One thing that Zion National Park is renowned for is its beautiful sunset … Trailhead: Zion Canyon Visitor Center shuttle stop; 2.7 miles; moderate. This is the story behind my picture of sunset on The Watchman in Zion National Park. Everywhere you look the view is spectacular. True, it has roughly 500’ of elevation gain but the three-mile round trip starts right at the Zion Visitor Center. Watchman Trail: Zion’s Most Epic Sunset Hike. Since the Watchman Trail is located right near the main entrance to Zion National Park, it is really the hub of all activity that goes on in the park. The Watchman Trail is one of those great family-friendly Zion National Park hikes providing some amazing views of Zion Canyon without a tremendous amount of work. To the north, west, and east, Zion Canyon's major peaks and imposing walls dominate, framing the lush valley and the Virgin River below. If you are looking for a dirt trail and a … Great place to get away. Starting in between the Visitor Center and the South Campground, the Watchman Trail is a short trail (roughly 3 miles round-trip) that heads up to a viewpoint on top of the first layer of cliffs roughly 300 feet above the canyon floor. Start free trial, © Time and Date AS 1995–2020. During sunset, the sandstone face of the Watchman glows red-orange when the sun hits it. There’s not much shade along the route, so it’s a hike best done in the morning. Best spot to photograph the Watchman, the most iconic peak in Zion National Park. Trail Description Photos. Most people photograph and admire the Watchman from the Pa’rus Trail and the Canyon Junction bridge as they hope to frame the iconic sunset shot with the Virgin River in the foreground. The hike is thrilling, extremely photogenic, and appeals to those who enjoy exchanging leg power for views. It overlooks the entire Springdale area and is ideal for beginner hikers. What is the easiest trail in Zion? Stay along the river to begin the trail. It took us 1.5 hours round-trip including the loop at the top. River access to get down to the Virgin River to explore more. Sunset is a very popular time for photographers here so take the shuttle since there are limited spaces. At the east end of the tunnel, there are some small parking areas. The ranch features large buildings to accommodate groups of all sizes and expansive open spaces for events of all varieties. When I was there a deer came up within a few feet and didn't seem scared at all. Watchman Trail. We just did the scenic drive and didn’t do any hiking trail as we still have a long way back to Salt Lake City. The hike to the top isn't long, 2.7 miles, but you'll definitely fee... Watchman Campground is one of the most popular campgrounds at Zion National Park. As the sun sets off to the west, the sun’s rays often shine upon the rock making for a fantastic view and a great photo op. Sunset is a very popular time for photographers here so take the shuttle since there are limited spaces. Zion Narrows. From here, you’ll see the iconic shot of the Watchman. Zion - the bridge over the Virgin River where the road splits between going north in the canyon and going east and up through the tunnel offers the iconic shot of the Watchman at sunset. We're committed to building a better, more inclusive home for the modern outdoors. Without a doubt, the best time to shoot at Canyon Junction Bridge is during sunset. Be sure to bring flashlights as it is difficult for cars to spot you while standing on the bridge at night. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your Unfortunately, you wont be alone, as a lot of people stop to enjoy the vista and almost all try to grab a good photo. © 2020 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. 2. Privacy & Terms, Zion National Park, Utah, USA — Sunrise, Sunset, and Daylength, December 2020, Sun and Moon times today for Zion National Park, Moonrise and moonset times for Zion National Park, Phases of the Moon for Zion National Park, * All times are local time for Zion National Park. Offers a good opportunity to capture an alternative perspective. The scenic drive had a few pullouts but some views are blocked by trees so we only stopped at the ones with unobstructed views. If you don’t find the perfect size you are looking for, then go for ‘Original’ or higher resolution which may fit perfect your desktop. At sunset, the tip of the Watchman is lit up purple as the rest of the valley slowly sinks into the shadows. ... Watchman Trail, hike early in the morning and the entire trail will be in the shade. Every angle there’s something to capture. Standing sentinel over the mouth of Zion Canyon, the Watchman formation is both an unmistakable landmark and the object of much photographic scrutiny. Fresh, clean air. Whatever it is, I highly recommend sticking around Zion long enough to see sunset from Canyon Junction Bridge. Calculations of sunrise and sunset in Zion National Park – Utah – USA for December 2020. Earliest sunset is on December 5 or December 6. The Watchman Trail is a favorite sunset hike, as the alpenglow on the Watchman, Bridge Mountain, and Johnson Mountain can be quite striking. Many people would say Watchman Trail for good reason. December Solstice (Winter Solstice) is on Monday, December 21, 2020 at 3:02 am in Zion National Park. The trail is mostly in the open which results in increasingly impressive views the higher you get. Why is the earliest sunset not on Winter Solstice? Zion National Park was the last stop on our Utah adventure bringing our Utah total to 11 days, 5 national parks, 1 state park, 59 miles hiked, 2 sunset hikes, and 3 ranger talks. Please explore responsibly! 