The Watchman Trail in Zion National Park

The Watchman Trail is an amazing 3.3 mile hike starting right at the Visitor Center in Zion National Park. Though this trail does require a climb, it is one of our new favorites in the park. We wouldn’t take a toddler on this trail, but it is fairly easy for those 6 and older who can walk the distance.

The Watchman is a massive stone tower that stands to the right of the entrance gate in Springdale. This monolith can easily be seen from anywhere in Zion Canyon or the city, and this trail does not necessarily give you any better vantage point. The Watchman Trail in Zion does climb generally toward the rock tower. Mostly, it runs up to the ridge and then lollipops around so you can get a wide angle view of Springdale and Zion Canyon. The views were spectacular and this is why we loved the hike.

This is The Watchman in Zion National Park.

The best time to hike The Watchman Trail is in the morning. The mountains to the east provide almost complete shade if you hike then. The closer to dawn you hike, the more shade you’ll get, so if it is going to be a hot day, get an early start. The sun also shines on the mountains and makes for some great photos.

Where to Begin

To find the trail, go to the Visitor Center. Then head out toward the shuttle loading area, and look for signs pointing you to the Watchman Trail. You will cross the road and go around the upper parking lot to the highway side. There are signs to guide you, and the rangers in the Visitor Center can get you on the correct path if you are unsure.

Walk around the shuttle area to this path to cross the road.

The Hike Details

The Watchman Trail in Zion begins by walking along the river. There are some places where you can easily walk to the edge for a photo, or if the weather is nice, to dip your feet in. When we visited their was bacteria in the water, so we just looked.

The beginning is just as pretty as the end.

You do cross the road after the river section. Then you head up the mountains.

This trail is fairly busy, and it climbs up most of the way. The trail is very rocky, so you will need to be careful of your footing while you hike. It is amazing to be right next to the towering cliffs that Zion is known for. There are so many beautiful places along the trail as it moves back and forth across the hillside.

The trail is an uphill walk the entire way.

So many great looks at the Zion rock cliffs and mountains.

The trail does have some areas with drop-offs, so be careful.

We loved how the sun lit up the colorful rocks.

There are some really unique rock formations. We called this one The Tire.

The Watchman Trail is Zion is really lovely.

After some winding back and forth across the mountainside, the trail comes out on the ridge and there are some great photo opportunities. There is a small loop at the top. We hiked down to the farthest point, but be careful and stay back from the edge. There are some rocks that you can climb safely upon, but the fall from there is potentially fatal.

Though the trail did loop from the furthest point, we didn’t see much reason to continue around. There weren’t any views or anything worth seeing, so we suggest walking back the way you came and skipping the full walk around on the loop.

The loop trail walks to the end, and then back round.

And hike in the morning! It was cold, but so pretty!

If you hike in Zion, remember: sunscreen, shade, water, and sturdy shoes. These will keep you safe out there on the trail. The Watchman Trail is the longest hike we recommend for kids in Zion. Check out this list for all of our ideas: Zion Kid Hikes.