The watchman trail in zion national park is one of the most popular and moderate level trails throughout Zion. This trail provides mesmerizing panoramic views throughout itself. The location of this trail is at the south end entrance of Zion National Park. Total distance covered in the Watchman Trail is about 3.3 miles. It accelerates along with overviews of different natural wonders such as the Virgin River, Pa’rus Trail, and the watchman Zion peak.
The watchman trail zion national park consists of many diversified terrains throughout the trail, and can see native flora and fauna. Overall, watchman trail Zion is a perfect welcome and a great Zion’s grandeur gesture, for first-time hikers and explorers. Near the Zion Human History Museum or the South Campground there are good facilities available for parking of vehicles. To hike this round trail, hikers need to start from the Watchman Trailhead, along the lower side of Zion Canyon, and turn back to reach the Trailhead again.
Hiking Experience inside Watchman trail:
The height of the watchman hike zone is about 365-370 feet and it has a great elevation gain moving forward on the trail. This trail offers a roundtrip of around 3.3 miles and moderate level hikers can do it comfortably. As per the experts the best time to hike the watchman’s trail is during the fall and spring seasons. During summer it is a bit tough because of the elevation gain.
Along with the incredible views of various natural wonders, hikers can get a quick glance at the vegetation of the area while hiking. Wildlife inside the national park include wild turkeys, mule deer, wildflowers, and some bird species.
Different hike zones in Zion National Park:
Apart from exploring the watchman trail, there exist numerous other trails such as the Narrows, Canyon Overlook Trail, Emerald Pools, Angels Landing, and many others. All these trails come together to form a beautiful and vibrating atmosphere in the Zion National Park.
The Narrows:
If you are an adventure seeker then the Narrows trail is a perfect place with a combination of 3 activities like wading, swimming, and scrambling. Complete travel of the trail takes into the heart of the Zion Canyon, where amazing landscapes carved with water are there. You can trek through 2 paths to the Narrows one is Bottom Up and the other is Top Down approach, however, for both the methods, permits are required. Hikers need to be cautious about flash floods and sudden weather changes while hiking from any of these paths.
Canyon Overlook Trail:
Canyon Overlook Trail is a very short yet satisfying trail that provides an incredible experience to the beginner hikers. The exact location of the Canyon Overlook Trail is at the east of the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel and while hiking the trail, hikers can witness numerous interesting rock formations, scenic landscapes, and popular photography spots. Unlike other trails, visitors can even travel through this trail with their private vehicles.
Emerald Pools:
As compared to the Narrows and Angels Landing Trail, the Emerald Pools trail is more suitable for tours with your family and friends. This place supports group hikes as well as solo hikes. The Emerald Pool consists of a series of trails namely Lower, Middle, and Upper Emerald Pools. It is a perfect and peaceful combination of fresh vegetation, red rock collection, and interplay of water all around.
Angels Landing Trail:
In Angels Landing Trail a sudden elevation gain occurs on this trail and is its the highlighting point. Slowly ascending from the West Rim Trail, this trail follows its route through Walter’s Wiggles and Scout Lookout. You will fall in love with the panoramic and most exciting Zion Canyon views throughout the trail.
Taylor Creek Trail:
This trail is one of the most silent trails that is located deep inside the Kolob Canyons of Zion National Park. While hiking this trail, visitors can also observe some of the most historic cabins. The ending point of this trail is Double Arch Alcove. Overall, this is a medium-level trail.
Parus Trail:
Pa’rus trail is the only multipurpose trail throughout the Zion National Park which follows after the Virgin River. You can do this with bicycle rides and pets are allowed. Even if the trail is comparatively flat, the overall views of the river and surrounding landscapes is incredible and very satisfying for the eyes.
For a smoother trail experience travellers need to carry plenty of water, enough snacks, energy-giving food, a first-aid kit, a detailed map, a navigation tool, and also a backpack if they have overnight camping plans. For Camping at watchman campground in zion national park a special camping permit needs to be taken for overnight camping.
Interesting facts about watchman trail:
- The Watchman Trailhead is very close to the visitor center which can provide detailed information about the trail and overall Zion National Park to visitors.
- Despite the short distance of the Watchman Trail, it is an incredible workout for adventure and fitness-lovers because of its sudden elevation gain.
- Hiking accessibility to the Watchman Trail is available throughout the 12 months of the year. However, before visiting the trail, being updated about the present weather conditions is crucial.
- Desert plants such as cactus can be widely noticed by hikers throughout the Watchman Trail.
- The terrain of the Watchman Trail is not at all plain throughout and includes many sandy and rocky paths, and sudden elevations & drop-offs throughout the trail.
Essential Tips for Watchman Trail in Zion National Park:
- The scenic landscapes and views of the Watchman Trail are most amazing during early mornings and late evenings. Visiting the trail in those times will give beautiful photography results to visitors.
- Wearing a steady as well as sturdy footwear is very crucial as the whole trail consists of many rough terrains. Also, choose flimsy shoes or sandals that will suit almost all seasons and weather conditions.
- Even if you are choosing a less sunny time to visit the Watchman Trail, applying and carrying sunscreen and shades is very important. This is to protect your skin and eyes from sudden sun exposures, sunstrokes, and even sunburns.
- The wildlife that is mostly seen in this trail is lizards, birds, and squirrels. However, staying at a particular distance from them is important. Also, don’t try to feed them or disturb their life or habitat in any possible way.
- The Watchman Trail is a very peaceful and quite trail, so visitors should try to keep themselves calm as well. Try to be calm and absorb all the peaceful, soothing, and relaxing vibes of the peak as much as possible before you return.