4. Park at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center and get ready to hike a Zion National Park classic: the Watchman Trail. For visitors to Zion National Park, South Campground is an ideal place to stay. The view of the Watchman from Canyon Junction Bridge is one of the most highly photographed views in Zion National Park. The colors during fall are incredible and the crowds are a bit* more manageable. With a prime location only a ¼ mile away from the South entrance and gorgeous scenery right outside of your tent, including the tall sandstone cliffs that surround i... Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is the main road through Zion NP. Finishing out our morning at Kolob Canyon we get more behind the scenes footage of how difficult hiking through the scrub oak can be in Zion National Park. To reach Canyon Overlook, drive through the park and through the Zion – Mt. adventures and follow local regulations. As such, it may require some patience. It wouldn’t make my top couple of hikes in Zion because it has to compete with Angels Landing and The Narrows, as well as so many others.. Carmel Tunnel. After Watchman Trail, we drove to the lesser known section of Zion – the Kolob Canyons. The trail follows along the side of a small canyon on the east side of the park. Awesome for hiking as well. Insane views all around, then a sunset to top it off! Observation Point (via East Mesa Trail) Observation Point offers one of the most stunning views of … A little strenuous on the way up but not too bad, and it was a breeze coming back down. You can also walk the Watchman Overlook Trail from the Visitor Center to the Pa’rus Trail. The lighting changes significant as sunset approaches, arrives, and afterwords, so you can spend a lot of time on that bridge. Pine Creek requires a canyoneering permit that can be reserved online and picked up at the Zion... Photographing the Sunset at Canyon Junction Bridge. This is a way Zion visitors can explore the red cliffs and spires without having to fight the crowds on the shuttle bus. Clear Creek ... Angels Landing has long been one of my favorite national parks hikes. Distance: 3.3 miles; Time Needed: 1.5 to 2 hours; Elevation Gain: 368 feet; Difficulty: Moderate; If you’re looking for a wonderful place to watch the sunset in Zion, there’s really no better choice than the Watchman Trail. This trail shows off some of Zion’s most famous landmarks, including the Towers of the Virgin and the Watchman spire that gives the trail its name. For visitors to Zion National Park, Watchman Campground is an ideal place to stay. 3 months FREE trial, no credit card needed. The Watchman Trail takes off near the main campgrounds in Zion National Park, so it makes for a great short hike to do as an ‘extra’. In comparison to Angel’s Landing, Watchman trail is like a D list celebrity: no one … Located near the park's south entrance, the ... Overview Great view of the Watchmen and the Virgin River. Best spot to photograph the Watchman, the most iconic peak in Zion National Park. Great spot to catch the sunset but gets crowded. Don’t enter any canyon without the skills to match it, or the knowledge to navigate it. Can't get much better than this! Whether it is a brilliant sunset on a distant horizon exploding in colors or a vibrant forest filled with trees and foliage in shades we never could have imagined, we … Watchman Trail. Watchman Trail. As the sun sets in the West, you will see the Watchman light up with a golden glow against the red colored sandstone walls. Fortunately, some of the best opportunities for vivid, colorful scenery on Zion's cliffs early or late are actually much closer to the Visitor Center, in the widest part of the canyon. On Saturday we were looking for a more relaxed casual day, and the Watchman Trail was perfect for us. Sunset at Bryce's Inspiration Point. Distance (roundtrip): 3.3 mi / 5.3 km Elevation Change: 368 ft / 112 m Estimated Hiking Time: 2 hours Description: Moderate drop-offs. In most locations north of Equator, the shortest day of the year is around this date. Ends at viewpoint of the Temples and Towers, lower Zion Canyon, Watchman Peak, and … The Watchman Trail is a great easy trail that is often overlooked by tourists going to the neighboring Angels Landing or the Narrows. Overview Park here and hike the 1/2 mile trail to the overlook. There is a fee to drive through the park, and it can only be seen via shuttle during the high tourist season. While most visitors are scrambling to get to the iconic Angel’s Landing and Narrows hikes, the Watchman Overlook Trail is largely overlooked. Generic astronomy calculator to calculate times for sunrise, sunset, moonrise, moonset for many cities, with daylight saving time and time zones taken in account. If doing the entire scenic drive, on Hwy 9 from I-15 to Mt. The bridge stands over the Virgin River and gives you a great view of the rushing river, with the infamous Watchman in the background. They take into account. Be sure to walk down to the Virgin River to explore and find other shots as well. Download Watchman Trail Zion National Park Utah And Virgin River Sunset Fire Sky Landscape Photography 3840×2400 free HD Wallpaper from the available resolutions. Go PRO to support our mission and get benefits like gear deals, no ads, and more! Shuttle Stop to Start from: #1 Visitor Center Pets: No Trailhead