Everything You Need to Know About Visiting Watchman Trail

Justin Reznick Photography / Getty Images

Key Info

Official Website

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Hiking, Natural Wonders, Recreation Type
2 hours to Half Day Time to Spend

4.2

Overall

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Value

5.0
Atmosphere

4.0

Read about how we rank Things to Do.

The 3-mile round-trip Watchman Trail doesn't ascend the red, 6,545-foot-tall Watchman Spire but rather affords a spectacular view of it, as well as the expansive valley beneath it and some desert cacti and greenery along the way. As the trail only ascends about 400 feet, it's a good trail to start out on for those new to hiking.

Previous travelers called this a "nice moderate hike," though some recommend doing it early in the day to avoid the direct sunlight that bears down at midday. Because the trailhead is near the Zion Canyon Visitor Center, one visitor recommends skipping the long lines of the free shuttle in favor of hopping on this trail first.

You'll find the trailhead for the Watchman Trail near the visitor center, across from the shuttle stop. Remember to bring plenty of water, slather on sunscreen and start your hike as early as possible, since this trail is fully exposed to the blazing Utah sun. To learn more about the Watchman Trail, check out Utah.com's website.

Hotels Nearby

Thing to Do
Hotel

Cliffrose Lodge & Gardens at Zion National Park ...

0.7 Miles Away
3.5-star Hotel Class

Pioneer Lodge ...

1.3 Miles Away
3.0-star Hotel Class

Quality Inn At Zion Park ...

1.1 Miles Away
2.5-star Hotel Class

See all hotels in Zion National Park »

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#1 The Narrows The slimmest section of Zion Canyon is known as the Narrows, and it's one of the park's most popular hikes. To experience it, set out from the Temple ... Read more » Lightvision / Getty Images

#2 Zion Canyon Visitor Center Likely a traveler's first stop in Zion National Park, the visitor center contains a large bookstore, a miniature model of the entire park and knowledgeable park staff who are ... Read more » Yi-Liang (Lucas) Liu / Flickr

#3 Zion Canyon Scenic Drive If you'd rather experience Zion National Park's grandeur from the safety and comfort of your car, then the 57-mile Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is for you. The route ... Read more » stellalevi / Getty Images

#4 Canyon Overlook Trail One of the easiest and most photographed trails in Zion National Park, Canyon Overlook Trail is also one of the busiest. Only 1-mile round trip, this trail will take hikers ... Read more » Praveen P.N / Getty Images

#5 Observation Point When you crest the Observation Point trail, you'll find yourself at an elevation of 6,521 feet atop Mount Baldy and enjoying a bird's-eye view of just about ... Read more » Utah-based Photographer Ryan Houston / Getty Images

#6 Watchman Trail The 3-mile round-trip Watchman Trail doesn't ascend the red, 6,545-foot-tall Watchman Spire but rather affords a spectacular view of it, as well as the expansive valley beneath it ... Read more » Justin Reznick Photography / Getty Images

#7 Pa'rus Trail Pa'rus Trail, with its wide paved path, is probably the easiest hike in Zion National Park. But it's also just a great way to reach various sites throughout ... Read more » Robert_Ford / Getty Images

#8 Angels Landing Like its name alludes, the Angels Landing trail concludes at an elevated perch. Travelers will ascend 1,488 feet during the 5-mile round-trip hike, some of which features sheer cliffs ... Read more » Michele D'Amico supersky77 / Getty Images