Hiking The Watchman Trail In Zion National Park
The Watchman Trail is a hiking trail located in Zion National Park in Utah.
The trail is a moderate, 3.3-mile out-and-back hike that offers stunning views of the Watchman Spire and the Virgin River.
To reach the trailhead, follow the sidewalk through the Visitor Center plaza and past the shuttle stop to the crosswalk.
The beginning of the trail follows the Virgin River for a short distance before turning to climb up the Watchman formation.
The trail gains elevation steadily climbing a total of 368 feet in elevation.
You will be hiking up, up, up, and taking multiple switchbacks. This baby really gets the blood flowing and provides quite a workout.
The terrain on the trail is sandy, rocky, and uneven, with several moderate drop-offs.
Be sure to wear proper footwear and watch where you are stepping, There are multiple rocks to maneuver around and you don’t want to end up twisting your ankle.
As hikers ascend the trail, they will be treated to sweeping views of Zion Canyon and the surrounding landscape. The Watchman spire, which gives the trail its name, is particularly impressive from this vantage point.
At the end of the trail, hikers can take a break and enjoy the views.
From this vantage point, you can see the Watchman, Temples and Towers, lower Zion Canyon, and the Town of Springdale in the distance.
There is a short loop trail at the end of the trail you can take for more views.
The hubby said it was nice, but I skipped it to sit at the top and enjoy the view from there while eating some trail mix.
After taking your pics and getting some rest retrace your steps back down to the trailhead.
The downhill is much easier on the body and will take you half the time.
The Watchman Trail is a unique trail in Zion National Park offering amazing views along the way.
If you’re physically able I recommend hiking this trail during your visit.
