Russell Gulch and The Subway

Zion National Park, UT Zion Area

Trip stats

Distance
9.4 mi
Net Gain
500 ft
Time
5-7 hrs
YDS Rating
Class 2
ACA Rating
3B III
Longest Rappel
90 ft
Route
Shuttle

Ratings out of 10

Effort
3.8/10
Personality
7/10
Beauty
8/10
Solitude
5/10
What do these mean? →

Route map + Trailhead

Trailhead Coordinates

37.339890, -113.075720

The directions link below drops a pin on the trailhead coordinates and lets Google Maps pick the route. If the drive has rough roads or access issues that GPS nav might get wrong, I cover that in my trip report.

Get directions (opens Google Maps in a new tab)

Trip report

Technical canyon warning

This is a technical canyon requiring canyoneering skills and specialized equipment. If you are not experienced with building anchors or using the gear required for technical canyoneering, do not attempt this route.

Aug 28, 2017 — This is a great alternative to The Subway's standard approach, which crosses over Russell Gulch but does not enter. If you decide to go through Russel Gulch, prepare for three big rappels and far fewer people (and also get an additional permit). After the last rappel, follow the Left Fork of North Creek to The Subway and continue down this creek filled with boulders. After a few miles, keep your eyes peeled for the Class 2 scramble out of the canyon and up to the Left Fork of North Creek Traihead.

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Photos

61 photos

  4. Russel Gulch on the right.
  5. Find a route into Russel Gulch.
  8. Approaching the first rappel.
  9. There is this rappel that puts you into a big pool. The tree on the top left also had some webbing, allowing you to avoid the pool.
  10. At the bottom of the first rappel.
  12. Bottom of second rappel.
  14. Second rappel.
  17. Dark and lush section of canyon.
  18. Third rappel. There are two rappel stations. The firs tone is super short and brings you to the pictured one, or you can skip the first one and scramble to this one, pictured.
  19. Bottom of third rappel.
  23. On the way to The Subway after leaving Russel Gulch.
  28. Fun sections with deep pools. There was a people bottleneck around this area. Like, tons of people.
  31. Handline already set up.
  32. Deep pool.
  39. Approaching The Subway.
  42. The Subway just below.
  48. Looking back at The Subway.
  58. A little sign marking the route to the Left Fork Trailhead, up that gully ahead.
  60. Looking back into Left Fork of North Creek.
  61. On the way back along the trail to the Left Fork Trailhead.

Photo 1 of 1

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Hire or refer me as a web developer, or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I'm not sponsored, so it's funded by yours truly. It also takes a ton of work to edit photos and write these reports. I really appreciate it!

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GPX track

Russell Gulch and The Subway GPX route and driving track

The complete GPX track is available to download, so you can load the route straight into your navigation app or device. The trip report, route info, photos and planning details stay free.

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