In short
The Subway: monthly lottery for the canyon permit. The next window runs from Sunday, November 1, 2026 to Wednesday, November 25, 2026. It comes back every month. The same calendar covers Top-down, with rappels, Bottom-up, out and back. Best season: spring to fall.
When does the next window open?
- Today
- Nov. 1, 2026 Lottery opens for the canyon permitTime doesn't matter: it's a lottery
- Nov. 25, 2026 Lottery applications close
- Dec. 15, 2026 Unclaimed spots, open to all
- Spring to fall Best season
How reliable these dates are: confirmed by the organizer.
What do you book and at what price?
| What you book | The canyon permit |
| Price | $6 per application, then $10 per person if you winPrice taken from the source, with its year. |
How do you apply for the lottery, step by step?
- Choose top-down or bottom-upTop-down: 15 km with rappels, 18 m rope. Bottom-up: 14 km round trip, no rope.
- Apply from November 1, 2026 to 25 NovemberOn Recreation.gov, for a trip between January and March 2027. 12 people at most per group.
- Lost? Leftover spots on 15 DecemberUnclaimed permits go on sale, first come, first served.
- Last chance: the daily lotteryApply 2 days before, until 3 pm Mountain time. Result before 4 pm.
Don't miss the date
Add the upcoming dates to your calendar: your phone reminds you 1 week before the first one, then the day before each.
The next permit lotteries
Other great hikes with a permit lottery, in order of opening.
Frequently asked questions
The Subway 2027: what is the opening date?
Lottery opens for the canyon permit on Sunday, November 1, 2026. Closes on Wednesday, November 25, 2026. The lottery comes back every month.
Do you need a rope for The Subway?
Only top-down: 18 m of rope and rappelling skills. Bottom-up, it is a 14 km round-trip hike with no gear.
How much does The Subway permit cost?
$6 per application, non-refundable, then $10 per person if you win.
When to apply for The Subway in summer?
From 1 to 25 May for July to September. For April to June, it is 1 to 25 February.
The Subway: when should you go?
Best season: spring to fall.