🏞️ Zion National Park | Subway Top-Down: A Thrilling Hidden Gem

Tired of crowds at The Narrows? Try Subway Top-Down Canyoneering—less crowded, more adventurous, and way more fun! I miraculously won the July permit lottery (a rare feat!) and embarked on this 9-mile "no elevation gain" route. Don’t be fooled—the official 10-hour estimate is real: this trail combines rappelling, cold-water swimming, and intense route-finding, like an extreme triathlon! 🧗 Canyoneering & Rappelling Three rappelling points, two into narrow slot canyons landing in water. The first drop (~30 ft) can be walked down (but we missed the path). Tip: Bring a shorter rope (not too long) to avoid carrying soggy weight! Never rappelled before? Book a canyoneering tour (e.g., Rocky Odyssey—guides are patient and professional). 🏊 Swimming Challenges 4-5 short swims in icy water (chest-deep, can’t touch bottom). Water is cold but manageable without a wetsuit in July. The real challenge? Staying warm between dips—no sun in slot canyons, so clothes stay wet. ✅ Must-pack: Dry bag (your backpack will get soaked!). 🥾 Logistics & Tips Point-to-point route: Requires two cars or a shuttle to the trailhead. Route-finding is tough: No clear markers before the canyon—use AllTrails offline maps and watch for cairns. Bottom-Up vs. Top-Down: ⚠️ Bottom-Up is boring: Sun-exposed, repetitive creek walking, and misses the best slot sections. Top-Down showcases Zion’s most stunning narrows (though I still prefer Sedona’s Subway 😉). #ZionNationalPark #SubwayTopDown #Canyoneering #AdventureTravel #Utah