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Watchman Trail, UT

Guide 6 Triplogs  0 Topics
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Statistics
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Difficulty 2 of 5
Route Finding 1 of 5
Distance Lasso-Loop 3.2 miles
Trailhead Elevation 3,965 feet
Elevation Gain 535 feet
Accumulated Gain 701 feet
Avg Time Round Trip 2 hours
Kokopelli Seeds 6.71
 Backpack No
 Dogs not allowed
feature photo
Photos Viewed All MineFollowing
15  2017-10-24
Zion National Park
trekkin_gecko
6  2011-10-23 John9L
7  2011-05-08 squatpuke
Author
author avatar Guides 6
Routes 6
Photos 1,578
Trips 179 map ( 1,118 miles )
Age 55 Male Gender
Location Flagstaff, AZ
Associated Areas
list map done
Southwest Region
Historical Weather
Trailhead Forecast
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Preferred Mar, Nov, Apr, Feb
Sun  5:16am - 7:42pm
Official Route
 
0 Alternative
 
 Water


Hike from the Campgrounds
by squatpuke

The Watchman Trail (constructed by CCC in 1934) is a popular and relatively easy hike located in Zion National Park. If you are camping at the nearby South or Watchman Campgrounds, it is a must-do and easily within walking distance.


If driving, park your vehicle at the far end of the overflow parking lot directly north of Visitor Center. If camping from Watchman Campground, you can easily walk along side this parking lot and continue up the service road (that leads to employee dorms) until you see the signed trail head.

The trail itself is wide (3ft) and passes through loads of Pinon, Juniper and Prickly Pear. The trail initially skirts east at the base of Bridge Mountain (elev. 6803ft) via some manageable switchbacks passing stone retaining walls and a variety of seeps. Continuing on, you reach a bluff directly beneath The Watchman Spire (elev. 6545ft). Continue walking this bluff to the top until you reach a sign designating a (.4 mile) loop that circles to the end of the Watchman Lookout and returns to that same point. (The hike is not to the Watchman Spire itself.)


The trail's endpoint offers spectacular views of the entire south region of Zion NPS, Springdale and the Virgin River. Great seating is located everywhere at the Viewpoint; fantastic location to take a break. Return the way you came or complete the loop.

Restrooms located at Visitor Center.


The Watchman Trail is highly exposed - come prepared with sun protection and plenty of water.

Check out the Official Route and Triplogs.

Leave No Trace and +Add a Triplog after your hike to support this local community.

2011-05-14 squatpuke
  • NPS PDF
    area related
    NPS PDF
  • NPS PDF - 2
    area related
    NPS PDF - 2
  • nps related
WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.

 Permit $$
NPS

Zion National Park
Zion Per Car/7 Day Entrance Fee (Permits such as backcountry and such may pertain too)


 Directions
or
or
 Road
Paved - Car Okay

To hike
From East, Kanab/Mt. Carmel, take SR9 to Zion NP East entrance and drive through Mt. Carmel tunnel, continue through park and turn left just before South Entrance of Zion; park in overflow/visitor parking located just north of visitor center and Watchman Campground.

South West, St. George/Hurricane, drive west and enter the South entrance of Zion NP, immediately turn right and park in overflow/visitor parking located near visitor center and Watchman Campground.

The trail head is signed but is located a few hundred yards northeast from a paved road that goes to the employee dormitories.
page created by squatpuke on May 14 2011 12:47 pm
 90+° 8am - 6pm kills
Avoid Heat Illness - stay cool
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