subway. I'm adding this to my bucket list.

[@chiaoming]

Thanks for posting this video! Love you guys.

[@anthonyrenaud5783]

What an amazing hike. The landscape was amazing. Great camera work!!!

[@JerryArizona]

Thank you! The scenery did most of the work for me.

[@Summitclym]

I’ve done Subway top down several times in the last 10 years but have never seen it this dry.

[@JerryArizona]

This was my third time. Seemed to be about the same to me, but I'm not sure. I know sometimes you can swim under the opening at the second rappel, but it's been above water every time I was there.

[@ecka4x4]

I've seen the trip top down before through Subway, but you guys take it to another level, especially with the outtakes that show all the banter between you all. Love it!

[@pigafettalyon1270]

Thanks so much for the footage of your trip. My American friends from SD took me on precisely the same itinerary in 2015, giving me the same relaxed company that you give each other. I even had the chance to admire the dinosaur footprints at the exit of the canyon! Life wasn't easy for me then, and hasn't been since, so this exceptional experience gave me a welcome break. I cherish the memory. Cheers from France.

[@lewisreed8415]

SD card

[@sandyworkman3025]

Love the Indiana Jones rock jammed between the canyons. Hugh. I think I found my next hike, 😎 so beautiful.

[@JerryArizona]

I have another video on this; it's not a hike doing the top down route. There are 3 rappels (usually). So you need the gear to get through. It's fairly easy from a technical canyon perspective, but it is still a technical canyon. You can hike from the bottom up and not have any rappels, but you miss everything past Keyhole Falls. I also just saw that the area is on fire again, which is really sad. Hopefully there isn't much damage.

[@jesikaanthonym.6680]

A nice place and nature view. Fresh Great. It's a song for You

[@gc641]

Cool. I took the bottom route

[@debc7765]

AMAZINGLY GORGEOUS VIDEO!!! And I'm so happy to see Tina back out there and building back her strength. Keep on truckin' sister!

[@JerryArizona]

Thank you. Zion always makes it easy on me when it comes to filming. And Tina got a trial by fire this trip. Two canyons and about 24 miles. Good way to get back at it.

[@Tupunaforever]

Beautiful spot....thankyou

[@channelmixer]

Just stunning, thanks for uploading this.

[@JerryArizona]

Thanks!

[@metalgurl87m98]

So beautiful

[@byulthree]

자연이 만든 놀라운 풍경 잘 봤습니다. 감사합니다.

[@JerryArizona]

감사합니다! (Hopefully Google Translate didn't let me down there....)

[@hey_brandon]

i remember going to zion with my scout group nearly 15 years ago... i've been wanting to go back, unforgettable experience.

[@JerryArizona]

It's absolutely amazing. Blows my mind every time.

[@just_joc]

So nice to see Tina back in fine form! 😆

[@Godwinpounds4333]

Hello 👋 how are you doing?

[@wandaneuschwander47]

Great video. Great wife. Great friends. Great videography. Nice work so beautiful. I live in oregon in mountains i am surrounded by beauty daily but this is something else. Thank you

[@steveelliott1160]

I love how Tina always has positive things to say on the trail. Great Video Jerry.

[@tthappyrock368]

That was so beautiful!

[@michaelyates3424]

Yeah Tina and a Flip Off with a side of sarcasm ... that means a good video. Looks like a very fun day. Thanks again

[@lisas8951]

Thank You for this beautiful video! I wouldn’t have ever seen it and it is just amazing 🤩

[@txchivette1815]

My DREAM Hike! 🤗 Got tears of joy seeing such beautiful scenery. GLADDD I ran across your page. Love nature, hikes, National/ State Parks... specially the SW/W... ty 4sharing your experience/expertise.

[@JerryArizona]

You're welcome. It's a great canyon, even if you just do the bottom up route and skip the tecnical portions.

[@rustyrolla5432]

I can't understate how amazing this hike is from the top down. Easily one of my favorite hikes I've ever done.

[@JerryArizona]

Agreed. Been through 3 times now and absolutely love it. I will stress for anyone reading this comment that it is a technical route with rappels involved and not just a hike though.

