Watchman Trail
Zion National Park
Springdale, UT 84767-1099
(435) 772-3256
Zion National Park is located in the Southwestern corner of Utah near the Town of Springdale. The main feature of the 229-square-mile park is Zion Canyon, which is a 15 mile long and half a mile deep canyon that is the launch point for many trails in the park. The Floor Of The Valley Road follows the Virgin River through Zion Canyon, and the Watchman Trail starts at the Visitor’s Center once you enter the park from the South.
This hike on the Watchman Trail parallels the emerald colored Virgin River briefly, then makes a gradual 368′ ascent to a cliff. From here, there are views to Springdale, the Towers Of The Virgin, and the lower portion of Zion Canyon. There is also a small lollipop loop at the end of the trail that offers views in all directions and back to the visitor’s center where you started. This hike is easier than the Hidden Canyon and Angel’s Landing hikes and can be used as a warm up for either or by those that don’t like heights.
- click for a view from the Watchman Trail and a wild turkey: Gobble, Gobble, Gobble
- click to read a photo journal of our this backcountry trip near Springdale, Utah: January 10, 2015
- click to see a photo gallery from this hike at Zion National Park: January 10, 2015
- click for a trip report for this trip that starts at Weeping Rock parking area: January 10, 2015 (password required)
- click for a park map of the Watchman Trail in Zion National Park
- click for a topographical and profile map of our hike on the Watchman Trail (password required)
- click for a winter hiking guide with maps and trail descriptions for Zion National Park (password required)
- click for another hike in Zion National Park to Hidden Canyon
- click for more hikes in the State of Utah
- click for links to other outdoor books and magazines