Watchman Trail – Zion National Park
The Watchman Trail in Zion features fewer crowds than many of the more popular trails. Even though you won't be going to the top of Watchman Mountain, you will be hiking...
Trail Facts
Overview
The Watchman Trail in Zion features fewer crowds than many of the more popular trails. Even though you won't be going to the top of Watchman Mountain, you will be hiking to a prime view of the famous peak. This is a moderate, family friendly hike with a mild 456 ft elevation gain. Beware though; this trail is exceptionally hot in the heat of the summer.
Know Before You Go
Trail Map
Map of the route “Watchman Trail – Zion National Park”: 4,472 m, 231 m of climbing and 223 m of descent, elevation between 1,186 m and 1,343 m, time 01:29:46. It is a loop that starts and ends at 37.20150, -112.98621 (latitude, longitude).
Getting There
From St. George: 42 Miles (55 mins driving)
Directions to Trailhead. From St George, head north on I-15 for about 18 miles and take exit 27 to Toquerville. Turn right on UT-17 and follow it for 6 miles. Turn left onto UT-9 and follow it for approximately 20 miles until you come to the park entrance. If parking is full inside the park, you can park in the town of Springdale and ride the shuttle up to the park. Once you pass through the pay booth, take an immediate right and follow the signs for general parking around the Visitor’s Center. Walk past the tram lines and toward the south campground. There will be signs pointing you to the trail head. You will be walking along the east side of the river to get to the The Watchman trailhead.
Trailhead GPS: 37.200579, -112.986819
Trail Report
The beginning of the trail hugs the river then takes you into the hills. For a mile or so, the trail is moderately strenuous, looping and heading uphill around the valley. Soon you can look down on the canyon from atop a layer of cliffs. Desert greenery surrounds you. Evergreen trees and a few hearty shrubs provide a small bit of shade along the way. Prickly pear cactus is everywhere. Heading west again, you reach a delightful view of the canyon with the Visitor Center below, Springdale off in the distance, and Watchman Peak in the south. This is a terrific place to stop and have lunch if it isn’t too hot. You can always take the short loop trail with even more views off to the south. After taking in the sights on the loop, you will head back the way you came.