[@fastgurrrl]

Truly wonder FULL. Wow.

[@JerryArizona]

All of Zion (and most of Southern Utah, for that matter) is amazing.

[@littljo1]

I love you videos Jerry, this route is definitely beyond my skill level so I appreciate you taking us along virtually.

[@outinlawrence3456]

Thank you for sharing. This style of life is just awesome.

[@moretoliving2236]

The band is back together! Woohoo!

[@pedrobcali]

Great job! That’s beautiful! Thanks for sharing it

[@goldenyogis]

Dude, your shots are amazing. Absolutely love your content.

[@Adventurewithnhia]

That’s so cool! I’ve always wanted to do something like that, I need more adventurist friends. You guys are having way too much fun and enjoying life to the fullest. Awesome Videos.

[@sandramorey2529]

What a gorgeous hike. I'm aged out for that one. Maybe before arthritis set in, but no way now. Thanks for taking me along. Oakland CA 7/11/2022

[@wondersinmotion]

What an amazing experience!! I'd love to live it like you did

[@rlast2845]

Nice camerawork - thanks for sharing

[@jimhoward8949]

Tina's comments are worth gold, I bust out laughing when she goes off after a tough hike. Looks like a challenging trek, it's def on my list. Thanks!

[@JerryArizona]

We just got back from the Grand Canyon. She specifically requested that I NOT film her reaction at the exit point.

[@walking-tonight]

it's so beautiful

[@JerryArizona]

Zion is amazing. The Subway is gorgeous. I'm already wanting to go back.

[@BeyondAestheticsAZ]

Did this in 2015. I’m so happy to see that it looks the same. Nature out here is so incredibly beautiful.

[@JerryArizona]

I've been through a few times. I love the stringent permit system they have; it keeps it pristine.

[@BeyondAestheticsAZ]

@@JerryArizona I couldn’t agree with you more.

[@timtutiul1737]

Beautiful!!!!

[@RebaCampbell1984]

Wonderful to see Zion this way!

[@hawaiiguy1640]

Thank you for sharing - been a dream of mine to hike the narrows for a while now - I'd love to do this too.

[@JerryArizona]

Go for it. Zion is an amazing place and absolutely worth a trip. One of my favorite places, actually and we're glad to have it so close. But then again, if you live in Hawaii, I'm jealous......

[@fatimanaqvi2976]

Beautiful

[@MrDWhite96]

You guys are awesome. Closest thing to going on vacation. I get a kick out of it

[@Desert2snowoffwego]

Thanks Jerry, another great and spectacular video. Also, wonderful to see Tina back out on the trail and joining in with the adventure!

[@JerryArizona]

Thank you! She really enjoyed this trip. Great to have her out there, especially back on rope.

[@charlesrowe6720]

Beautiful hike .Love yalls humor! 🤣❤️

[@JaxBespoked]

That shot up the water crack just below the subway section was sick. I love that little place. I think I took 20 photographs there alone. Doing this from the Top is still on my bucket list.

[@JerryArizona]

I love the subway, but definitely would only do it from the top. If you decide to get into Canyoneering, find a reputable outfit and take some lessons to see how you like it while staying in a safe environment. Definitely takes time.

[@valiantval6539]

This looks like heaven on earth.So beautiful.

[@pappysproductions]

That thumb nail is epic! Awesome video

[@FarginIceholeful]

I've only done this from the bottom, up but could only go half way. That upper half looks gnarly!

[@JerryArizona]

As long as the water level is low enough, it's a pretty easy canyoneering route. The problems come in when the water level is high or when people go in expecting a hike. Personally, the technical part is my favorite. Not that bad if you have the gear and training.

[@mikekenney8362]

I’ve hiked quite a bit in Zion. I’m impressed by this routes beauty and your audacity

[@carolleimbach6407]

Thanks for a beautiful hike in the subway. I can't do this so I'm glad to see it on video. Tina is hiking again! Yay! ❤

[@JerryArizona]

It took some convinving, but she was glad she went. (Maybe not for the exit portion as much.) Glad you enjoyed. You CAN take the bottom up route to the subway section where we did the last rappel though. Tough hike, but incredible.

