THE LEFT FORK OF NORTH CREEK 
OVERVIEW OF VARIOUS ROUTES 

The Subway Top-Down RouteThe Left Fork of North Creek (aka "the Great West Canyon") is one of the most beautiful and most popular canyons in the backcountry of Zion. The most famous section of this canyon is known as "The Subway" -- an amazing half-mile stretch that resembles a tubular tunnel complete with tracks going down the middle. The Left Fork of North Creek has much diverse terrain, and as such, there are several different possible routes, ranging from simple hiking to strenuous technical canyoneering.

Backcountry Permits:
The Left Fork has gained epic popularity over the past several years and the National Park Service now limits access to the Subway to 50 people a day. EVERY route through the Left Fork (technical canyoneering or not) requires a permit. Because the Subway is so popular, the NPS also has a lottery system in place to manage the distribution of permit reservations. This layer of bureaucracy may be a bit tedious, but if you plan your hike well in advance, your chances are quite good for getting a permit for a day that you want. A limited amount of walk-in permits are also available the day before. Please see the Zion Permits website for more information.

Route Options:
There are several possible variations for hiking through the Left Fork; all are day-use routes as camping is no longer permitted in the Left Fork.

  1. Subway Top-Down Route (via Russell Gulch):
    This is the classic way to hike the Left Fork. Starting from the Wildcat Canyon Trailhead, hike down Russell Gulch to join the Left Fork and hike down through the Subway. This route involves several short rappels and several cold swims.
    ROUTE INFORMATION and PHOTOS...
  2. Subway from the Bottom:
    If you want to avoid the swimming and rappelling, you can start at the Left Fork Trailhead and hike to the Subway from the bottom. The scenery is less stunning, but you still get to see the beautiful lower section of the Subway.
    ROUTE INFORMATION and PHOTOS...
  3. Descent of Russell Gulch:
    Similar to route 1, but instead of following the hikers' route down Russell Gulch, you can descend the Russell Gulch watercourse which involves a few 100' rappels. Note: This canyoneering route is not suitable for hikers.
  4. The Das Boot Section:
    "Das Boot" is the humorously-named half-mile section of the Left Fork upstream from the standard Top-Down Route. This technical canyoneering route involves several swims, rappels, down-climbs, and exposure to year-round cold water and is not suitable for hikers.
    ROUTE INFORMATION and PHOTOS...
  5. Top-Down from Wildcat Canyon:
    A long and difficult canyoneering route starting from Wildcat Canyon at the headwaters of the Left Fork.
     
The Subway photo (Zion National Park) -- © 2006 Joe Braun Photography

Arial view of the Left Fork. Russell Gulch is the wide rocky drainage in the upper right side of the photo
that descends into the Left Fork that cuts across the middle of the photo. The North Guardian Angel and
South Guardian Angel are the prominent white-capped mountains guarding the canyon.

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