Zion National Park's Watchman Trail Hiking Guide
Exploring the Watchman Trail in Zion National Park
Nestled within the heart of Zion National Park, the Watchman Trail offers a rewarding hike that showcases breathtaking views of the iconic Watchman peak and Zion Canyon.
Beginning from the Zion National Park Visitor Center parking lot area, near the south entrance of the park, the trailhead is easily accessible by foot from the visitor center [1][2]. This moderate hike spans approximately 3 to 3.3 miles roundtrip, with about 470 to 600 feet of elevation gain.
As you ascend, you'll be treated to a fast track into Zion's natural landscape, with the trail rewarding hikers at the viewpoint above the canyon floor. From here, you can marvel at the 6,545-foot sandstone summit of the Watchman, as well as the stunning panorama of Zion Canyon [1][2][4]. The trail is particularly popular for sunset viewing and stargazing.
Preparing for Your Hike
While no special gear is required for the Watchman Trail, wearing fitness or light hiking clothing and comfortable footwear like trail runners is recommended. For those planning a longer hike, the Altra Lone Peak 9, known for its comfort and improved grip, is a great choice for footwear [3].
Remember to bring at least 0.5L of water for the hike, as it can get hot during the day and you may sweat on the climb. For added peace of mind, the Garmin inReach Mini 2 provides 100% reliable SOS coverage in the backcountry [5].
Navigating the Trail
A GPX file for the Watchman Trail hike is available for download, and a 3D map of the trail can be found within the article. Detailed directions for the hike can be found in the "Watchman Trail Hike Directions" section. The trail begins with a few hundred feet of climbing, and the elevation profile of the hike can be found in the article for your reference [6][7].
For those who prefer to visualise their hikes digitally, the Watchman Trail hike can be viewed on CalTopo [8].
Top Gear Picks
If you're interested in the author's top gear picks for hiking, you can find them on our website, last updated in August 2025. The Osprey Hikelite 26, a light, tough, and back-friendly daypack, is the author's go-to choice [9].
[1] Zion National Park Official Website - Watchman Trail Information [2] AllTrails - Watchman Trail Overview [3] Altra Lone Peak 9 - Product Review [4] Zion National Park Official Website - Stargazing and Sunset Viewing [5] Garmin inReach Mini 2 - Product Overview [6] Zion National Park Official Website - Watchman Trail Elevation Profile [7] CalTopo - Watchman Trail Map [8] Zion National Park Official Website - GPX File for Watchman Trail [9] Author's Top Gear Picks - Updated August 2025
- To begin your adventure on the Watchman Trail, start from the Zion National Park Visitor Center parking lot area, which is located near the south entrance of the park.
- When preparing for your hike, opt for fitness or light hiking clothing and comfortable footwear like trail runners, and consider the Altra Lone Peak 9 for improved grip during longer hikes.
- As you navigate the trail, a GPX file for the hike can be found on the Zion National Park Official Website, while a 3D map of the trail can be accessed within the article.
- To enhance your outdoor-living experience, explore the author's top gear picks for hiking, including the Osprey Hikelite 26, last updated in August 2025.