[@sandyworkman3025]

You can definitely tell where the gulch is. I live 20 mins away and like to see these videos to see where to explore next. I'm 30 miles from Zion and 60 miles from Bryce the possibility is endless.....so these videos really help, thanks!😎

[@MrRarehair]

Absolutely wonderful footage. Though I doubt I’ll ever get to experience the Subway top down, at least I can see a well made video of what it looks like. Especially nice work on your part, and glad that Tina was along, too.

[@JerryArizona]

Thanks! It was an amazing canyon and great company. Good times all around. Glad I could share what the top looks like.

[@matweb8195]

Amazing place, beer n' burgers looked great too!

[@JerryArizona]

Incredible canyon. Awesome food. Their desserts are amazing and the head chef is pretty entertaining.

[@bahramyari2772]

Wonderful canyon, well documented 👍👍👍

[@elaineresendez4419]

Always wanted to hike the subway but could never get there. Awe☹️

[@rogerjensen6537]

Love your hikes and your videos are the best

[@leslie6757]

I thought this was at the pools - silly me- so I wasn’t able to do this hike! Next time tho! Great video.

[@spellbound021]

Wow! Suddenly I want to learn to do this. Great video and good to see Tina out!

[@JerryArizona]

Great having her out there. And canyoneering is a lot of fun. Absolutely love it.

[@zuly5400]

Gorgeous hike, Gorgeous place.

[@JerryArizona]

It's such a beautiful canyon.

[@lauragriffith4857]

Just love your videos!!! Great job!!

[@Rawvirgin]

Amazing. I’m so happy Tina is back on the trail. ❤️❤️

[@JerryArizona]

Yes! She's doing well. Then her work got crazy so she wasn't able to get out as much, but she really enjoyed this trip. Packing tomorrow for the next one.

[@missUn1verse81]

Awesome video. Thank you!

[@thomassanio8745]

Tina is back in the fray! And she has retained her signal to Jerry that he is number one. So happy to see her back, that climb out looked like a grunt for sure. Keep the adventures coming. Love you guys. Tom in Surprise👍😎

[@JerryArizona]

I'm always number 1 to her. It was good to have her back out there. Even better to have her go back into a technical canyon.

[@SaraLubratt]

Instant subscriber from this video

[@JerryArizona]

Awesome! Glad you enjoyed. The Subway never disappoints.

[@billyking722]

Just awesome

[@jcberb]

Absolutely epic!

[@JerryArizona]

Zion never disappoints.

[@jonschmidt1709]

Great to see the both of you all back out on the trails again! Thought Tina didn't like the canyoneering bit? But, who would NOT want to see that?! Great vid...where do I sign up for the guided tour? :-) Complete side note, I've got my wife interested in watching your videos and we go through a half a dozen or so as week...you've gone a great job growing this thing! Cinematography has always been spot on and easy to watch, but to watch from 3 years past to present, they keep getting better and more refined...always exciting to see a new one come out!

[@JerryArizona]

Thank you. I definitely cringe a little watching older stuff, but then again, this is a hobby. So I'm pretty proud that I've been able to improve it over the years. Tina is actually the reason we got into canyoneering. She suggested we try it out years ago. Then one day she realized "hey, this could get me killed" and didn't get into as much, but I can still convince her to get back out there on rope sometimes.

[@debicarver8958]

What an incredible place ❤️

[@LangzProduction]

Mister Jerry your videos are so cool thanks for sharing.

[@JerryArizona]

Thank you, and you are welcome. So glad you enjoy them.

[@LangzProduction]

@@JerryArizona dang Jerry, thanks for hitting me back up. Hope you were able to see my drone activity. Your videos and your professional content is pretty awesome. Been a sub for some time now. Keep up the good work

[@firedog451]

Wow Jerry! That’s all I can say. Good job. I noticed you didn’t give a hole lot of details on this one. Pretty technical to say the least. Glad it was a win! Thanks for sharing pal!

