The Subway, Left Fork

The route starts at the Left Fork Trailhead off Kolob Terrace Road and turns around at The Subway, a cylindrical slot canyon carved by the Left Fork of North Creek. Follow the well-defined trail east for 0.5 miles across the plateau before descending a steep, loose talus slope 400 vertical feet to the canyon floor. At the bottom of the canyon, turn left and head upstream along the Left Fork of North Creek. There is no maintained trail along the creek bed; navigate via social paths on either bank, frequently crossing the stream over slickrock and boulders. At 3.1 miles, pass the first of several small cascading waterfalls. Continue wading and scrambling upstream to reach the lower Subway, where the canyon walls curve inward to form a dramatic, tunnel-like chamber over emerald pools. Retrace your steps back down the canyon to the exit trail, keeping a close eye out for the steep climb back to the trailhead. Flash floods present a severe, life-threatening hazard in this narrow slot canyon. Because runoff from storms miles away can cause water levels to rise rapidly without warning, hikers must check the daily weather forecast and the flash flood potential rating at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center before starting. Avoid entering the canyon if rain is forecasted or if conditions look unstable.