DAS BOOT (Left Fork of North Creek) |
"Das Boot" is the humorously-named half-mile section of the Left Fork of North Creek upstream from the standard top-down Subway route. This short but more strenuous technical canyoneering route goes through some beautiful subterranean territory and involves several rappels, downclimbs, swims, and constant exposure to cold water.
WARNING: This route is not suitable for hikers who have no technical canyoneering experience.
Logistics:
"Das Boot" is often done as an extended start to the Subway top-down hike. Aside from arranging a car spot or a shuttle service (readily available from one of the outfitters in Springdale), you must also get a canyoneering permit for the Upper Left Fork (Das Boot) and as of 2012, you also need a second Left Fork North Creek (Subway) permit in order to continue down the standard Subway route. Since the Subway has gained epic popularity over the years, it requires a good deal of luck to get permits for both on the same day. (You will also have to arrange a car spot or a shuttle service between the two trailheads.) If you only have a permit for Das Boot, you will exit up Russell Gulch back to the Wildcat Canyon Trailhead. (Note: Camping is not permitted in the Left Fork.) For more information on permit reservations and the lottery for the Subway, please see the Zion Permits website.
Rating: | Strenuous canyoneering route |
Access: | Start and end at Wildcat Canyon Trailhead (15.5 miles up the Kolob Terrace Road from the town of Virgin) or if continuing down the Subway, end at Left Fork Trailhead (roughly 8.2 miles up the Kolob Terrace Road) |
Time Required: | 1-3 hours in Das Boot technical section, 7-12 hours for complete hike (including Subway). |
Length: | Roughly 10.2 miles total |
Elevation Change: | 1000-ft descent down Russell Gulch and wash into Das Boot, then gradual 1200-ft descent through the Left Fork, ending with a steep 400-ft ascent to the Left Fork Trailhead. |
Technical Challenges: | Numerous downclimbing obstacles and approximately 2-3 rappels. Longest rap: 40 feet. Multiple cold swims are likely. |
Equipment Needed: | Enough rope for a 40' rappel, climbing harness and rap device, climbing helmet, webbing and rapid links, drybag, GPS (to confirm approach to canyon). Wetsuits are recommended even in the summer as the water is perpetually cold. |
Seasons: | Summer through fall for the general public. |
Permit Required? | YES, a permit is required for "Upper Left Fork (Das Boot)" and a second permit is also required for "Left Fork North Creek (Subway)" if you intend to continue down the standard Subway route. |
Flash Flood Warning: | Do not do this canyon if there is a threat of rain. |
Detailed Description:
The technical section of "Das Boot" may take only 1-3 hours, but the approach and exit hikes make this a full-day endeavor. If doing the Subway as well, the entire route could take anywhere between 7 to 12 hours.
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Das Boot (Left Fork of North Creek) Map. Note: While viewing the map, click on the map to return to this page. |
Joe's Spin:
Das Boot is a beautiful subterranean section of canyon that deserves a good amount of respect. This isn't the most technically difficult canyon, but its remoteness and extended exposure to cold water should not be taken for granted. While life goes on in the sunny world above, the cold subterranean sections spell certain death for all small creatures unfortunate to fall in from above. Be safe!