If you're looking for a great leg-stretcher of a hike from the Zion NP Visitor's Center, the Watchman Trail is the perfect option. Often overlooked, the Watchman Trail offers a fun and relatively easy fast track into Zion's natural landscape. After a few hundred feet of climbing, you're rewarded with a viewpoint showcasing the iconic Watchman peak and Zion Canyon. And because it's not a big-name hike, you often don't get the big crowds here.
The Visitor's Center is on the right once you pass through the entrance gate to the park. There is also a Watchman Campground, which is different from the Watchman Trail. Park at the Visitor Center as you would normally do.The Watchman Trail starts just past the shuttle bus station if you are walking from the Visitor Center. Cross the road that you drove in on to find the trailhead.There are signs throughout the Visitor Center area that point you toward the Watchman Trail.There are more prominent signs for the trail at the shuttle bus station.
Gear For the Hike
This is a short hike; you need no special gear to complete it. However, you're best served by wearing fitness or light hiking clothing with comfortable footwear like trail runners. Also, bring at least 0.5L of water; it can get hot during the day, and you'll probably sweat a bit on the climb.
The beginning is flat, but we soon climb along a canyon to the viewpoint loop at the top. You'll feel the climb, but it's not too long or as challenging as the climb to Scout Lookout.
3D Map
The trail climbs to a small plateau several hundred feet high, where you then hike a small loop to the viewpoint. The Watchman looms above to the south as you hike.
Watchman Trail Hike Directions
Follow the Visitor Center's Watchman Trail signs and then cross the road at the crosswalk.You'll soon pass an information display for the Watchman Trail on your right.A minute past the sign, look for a dirt trail off to the left.There's a small sign pointing you onto that last junction.Follow the trail as it heads upstream along the river.And then you'll have another road crossing. Once across the road, the trail goes to the left.The trail starts gently climbing.You'll catch some postcard-perfect glimpses up Zion Canyon.And then you'll head up a series of nicely engineered switchbacks.As you climb you can see the trail continue on the other side of the canyon. That's where we're hiking to.Don't kick or knock rocks down, there are people hiking beneath you on the switchbacks.The trail climbs through the sandstone Moenave Formation. Dinosaur footprints are sometimes found in this formation, created when they walked in the soft sand about 200 million years old.You'll also see the Watchman poking out in the distance.Once on the other side of the canyon, the trail levels out. The climbing is over.When you get to a flat rocky area, go straight through to start the loop trail.Look for small signs like this along the short loop trail.The loop trail goes downhill for a short stretch.When it dead ends at the viewpoint, ignore the smaller trails to the right and continue left on the official loop.You'll arrive at a marked split. The overlook is down to the right. When you are done, return here and continue on the loop trail to get back to the start.Here you are at the official Watchman Overlook.There's a small sign making it official. Stay away from the edges.To the right you have views up into Zion Canyon.And to the left, The Watchman, at 6,545 feet.Continue on the loop trail. In a short while you'll climb some steps.And then arrive back at the area where you started the loop.From here, just hike back down the way you came. That's the hike!
