The Subway: Zions NP

[A] mystical journey... [that] involves route finding, plunging cautiously into chilly pools then sloshing, sometimes frantically, through frigid water over and through difficult obstacles.

All quotes were taken from the Zions NP Website here and here.

Brandon, Nate, Nick, Steve, Me, and Casi at the beginning
 of the hike into Russel Gulch; Wildcat Canyon trailhead

I have wanted to do the Subway hike since Nate and I did the Narrows for our anniversary in September 2001; a few days after the 9-11 attacks. It was also our 6th year anniversary.  This year is our 15th anniversary. It seemed appropriate and somewhat deja vu-ish to return to the orange colored walls of Zions canyon to celebrate 15 year of marriage.

As the sun rose it colored the slick rock with shadows and dept. 

Heading across the slick rock towards the descent into Russel Gulch.

Casi and I not ignoring a great photo opportunity

The first view of Russell Gulch.

The route down into Russel Gulth
looked daunting

300 vertical feet went quickly as we
descended down the chute

"The trail then ascends a short distance and traverses for a couple hundred yards before the steep, final descent into Russell Gulch. Watch for the pine tree next to a slab of rock on the right. This seems like an improbable chute to maneuver, however, by carefully stepping down the "rock and root stairway and picking through the loose rock for 300 vertical feet,"

When we reached to bottom of the chute we were welcomed by a cute little pool shaded by rock and tree. We stopped here for snacks and rest.  While there I kept looking in the water to see some form of life. I was hoping for a Tiger salamander. This salamander is supposed to be everywhere in Utah but I have never seen it.; in part due to introduced fish exterminating the salamander with in many Utah lakes where it used to be seen.
As we were leaving, however, Casi pointed out the small toad below. I picked it up and Brandon and Casi started taking pictures.

After I got home I identified the toad as a:

Red Spotted Toad (Bufo punctactus)

Red-spotted toads are a small flat toad with round parotoid glands, and are pale gray to brownish tan with numerous small red tubercles (wart-like bumps). The can reach up to 3 inches in length. Red-spotted toads do have parotoid glands (which can be seen as bulges behind the eyes). Amphibian skin is full of glands that not only secrete a protective mucus but also toxins. This is a defensive tactic to make them less palatable or even deadly to predators. These toads are most active at twilight

Which made me realize that I should not pick up everything I little critter I see.

We then started down the left Fork of North Creek. 300 yards later our first obstacle appears; a large boulder spans the small canyon. Nate secured a rope in a sling anchor on the right side of the 12 foot rock and we hand repelled down. It was a sloppy repel, into a small cave formed by the side of the canyon and the underside of the boulder. It is said that some choose to jump this repel and earn broken legs for doing so. We, then had to cross a shallow pool of water; getting our shoes saturated. It was funny how much we hesitated to cross the pool, it would  not be long until we were wet head to toe.

We continued down the canyon, following the water way. Entering many pools of water at depts from chest to over our heads. Brandon was often our Guinea pig; testing out the pools for depth and underwater rocks.

The water in the canyon is ice-cold, even in the middle of the summer, but in spring and fall it can be dangerously cold. Even when it is hot outside, it's best to wear quick dry clothing and keep other clothing dry to put on in the shady and cool Subway section. Navigate through or around the potholes. Never jump into a pothole! Also note that each flash flood changes the character of the route and the depth of the pools. 

Me showing tons of Grace as I enter the
waist deep pool

Brando testing out the pool

   

The Second Obstacle; a chokestone in the now narrow slot canyon and 8' drop to a small ledge and then another 3-4' drop into the pool below. A submerged rock just 3' below the surface of the water kept everyone from jumping in. We hand repelled into the water.  Swimming was required. We are now cold and wet. Casi  and I in a constant shiver.

Our cameras are packed in dry bags and so there are not many photos of this section of the canyon. Right after the chokestone obstacle we hit our third and final swimming obstacle; Keyhole Falls.

As we reached the falls, Casi looks over the boulders into the tight, water-filled,  slot canyon, the end of which we could not see. She started whimpering and saying "Mom. Mom. I cant do this." over and over. I knew she could do this. Not like we had a choice otherwise. She was already, cold, wet and shivering and so could not fathom how she would finish this obstacle.  She entered the slot canyon and I followed quickly after with our dry bag. 

Keyhole Falls - Yet another large boulder obstruction in the narrow slot will necessitate the use of a rope. The drop is only 8' to the water, but, once again, submerged rocks make jumping dangerous. To the right, an old bolt with a hanger is used as an anchor that allows a handline or rappel through the crack. Another bolt extends over the pool below results in an easier rappel, but this choice requires reaching out several feet to grab the anchor.

Casi and the realization of accomplishing something
 she thought she could not do.

We then started this crazy, bumbling, shivering, dog paddling, slow dash to the end of the 30-40 ft long pool of freezing water. Speaking was difficult but we of course tried anyways, through chattering teeth to communicate different things. I was constantly focused on one thing, getting Casi through the canyon before hyperthermia started. Saying things like, "you have to move" or "the dry bag is right here" since Casi was using it as a flotation device and, "you can do this". Where Casi said things like "Mom, mom, your chapstick",  and my favorite "Mom, Mom, look a frog". Apparently we had different agendas while in the canyon or one of us had lost some of her mental capacity due to the cold water. Hard to tell. 

After Keyhole falls with dry clothes and gear added for warmth, at least for Casi and I this was a definite necessity.

 The Subway - The quarter-mile passage through the Subway is the most charming segment of the adventure. Deep inside the tubular tunnel glimmers of sunlight trickle into the darkness, allowing algae to grow in the water filled potholes. The green flora creates an eerie turquoise glow that radiates throughout the spectacular chamber. Finally, the crystal clear water splashing through this picturesque setting meanders over polished rock to the open canyon below.

Inside the Subway, just past the third obstacle, is the log chamber. It's amazing how long the log has stood within this canyon. There is also an small arch above the canyon but we did not stop long enough to remember it was there and missed it all together. As they say, you got to save something for the next time. And I do think there will be a next time. Perhaps when Tanner is old enough to do it with us. After a final obstacle we entered the most photographed sections of the Subway. 

 

We then started the long treck out of the Subway. Following the water until we reached a saddle in the surrounding canyon walls that enabled us a way out. 

Trying to "waterslide" down the canyon. 

Canyon Tree Frog (Hyla arenicolor)
This frog is plump and warty, with a toad like appearance. It has olive to brownish-grey skin with darker blotches present in most populations. A very distinctive feature of this frog is what appears like suction discs on each toe. Primarily nocturnal; often seen along water course. During the day it can be found hiding among rocks or in stony crevices near streams, camouflaged by its color.

The last mile of the hike scrambles up to the top of a basalt ridge.

Enjoying the ice cold beverages we left in the car, this morning, before we left.