Watchman Trail,
Zion National Park

Located 13.4 miles from Hildale, Utah (UT)
4 Stars
3,106 Steps 1  (1.4 mi)
Trails National Parks Zion Watchman Trail

The Watchman Trail is one of Zion's most popular year-round trails. The trailhead is located near the Zion Canyon Visitor Center parking lot. The trail climbs the mountain with several switchbacks and ends at a viewpoint, the trail does not take you to Watchman Peak. Photographers gather here for the stunning sunsets and unobstructed panoramic views. It is advised to hike this trail early in the morning or late in the afternoon during the summer months as there is little shade and no water on the trail.

Watchman TrailWatchman Trail, Zion National ParkWatchman Trailhead, Zion National Park

Elevation

The Watchman Trail has a maximum elevation of 4,441 ft., a minimum elevation of 3,915 ft. and an elevation range of 526 ft.

Metrics

[ A to B ] or [ B to A ]
Length 2Min Ele 3Max Ele 4Range 5
1.4 mi3,915 ft4,441 ft526 ft
[ A to B ]
Time 6Floors 7Gain 8Loss 9
46 min42.2507 ft9 ft
[ B to A ]
TimeFloorsGainLoss
36 min0.89 ft507 ft
Data Accuracy
5 Stars
Data Reliability
5 Stars

Calories

The following chart shows the total calories that you may expend on the trail while hiking in both directions. The chart is based on data derived from a statistical model of energy expenditure that relates gross weight, typical speed and trail topography.

Topo Maps

Download the PDF Watchman Trail topo map and the adjoining quads to plan your hike. These are full-sheet, 7.5 Minute (1:24,000 scale) topographic maps.

Adjoining 7.5' Quadrangle Legend

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  1. Northwest Topo Map: The Guardian Angels, UT
  2. North Topo Map: Temple of Sinawava, UT
  3. Northeast Topo Map: Clear Creek Mountain, UT
  4. West Topo Map: Springdale West, UT
  5. Topo Map: Springdale East, UT
  6. East Topo Map: The Barracks, UT
  7. Southwest Topo Map: Smithsonian Butte, UT
  8. South Topo Map: Hildale, UT
  9. Southeast Topo Map: Elephant Butte, UT

FAQ

What is the length of the Watchman Trail?
The length of the trail is 1.4 miles (2.2 km) or 3,106 steps.

How long does it take to hike the Watchman Trail?
A person in good physical health can hike the trail in 46 minutes in one direction and in 36 minutes in the opposite direction.

Warnings

Prevent tick bites: Treat clothing and gear, such as boots, pants, socks and tents with products containing 0.5% permethrin. (cdc.gov)

Canyon Overlook TrailParus TrailWatchman Trail

Footnotes

  1. Steps is a unit of distance equal to the sum of stride lengths that vary with the terrain.
  2. Length is the distance of the trail between the two trailheads, measured on the trail.
  3. Min Ele is the minimum elevation on the trail.
  4. Max Ele is the maximum elevation on the trail.
  5. Range is the difference between maximum and minimum elevation.
  6. Time is the typical total time required to hike the trail.
  7. Floors is the gain divided by twelve feet, the height of one floor.
  8. Gain (cumulative elevation gain) is the sum of every gain in elevation.
  9. Loss (cumulative elevation loss) is the sum of every loss in elevation.