The Subway
Zion National Park, UT
THE SUBWAY
A BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE SUBWAY
The Subway is one of the most remarkable places you will ever visit and is one of the photographic gems of the American Southwest. It is located at the end of the grueling 4.5-mile hike, but when you finally arrive at the tube-like slot canyon, you find yourself completely mesmerized.
This place is simply amazing, and the turquoise pools and the glow on the florescent red walls are absolutely spectacular. For many, this is their favorite hike in the entire southwest.
Location summary by Tim Wier. Image by Darron Franta @ www.frantaphotography.com
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DATA POINTS INCLUDED WITH THE SUBWAY SUMMARY
I would rate the difficulty of this trail as a 4.5 on a scale of 1-5 (with 5 being most difficult).
The trail to Archangel Falls is a non-technical hike, but it is long (9 miles round trip) and stressful. The hike crosses a creek multiple times and climbs over and around MANY large rocks and boulders. The worst part(s) of the hike are toward the beginning (and the end): as you hike down (and then up on the return) a 500ft. vertical trek with many steep and rocky switchbacks to the creek below. The total roundtrip will take 6-9 hours (those who abandon the idea of keeping their feet dry early on the hike, tend do the hike in less time), so I would suggest starting the hike as close to first light as possible.
This hike is not for everyone and should not be attempted unless you are in good to great shape and have good coordination. Once you finish the hike you are exhausted, worn out, triumphant, and feel like you have achieved a mental “badge of honor.”
This will be your favorite hike to absolutely hate!
Until you hike it again!
The primary location that most people shoot from is relativity small and extremely slick. You will be standing directly next to 2 separate large pools of water about 6ft. deep. One mistake and your camera gear is doomed. Additionally, the room is not in direct sun so the shutter speeds are usually longer than a second.
While you are waiting your turn (behind the area of the photographers shown below), collect your thoughts around the composition, which lens(es) you will use, and other equipment you will need, as time in The Subway is precious and others will be waiting their turn.
Another special nuance of the shot is the room usually has water running through it (1/2” or so deep) and there is no dry space to set your camera bag to change lenses.
The shot above was taken with a 24mm lens. The room The Subway is in is fairly small, so you may want to use a wider lens or shoot a multi-shot panorama. When hiking the Subway, you want to pack only the minimal amount of equipment. For all 3 shots: Subway, Archangel Falls and the Crack - you can get away with a single 16-35mm lens.
5,357 ft Elevation
Other Resources Available with Membership
KMZ Trail File
Directions
Best Time of Day to Shoot
Best Time of Year to Shoot
Equipment Needed
Permits Required
Direction of Shot
Google Maps Birds-Eye-View
Number of Photographers to Expect
Cell Service
Overnight Lodging/Camping
Nearby Restaurants
Area Guides and Workshops
Other Resources
LOCATION SUMMARIES WRITTEN BY PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHERS
