Watchman Trail - Zion National Park
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Distance: 3.3 miles round-trip
TRAIL SUMMARY
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.
TRAIL DETAILS
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Moderate
ROUND TRIP LENGTH
3.3 miles round-trip
AVERAGE HIKE TIME
GPS COORDINATES
PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
Zion National Park
DISTANCE FROM ST GEORGE
42 Miles (55 mins driving)
RESTROOM FACILITIES
Flushing Toilets at Ranger Station/Lodge
HIKERS ALLOWED
Yes
DOGS ALLOWED
No
BIKERS ALLOWED
No
EQUESTRIAN ALLOWED
No
HIKE TYPE
Out & Back
BEST TIME OF THE YEAR TO HIKE
Spring, Fall
BEST TIME OF THE DAY TO HIKE
Morning, Afternoon, Evening
GROUP LIMIT
No Limit
PERMIT INFORMATION
No Permit Required
WATER SOURCES AVAILABLE
Water Available at Ranger Station/Lodge
CAMP SITES
No Camping Available on Trail, Camping Available only in Designated Camping Area
TRAIL CONDITIONS
Dirt Single Track
SUN EXPOSURE
Full Sun Exposure
DIRECTIONS TO TRAILHEAD
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.
FLORA AND FAUNA
Plants: Typical plant life for Southern Utah lowland hiking.
Animals: Typical animal life for Southern Utah lowland hiking.
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.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Arika Bauer
Arika Bauer is a Southern Utah local, born and raised, and the owner of Zion Adventure Photog, a photography business dedicated to photographing world travelers, outdoor lovers, and adventure junkies in one of the most beautiful settings in the world. She has made it her mission to explore all of the hidden, and not-so-hidden gems of Southern Utah, with her husband and three kids, and shares about different adventures in Southern Utah on her blog. You can also connect with her on Facebook and Instagram.
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