Watchman Trail is a 3.3 mi trail with 368 ft of climbing — about 1h 15m of moving time before you stop for anything. Dogs are not allowed, and we rate it comfortable from age 8. About 25% of it is shaded, and no refill point is recorded on the route.
Underfoot & overhead exposed
3.3 mi and 368 ft of climbing work out to 1h 15m of moving time — before you stop for anything. No refill is recorded on the route — you carry all of it. Informational only, not medical advice.
Get the summer refuel plan →NAISMITH · CDC · ACSM · how these numbers are worked out
In July, Zion National Park runs around 100°F at the main visitor elevation, and this route gives you almost nothing to hide under. With no refill recorded on the route, everything you drink starts in your pack.
55°F · Mostly Clear · wind 5 mph
NOAA forecast for Zion National Park — not for this trailhead specificallyThe Narrows and all slot canyons are closed at this time due to active or anticipated flash flooding.
Live NPS alert for Zion National Park · sourceNo setting, building, maintaining, attending, or using open fires of any kind in the park. This includes campfires and charcoal fires in Watchman Campground, South Campground, and picnic areas in Zion Canyon. Stoves...
Live NPS alert for Zion National Park · sourceAbout 1h 15m of moving time for 3.3 mi and 368 ft of climbing — that is Naismith's planning rule, so it counts walking only, with nothing for photos, lunch or the queue at the top.
Planning figures for that much moving time are 0.6–1.3 L, cool day to hot. No refill point is recorded on the route, so you carry all of it. Informational only, not medical advice.
No — Watchman Trail is closed to dogs. Our Zion National Park dog guide lists the trails where they are welcome, plus boarding and the nearest 24/7 vet.
We rate it comfortable from age 8. It is not a stroller route. That rating is our own hand-check of length, footing and exposure, not an official NPS grade.
About 25% of the route is shaded, and Zion National Park peaks around 100°F in its hottest month. The less shade a route has, the more of it you want behind you before midday.