The Watchman

— Whether hiking the Pa’rus Trail or driving on the Zion/Mt. Carmel Highway, one of the most striking views within Zion National Park is the Watchman. A particular bridge — the Canyon Junction Bridge near the highway turnoff — is famous for large crowds of photographers and park visitors late in the afternoon. The first photo was taken in the evening around 7:22 PM but not on that bridge. Instead of standing on the bridge along with dozens of other people, we walked down a trail and stood by ourselves on another bridge to capture this view. The sunlight was casting an orange glow on The Watchman creating a warm scene on this iconic mountain.

The next photo was taken while we hiked the Pa’rus Trail near the Watchman campground. We actually got off the trail and went down to the river’s edge to appreciate the quiet and beauty this view provides. The Watchman is a sandstone spire that rises 6,555 feet (1,998 m) tall.