Russell Gulch

Location: Zions National Park
Rating: Intermediate 3B III
Length: 7-12 hours
Longest Rappel: 100ft (30m)
Start: Wildcat Canyon Trailhead
End: Left Fork Canyon trailhead
Permits: Required | 2 required if finishing through the Subway.
Wet Suit: Not needed | Recommended in cold weather
Shuttle: No if doing a loop | Yes if finishing through the Subway

** Permits can be obtained from Zion National park through an online lottery system. The lottery is 2 days, 7 days or 3 months in advance. Mystery and Subway are the only canyons with a lottery 3 months in advance. Click here for site lottery.

Overview:  Russell Gulch is a side a canyon that is often passed by on the Subway route. This route adds 3 rappels to an already fun hike through the Subway.  Doing a loop just wouldn’t seem right.

Approach:

From Virgin turn north on the Kolob Reservoir Road. Left Fork Trailhead is on the right 8.1 miles from Virgin. Leave a car here if finishing through the Subway. After another 7 miles you come to Wildcat Canyon Trailhead. Begin hike on toward the Subway. Once you reach Russell Gulch climb on down to the right. Use a guide and topographical map to travers the route.