Russell Gulch and The Subway in Zion National Park, UT

Canyoneer Russell Gulch and The Subway Zion National Park, UT

Class 2 3B III (90 ft max) 9.4 miles 500 gain 5-7 hrs Shuttle Aug 28, 2017
Effort
Beauty
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Route Map
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This is a technical canyon. If you are unfamiliar with how to build anchors or the gear required for canyoneering do not attempt this route.

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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Russel Gulch on the right.
Russel Gulch on the right.
Find a route into Russel Gulch.
Find a route into Russel Gulch.
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Approaching the first rappel.
Approaching the first rappel.
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.
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.
At the bottom of the first rappel.
At the bottom of the first rappel.
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Bottom of second rappel.
Bottom of second rappel.
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Second rappel.
Second rappel.
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Dark and lush section of canyon.
Dark and lush section of canyon.
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.
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.
Bottom of third rappel.
Bottom of third rappel.
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On the way to The Subway after leaving Russel Gulch.
On the way to The Subway after leaving Russel Gulch.
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Fun sections with deep pools. There was a people bottleneck around this area. Like, tons of people.
Fun sections with deep pools. There was a people bottleneck around this area. Like, tons of people.
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Handline already set up.
Handline already set up.
Deep pool.
Deep pool.
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Approaching The Subway.
Approaching The Subway.
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The Subway just below.
The Subway just below.
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Looking back at The Subway.
Looking back at The Subway.
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A little sign marking the route to the Left Fork Trailhead, up that gully ahead.
A little sign marking the route to the Left Fork Trailhead, up that gully ahead.
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Looking back into Left Fork of North Creek.
Looking back into Left Fork of North Creek.
On the way back along the trail to the Left Fork Trailhead.
On the way back along the trail to the Left Fork Trailhead.

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Hire/refer me as a web developer or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I’m not sponsored, so all fees are out-of-pocket and my time preparing trip reports is unpaid. I really appreciate it!

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