To enter wilderness is to court risk, and
risk favors the senses, enabling one to live
well. The landscapes we know and return to
become places of solace. We are drawn to
them because of the stories they tell,
because of the memories they hold, or simply
because of the sheer beauty that calls us
back again and again.
from: Refuge
by: Terry Tempst Williams
The Subway hike’s scenery combines the mountains of
California’s Yosemite National Park with the series of smooth mini
waterfalls seen in Guatemala’s Semuc Champey and adds the Utah
twist of slot canyons, wavy layered sandstone landscape, and the sandy
desert environment. It requires a permit, basic repelling equipment,
and wetsuits are recommended. It can be accomplished by mildly
experienced climbers or even beginners with experienced climbers. It is
an all day hike requiring about seven hours. Just remember, you and
everything you take will get soaked!
The hike begins with a gradual descent through scenery of
large grey cliffs and sandstone hills. Although this is a less popular
portion of the hike, the views of these diverse mountains create
amazing contrasts that are certainly picture worthy. As the hike
progresses, you suddenly find yourself in a slowly narrowing slot
canyon. There is no wonder where the name “The Subway” comes
from; throughout the canyon, the cliffs on the canyon’s sides drop
vertically until rounding outward giving the feeling of hiking through an underground cave or a natural
subway track. The cool water that flows down the center constitutes the train and you as the passenge walking/swimming down. No words can describe how astonishing these rock formations really are. The water is slow and safe, but cold enough to make you shiver if you stay in too long. All the while, one can look up to see green trees and mountains towering above. At times, ropes are required and harnesses are strongly recommended to work down some of the steeper areas which
include small cliffs and even waterfalls. A famous obstacle is “The Bowling Ball” which is a spherical rock stuck between the narrowing of two slot cliffs which forces
hikers to either hold their breath and swim under it, or use their strength to
climb over it. Either way, given the environment and circumstances, it feels
like living an Indiana Jones movie (only the large round rock doesn’t chase
you down the canyon).
Just when you think this hike can’t get more diverse and interesting,
it does! Now comes the Semuc Champey‐like portion of the trail. It is
composed of a series of small waterfalls, streams, and pools that trickle into
eachother. And it doesn’t stop there; you can find mossy patches on
the waterfalls and slide down them! Don’t be a wuss, you gotta do it!
It’ll be the slimiest, slickest natural
waterslide you ever ride.
California’s Yosemite National Park with the series of smooth mini
waterfalls seen in Guatemala’s Semuc Champey and adds the Utah
twist of slot canyons, wavy layered sandstone landscape, and the sandy
desert environment. It requires a permit, basic repelling equipment,
and wetsuits are recommended. It can be accomplished by mildly
experienced climbers or even beginners with experienced climbers. It is
an all day hike requiring about seven hours. Just remember, you and
everything you take will get soaked!
The hike begins with a gradual descent through scenery of
large grey cliffs and sandstone hills. Although this is a less popular
portion of the hike, the views of these diverse mountains create
amazing contrasts that are certainly picture worthy. As the hike
progresses, you suddenly find yourself in a slowly narrowing slot
canyon. There is no wonder where the name “The Subway” comes
from; throughout the canyon, the cliffs on the canyon’s sides drop
vertically until rounding outward giving the feeling of hiking through an underground cave or a natural
subway track. The cool water that flows down the center constitutes the train and you as the passenge walking/swimming down. No words can describe how astonishing these rock formations really are. The water is slow and safe, but cold enough to make you shiver if you stay in too long. All the while, one can look up to see green trees and mountains towering above. At times, ropes are required and harnesses are strongly recommended to work down some of the steeper areas which
include small cliffs and even waterfalls. A famous obstacle is “The Bowling Ball” which is a spherical rock stuck between the narrowing of two slot cliffs which forces
hikers to either hold their breath and swim under it, or use their strength to
climb over it. Either way, given the environment and circumstances, it feels
like living an Indiana Jones movie (only the large round rock doesn’t chase
you down the canyon).
Just when you think this hike can’t get more diverse and interesting,
it does! Now comes the Semuc Champey‐like portion of the trail. It is
composed of a series of small waterfalls, streams, and pools that trickle into
eachother. And it doesn’t stop there; you can find mossy patches on
the waterfalls and slide down them! Don’t be a wuss, you gotta do it!
It’ll be the slimiest, slickest natural
waterslide you ever ride.
At this point, the slot canyon begins to widen and you find yourself following a river between two very large cliffs. For the next couple hours, trails lead through
boulders, trees, and bushes alongside the river. This may get a little
repetitive but fear not, for yet another unique feature is thrown in just
before the end of the hike: dinosaur tracks. Yep, that’s right. A couple
very large rock slabs completely covered in dinosaur tracks that are
just as well preserved as ones you pay to see in St. George. They are on
the right side of the river and can easily be missed without marking
them on a GPS system. To end the hike, several rock pile markers
indicate where to follow a trail up and out of the canyon. This is
probably the most difficult part of the hike, but just remember that
you’re done once you reach the top. This is a beautiful hike that will require some planning and experience to accomplish, but it is well worth all the time and
effort. People do large hikes just to observe one of the many
features this hike has to offer. Enjoy!
BY-Creighton Petty
boulders, trees, and bushes alongside the river. This may get a little
repetitive but fear not, for yet another unique feature is thrown in just
before the end of the hike: dinosaur tracks. Yep, that’s right. A couple
very large rock slabs completely covered in dinosaur tracks that are
just as well preserved as ones you pay to see in St. George. They are on
the right side of the river and can easily be missed without marking
them on a GPS system. To end the hike, several rock pile markers
indicate where to follow a trail up and out of the canyon. This is
probably the most difficult part of the hike, but just remember that
you’re done once you reach the top. This is a beautiful hike that will require some planning and experience to accomplish, but it is well worth all the time and
effort. People do large hikes just to observe one of the many
features this hike has to offer. Enjoy!
BY-Creighton Petty
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