Winning the Zion Subway Lottery Didn’t Feel Like Victory

I got the permit. The one everyone scrambles for—the golden ticket to hike The Subway in Zion. I should’ve felt lucky, but mostly I felt pressure: don’t waste it, don’t mess up, don’t let the hype swallow the moment. The trail was slick, cold, and beautiful in a way that didn’t care if I was there. I kept thinking about all the people who’d kill for this spot, and how I was mostly just tired, knees aching, wishing I could enjoy it the way Instagram says I should. Sometimes you win the lottery and still feel like you’re missing something. Maybe that’s the real hike. #Travel #TravelExpectations #PermitPressure