Watchman Trail
Backcountry camps
Along the way South Campground, Site: 68 South Campground, Site: 71 South Campground, Site: 72 South Campground, Site: 74 South Campground, Site: 77
Trailhead Watchman 3,906 ft Drive there
Pa'rus Trail the Park Service's write-up
30-120 Minutes · dogs allowed
Start Pa'rus Trailhead
"Pa’rus" is Paiute for “bubbling water.” The Pa’rus Trail follows the Virgin River and has some of the best views of the Watchman. The paved trail connects the Zion Canyon Visitor Center and Canyon Junction. It is accessible for wheelchairs, pets on leashes, and bicycles. Trailside exhibits cover a variety of subjects, including plant and animal life along the river, geology, and human history.
The Pa'rus makes a good location for watching the sunset, stargazing, and astrophotography.
Access this trail from the Museum (Shuttle Stop #2) by using a short connector trail that is not designed for wheelchairs and not approved for bikes or pets.
Restrooms and water filling stations are available at the Visitor Center.
Accessibility Length (one way) | 1.6 mi (2.5 km) Elevation | Gain: 151.7 ft (46.3 m) | Loss: 62.7 ft (19.12 m) Grade | Typical: 2.6% | Maximum: 11.4% | 1.2% of the trail is at an 8.3% or higher grade. Cross Slope | Typical: 2.1% | Maximum: 8.8% Tread Width | Typical: 120 in (304.7 cm) | Minimum: 96 in (243.8 cm) Surface | 93.6% of the trail is paved and 6.4% is hard wood decking. Obstructions | Bridges (5) 120 in (304.8 cm) wide and 416 - 1744 in (1056.6 - 4429.8 cm) long, with gaps in decking up to 3 in (2.5 cm) wide | Post in trail leaving 60 in (152.4 cm) of remaining tread | Tripping hazards 1 - 2 in (2.5 - 5 cm) tall, with 0 in of remaining tread Last assessed on January 13, 2025. Obstructions less than 0.5 in tall, or outside the tread area of 120 in (304.8 cm) wide by 96 in (243.8 cm), high were not reported.
Watchman Trail the Park Service's write-up
1-2 Hours · no dogs · season This hike is accessible throughout the year. The trail may be muddy or icy during the winter and monsoon season. Limited shade in the summer.
Start Watchman Trailhead
The Watchman Trail is a moderate out-and-back hike accessed from the Zion Canyon Visitor Center. To reach the trailhead, follow the sidewalk through the Visitor Center plaza and past the shuttle stop to the crosswalk. Stay along the river to begin the trail.
From the relatively flat beginning section of trail by the river, this unpaved trail climbs to a magnificent viewpoint of the Watchman, Temples and Towers, lower Zion Canyon, and the Town of Springdale. The terrain is sandy, rocky, and uneven, with several moderate drop-offs.
Restrooms and water filling stations are available at the Visitor Center.
Bikes are not permitted.
Accessibility Watchman Trail to Overlook Length (one way) | 1.4 mi (2.3 km) Elevation | Gain: 479.4 ft (146.1 m) | Loss: 78.1 ft (23.8 m) Grade | Typical: 7.4% | Maximum: 39.4% | 34 % of the trail is at an 8.3% or higher grade. Cross Slope | Typical: 4.8% | Maximum: 36.8% Tread Width | Typical: 77 in (195.6 cm) | Minimum: 12 in (30.5 cm) Surface | 2.2% of the trail is paved, 58.8% is hard rock, 37.4% is firm soil, and 1.6% is soft soil. Obstructions | Steps up to 24 in (61 cm) tall, with 0 in of remaining tread | Overhanging rocks 20 ft (6.1 m) long with a minimum vertical clearance of 7 ft (2.1 m). There are 20 in (50.8 cm) of remaining tread, Loop Trail from Overlook Length (one way, counterclockwise) | 0.4 mi (0.7 km) Elevation | Gain: 80.4 ft (24.52 m) | Loss: 64.6 ft (19.68 m) Grade | Typical: 6.6% | Maximum: 31.5% | 28.8% of the trail is at an 8.3% or higher grade. Cross Slope | Typical: 3.6% | Maximum: 18% Tread Width | Typical: 34 in (85.9 cm) | Minimum: 12 in (30.5 cm) Surface | 73% of the trail is firm soil, and 27% is hard rock. Obstructions | Steps up to 12 in (30.5 cm) tall, with 0 in remaining tread. Last assessed on 01-15-2025. Obstructions less than 4 in (10.2 cm) tall, or outside the tread area of 36 in (91.4 cm) wide by 96 in (243.8 cm) high, were not reported.