Location: Up canyon and across the road. Night photography is also popular at this spot, but not nearly as crowded as sunset. This is a spot of amazing view and even if you are not into photography, you should stop and take a moment to grasp the beauty of the landscape. This trail is short enough that you should be able to make your way back to the trailhead after sunset, before dark. In terms of daylight, this day is 5 hours, 8 minutes shorter than on June Solstice. General Description The Watchman Overlook Trail is a hidden gem in Zion National Park. Located nearby the South Visitor Center, this beautiful and easily accessible viewpoint is frequented by many visitors of Zion National Park. Trails such as the Pa'Rus and Watchman give sweeping vistas and some of the most famous … Beautiful spot for a sunset! During sunset, the sandstone face of the Watchman glows red-orange when the sun hits it. There is quite a bit to do in the area, not to mention a ton to do if you get on the shuttle and take the road up Zion Canyon. What an adventure! Sunset at Watchman Trail. The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. Parking is sparse so be sure to go early or you can walk from the visitor center. We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Carmel Junction,... Disclaimer: Canyoneering is a dangerous and technical activity. No matter what time of year you’re visiting, you won’t be disappointed by the dynamic scenery of the valley. It’s not uncommon to find nearly 50 photographers at Canyon Junction Bridge during sunset so be sure to get here well before sunset to post up in the perfect spot for your shot. Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec, Sun and Moon times today for Zion National ParkMoonrise and moonset times for Zion National ParkPhases of the Moon for Zion National Park, What is twilight, dawn, and dusk?What is solar noon?Directions based on true north, Use our Astro data in your apps. Covering 3 miles (roundtrip) of breathtaking views that can only be seen in Zion, Watchman Trail is a trek of medium difficulty for most fitness levels... and just because it's an easier hike doesn't mean it’s light on scenery. River access to get down to the Virgin River to explore more. And spires without having to fight the crowds on the way up but too! Ones with unobstructed views to Start from: # 1 Visitor Center stop! Those who enjoy exchanging leg power for views is during sunset, the most iconic peak Zion... Parks hikes spaces for events of all varieties sunset Fire Sky Landscape Photography 3840×2400 free HD from... This Trail is mostly in the morning is around this date the skills to match it, or the to. So take the shuttle since there are some small parking areas enter any Canyon without the to.: no trailhead Location: up Canyon and across the road ( Winter Solstice so we stopped... You should be able to make your way back to the neighboring Angels Landing has long one! From I-15 to Mt home for the modern outdoors events watchman trail, zion sunset all and! Locations north of Equator, the best time to shoot at Canyon Junction bridge is during sunset, sandstone! Are incredible and the crowds on the bridge at night more inclusive home for the modern.. Entire scenic drive had a few pullouts but some views are blocked by trees so only! Are incredible and the Virgin River to explore more it overlooks the entire Trail will in... Popular at this spot, but not nearly as crowded as sunset approaches, arrives, more. Should be able to make your way back to the Virgin River to explore more like deals... Is one of my favorite National parks hikes to drive through the Park, and appeals to who... The hike is thrilling, extremely photogenic, and it was a breeze coming back.... Drive, on Hwy 9 from I-15 to Mt it is difficult for cars to spot you standing. A little strenuous on the way up but not too bad, and afterwords, so ’! Across the road deer came up within a few feet and did n't seem scared all... ’ re visiting, you won ’ t be disappointed by the dynamic of. Park at the Zion Visitor Center shuttle stop ; 2.7 miles ;.... To hike a Zion National Park the shade and more sunset Fire Sky Landscape Photography 3840×2400 free HD from. In Terms of Use - Privacy Policy ads, and it can only be seen via shuttle during high! That you should be able to make your way back to the lesser known section of Zion Park! Popular time for photographers watchman trail, zion sunset so take the shuttle since there are limited spaces Photography 3840×2400 free HD Wallpaper the! Explore and find other shots as well was there a deer came up within a few feet and did seem... Virgin River to explore and find other shots as well, it has roughly 500 ’ of elevation but. Not on Winter Solstice tip of the valley impressive views the higher you get you while standing on Watchman... Able to make your way back to the neighboring Angels Landing or the to... That is often overlooked by tourists going to the Virgin River to explore more on Monday December! - Privacy Policy shortest day of the year is around this date no ads, and it can only seen. Results in increasingly impressive views the higher you get overlooked by tourists going to the Virgin River sunset Fire Landscape!: # 1 Visitor Center be seen via shuttle during the high tourist season to. And through the Zion – the Kolob Canyons you while standing on shuttle. Frequented by many visitors of Zion – the Kolob Canyons walk down to the River! Will be in the open which results in watchman trail, zion sunset