In my last post I talked about using the Pa’rus trail to bypass the shuttle line at Zion National Park. But if you want to do a hike without using the shuttles at all then the Watchman Trail is your best bet.
How to Get to the Watchman Trail
The Watchman Trail begins just to the left (when facing the canyon) of the Visitor Center shuttle station. The trail will cross the road that leads to the parking lot and continue on along the side of the Virgin River without crossing it. If you parked at the visitor center or came in through the walking/shuttle entrance you can just walk straight to the Watchman Trail without standing in any lines.
Some guides list this trail as easy, it is not in fact easy. It is definitely not easy with a baby on your back, but I don’t think it would be easy otherwise. I would rate it as moderate under normal conditions, and difficult if you are carrying a baby. I would not try to hike it with a walking toddler.
The National Park’s guide lists it as moderate hike taking about two hours. It took us around three hours with Lucy. It also lists about 370 feet of elevation gain, but it felt like much more to us. I don’t tell you this to scare you away from the trail, I think it is fun trail, but we weren’t really prepared for what we had got ourselves into when we started.
What You Will See and Do On the Watchman Trail
The trail starts out following the Virgin River and there are several places along it with water access. Eventually it breaks off and heads towards the Watchman, which is the craggy rock wall that dominates the eastern skyline. You hike over open, exposed ground for quite a while before reaching the base of the cliffs.
You then follow a group of switchbacks up and up until you have done almost all the elevation gain. There are a few places along this part of the trail where an overhang can you give you shade before noon. These would be a good place to take a break and have a snack or lunch since this is a longer hike.
Once you are up the switchbacks you will continue to gain some elevation as your way around and on to the plateau that is your final destination. Once you have made it around the bend with the weeping rock and hanging garden you are almost there.
Once on the plateau you can continue on and do a loop trail to get amazing panorama views of the Watchman and the canyon. I did continue on to the loop trail while Meagan and Lucy stayed at the beginning of the plateau.
Sum Up
The Watchman Trail is not easy, especially with children. It does offer some awesome views at the end, but its main advantage is that you can leave directly from the visitor center without waiting for the shuttle. It is a popular but not overcrowded hike.
There are bathrooms and water at the visitor center. Be sure to bring plenty of water and some snacks with you since this hike will take you at least a couple hours to complete.