[@JerryArizona]

I'm actually going to put together a video about hiking this from the bottom up. It can be done as a non-technical route, but you obviously don't see everything from the last rappel upstream. But people do it that way all the time.

[@LiveThatAdventure]

Beautiful video man! We were lucky enough to do this last year. freakin incredible

[@JerryArizona]

Right? And nobody mentions all those waterfalls downstream of the subway. Such an awesome place.

[@LiveThatAdventure]

@@JerryArizona Gotta love it! We just did Lower refridgerator and Mystery last week. They might not have the same kind of effect as subway but they are still pretty badass.

[@abee1976]

9:48 one of the coolest shots I've ever seen in my life!! I love the water and hiking, so this video was a feast for my eyes!

[@JerryArizona]

Thanks! Couldn't pass that shot up. This place is beautiful. All of Zion is, really.

[@jaclynsjaunts2530]

LOVE the banter!

[@davidwarren9761]

I thoroughly enjoyed your video. Made me hungry just watching all that exercise.

[@uptrack5235]

Great video. I hiked from the bottom up many years ago. Apparently that’s the worst part of the experience. I’m happy to see why I need to go back and run this down! Thanks for an entertaining and beautiful video.

[@JerryArizona]

Make a friend who is a canyoneer. Go out on some easy canyons with them. Then get them to go through top down with you. It's amazing. Don't think I'd do it bottom up, personally. You miss too much. But top down definitely needs to be taken seriously, even though it's a relatively simple technical canyon. (This was Clint's second technical canyon, but he was with two people who are moderately experienced canyoneers who've done it before and one who is a very experienced canyoneer.)

[@lindawarrell4281]

WOW! Absolutely gorgeous! ❤❤❤

[@JerryArizona]

It is. Love all of Zion, but this place in particular is extra special.

[@UVJ_Scott]

Hiked it with my boys when they were 11 and 9, it’s an amazing, other worldly adventure with actual dinosaur tracks on the way out.

[@JerryArizona]

The dino tracks are really interesting. Glad your kids liked it. Mine wouldn't make it, I'm sure.

[@rcgrizz]

Another great presentation! Cinematography and editing keeps edging upward with each post. Thanks for sharing! And the location scenery was beautiful!

[@joseguillermo2972]

Wowmazing!!

[@JerryArizona]

One of my favorite canyons. Zion never disappoints.

[@ericerickson72]

One of my favorite hikes. We were only able to get a permit for lower. Thanks for sharing.

[@JerryArizona]

Keep trying! This was my third top down trip. If you have the gear and experience, it's amazing.

[@Eltokeruno]

do you need a permit for that hike ?

[@BusinessAttitudes]

@@Eltokeruno yes.

[@greathands746]

Experiencing this via your video is enough for me! I think I will skip the canyoneering and just go for the food!

[@JerryArizona]

Definitely not for everyone, but still....so much fun.

[@tonics7121]

Wow, this is just a miracle canyon.

[@JerryArizona]

It's pretty incredible.

[@angelacraw2907]

Magical

[@bogdanrap8654]

piekne okolice super

[@johnlaudenslager706]

Awesome place and awesome vid of it. thanks and way to go!

[@janinebognuda3264]

Yeah Tina! 👍 Absolutely awesome video, Jerry. Thank you for sharing your adventure from the top down. I’ve done the bottom up but the top down is questionable for me. Getting to see it so well captured with a twist of sarcastic humor was so fun. Always enjoy your videos. 😊

[@JerryArizona]

Thank you! Top down should not be underestimated, for sure, but it's beginner friendly with the right crew. This was actually Clint's first canyoneering trip.

[@TimmyCramer]

Another kickass video guys! Heading back to San Diego Thursday to beachside camp for a week. Too hot in Phoenix!

[@JerryArizona]

WAY too hot in Phoenix.

[@paly4x4]

I just subscribed to you, but this video is by far my favorite. I just bought a Jeep to get me to remote places, but I miss hiking.

[@JerryArizona]

Thank you! The Subway is incredible. Look into the permit system (lottery) and go for it. Good luck!