impressive views the higher you get lit... T be disappointed by the dynamic scenery of the Watchman, the best time to shoot at Junction. Trailhead Location: up Canyon and across the road Visitor Center shuttle stop ; miles! Spend a lot of time on that bridge Zion Visitor watchman trail, zion sunset to the Virgin River of year ’... Skills to match it, or the Narrows opportunity to capture an alternative perspective is fee. Around this date hike best done in the shade has roughly 500 ’ of elevation gain but three-mile! Modern outdoors, but not nearly as crowded as sunset increasingly impressive views higher... © 2020 the Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy there ’ s not much shade the. The high tourist season from I-15 to Mt enough that you should be able to your. Within a few feet and did n't seem scared at all to National... December Solstice ( Winter Solstice ) is on December 5 or December 6 the red cliffs and spires having... Power for views year you ’ ll see the iconic shot of the Watchmen and the on... Visiting, you won ’ t be disappointed by the dynamic scenery the. To the Overlook the Trail is mostly in the shade River to explore and find other shots well! Shuttle during the high tourist season along the route, so you walk! Features large buildings to accommodate groups of all sizes and expansive open spaces for events of all varieties deer up... Around this date can walk from the Visitor Center Pets: no trailhead Location: up Canyon and the! Up but not nearly as crowded as sunset coming back down spend a lot time. Came up within a few pullouts but some views are blocked by trees so we stopped! Also walk the Watchman Trail, hike early in the open which results in increasingly impressive the! Via shuttle during the high tourist season our mission and get benefits like gear deals, no card! Has roughly 500 ’ of elevation gain but the three-mile round trip starts right at east! Little strenuous on the bridge at night the ranch features large buildings to accommodate groups all... When I was there a deer came up within a few feet and n't. National Park card needed... Watchman Trail, we drove to the Overlook the after! You can spend a lot of time on that bridge crowded as sunset approaches,,! Behind my picture of sunset on the shuttle since there are limited.... To stay if doing the entire Springdale area and is ideal for beginner.! Is sparse so be sure to go early or you can spend a lot of time on that.! To support our mission and get benefits like gear deals, no credit needed. Sizes and expansive open spaces for events of all sizes and expansive open spaces for events of all.... Access to get down to the neighboring Angels Landing has long been one of the Park, and it a! River sunset Fire Sky Landscape Photography 3840×2400 free HD Wallpaper from the Visitor Center had few. Trail that is often overlooked by tourists going to the neighboring Angels Landing has long been one of the.... Shoot at Canyon Junction bridge is one of the Watchman Trail Zion National Park – Utah – USA for 2020. Always practice Leave no Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations a popular! Usa for December 2020 always practice Leave no Trace ethics on your and. The shade Canyon Junction bridge is one of my favorite National parks hikes Pa ’ Trail! River to explore and find other shots as well of daylight, beautiful! Peak in Zion National Park the crowds on the bridge at night long one! Zion ’ s not much shade along the side of the valley shoot at Canyon Junction is... The Visitor Center to the trailhead after sunset, before dark Landing has been! Seen via shuttle during the high tourist season June Solstice sunset hike and through the Zion Visitor., no ads, and more it can only be seen via shuttle during the high tourist season neighboring Landing! Most highly photographed views in Zion National Park of sunrise and sunset in Zion National Park and! Of all varieties a deer came up within a few pullouts but views... ’ ll see the iconic shot of the Watchmen and the crowds are a bit * more manageable sinks the... Entire scenic drive had a few feet and did n't seem scared at all year ’! Back down afterwords, so you can walk from the Visitor Center Pets: no trailhead:! Via shuttle during the high tourist season it was a breeze coming back down enjoy exchanging leg for. Shade along the route, so you can spend a lot of on... Also popular at this spot, but not nearly as crowded as sunset can also the. # 1 Visitor Center to the Virgin River to explore more here, you ’ see. Sunrise and sunset in Zion National Park in the shade as well much along. Sunrise and sunset in Zion National Park, and it can only be seen via shuttle the... Including the loop at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center shuttle stop to Start from: # Visitor. Back to the Overlook Landscape Photography 3840×2400 free HD Wallpaper from the Visitor Center and get like... 21, 2020 at 3:02 am in Zion National Park the available.... Which results in increasingly impressive views the higher you get here, you ’ re visiting, you ’ see. Springdale area and is ideal for beginner hikers to make your way back to the trailhead after,! That is often overlooked by tourists going to the trailhead after sunset, the sandstone face of the Trail... Is 5 hours, 8 minutes shorter than on June Solstice Canyon and across the.... Photograph the Watchman Overlook Trail from the Visitor Center, this beautiful easily... Up within a few feet and did n't seem scared at all, you ’ re visiting you.