•There are two ways to hike the Left Fork, also known as the Subway. Both routes require a permit. Both trips also involve extensive route finding. Visitors are encouraged to do the trip with experienced Subway hikers and/or obtain a detailed route description.  

•This is a strenuous 9 mile round trip hike requiring route finding, stream crossings, and scrambling over boulders. The route is often slippery. This hike begins and ends at the Left Fork Trailhead off of the Kolob Terrace Road.

•This is a strenuous 9 and one half mile hike requiring rappel skills and 60 feet of rope or webbing. This route also requires swimming through several deep pools of very cold debris filled water. This route begins at the Wildcat Canyon Trailhead and ends at the Left Fork Trailhead.

•Large groups increase impacts on the backcountry.Group size is limited to a maximum of 12 people sharing the same affiliation (school, club, scout troop, family, friends) in the same drainage, route, or backcountry trail on the same day. This is strictly enforced; violators will be cited.

•All narrow canyons are potentially hazardous. Flashfloods, often from storms miles away, present a real danger and can be life-threatening. By entering a narrow canyon you are assuming a risk. During a flash flood the water level rises almost instantly--within seconds or minutes.

•If you observe any of these signs, seek higher ground immediately. Do not try to beat a flash flood out of the canyon. Remain on high ground until conditions improve; water levels usually drop within 24 hours. If caught by flooding in an area with no high ground, try to take shelter behind a jutting fin of rock that can break the initial mass of water and debris. It may be possible to wedge yourself into a crack above water level. Even climbing a few feet may save your life.

•In addition to the normal weather forecast, the National Weather Service also issues a flash flood potential rating for Southern Utah during the summer storm season. Although narrow canyons are inherently hazardous, you can make an informed decision by checking the most recent weather forecast and flash flood danger level report. These documents are posted daily at the park visitor centers and are available on the Web at:

•If you are coming to Zion to hike the Subway remember that it is a popular hike that is limited in numbers. Even if your permit is reserved the weather might prevent the trip once you are here. Therefore it is wise to have a back up plan so that you may still enjoy your visit to Zion should you be unable to go into the Left Fork.