| The Watchman Mountain/Rock |
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| The Watchman   | 
| Page Type: Mountain/Rock Location: Utah, United States, North America Lat/Lon: 37.18469°N / 112.97871°W Activities: Hiking, Trad Climbing, Sport Climbing, Aid Climbing, Big Wall, Scrambling, Canyoneering Season: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter Elevation: 6555 ft / 1998 m | Page By: SawtoothSean Created/Edited: Mar 27, 2006 / Mar 29, 2006 Object ID: 183914 Hits: 1988 Loading... Page Score: 88.85% - 14 Votes Loading... Vote: Log in to vote |
Overview
The Watchman is one of Zion National Parks most recognized feature. It sits
prominently above the South Entrance Park Headquarters, the Watchman Campground
and the town of Springdale, Utah. As part of a jagged ridge line that runs
on the East side of the Zion Valley, it guards the southern portion of this
ridge. The most famous and recognizable shot of this giant rock buttress is
usually taken from the north near the Watchman Campground.
Like many of the area's peaks, The Watchman contains several challenging free
and aid climbs, along with one known scrambling route that requires careful
route finding to avoid 5th class. The technical climbs generally start on
the west to north rock walls, as viewed from the Springdale area. The
non-technical scramble ascends a northern portion of Johnson Mountain before
descending to the base of the west face of The Watchman- a portion of the
mountain hidden from roads views. The true summit of the Watchman is
several towers south of what appears to be the high point as viewed from the
Zion Valley. Views from the summit are tremendous and all encompassing and
include nearby Mt.
Kinesava, Johnson
Mountain, Bridge
Mountain, The West
Temple, Towers
of the Virgin, and the East
Temple, to name just a few. In fact, there are over 20 officially
named peaks within 5 miles of The Watchman. This area is truly a climbers and
hard scramblers paradise. Routes
- The West Face Scramble Route- Class 3-4 with route-finding
challenges. One wrong slot leads you into Class 5 territory. See
Routes for more.
- S&M- 5.10+ IV, A0. 6 pitches of mostly free climbing (one
small aid section) that ascends an off-width crack with finger tip moves.
Starts on a tower just to the right of the highest point of the Watchman
ridge as viewed from Springdale. Scramble up to the true summit and descend
via the Scramble Route, or make 3 rappels from the notch. First ascent
by the Austins, 1984.
- The Vigil- 5.11 IV 10 pitches. Highly recommended climb
starts just to the left of S&M in a right facing dihedral that is 100
feet from a cleaner looking crack system near a white ramp. A large
talus boulder lies next to (left of) the start of the route. The pitches go
at 5.8, 5.7, 5.10, 5.9, 5.11 (or A2), 5.11, 5.10, 5.8, 5.11, then 3rd
class. A large tree marks the top of the 4th pitch on Violation Ledge
and is visible from the Springdale area. Continue 3rd-4th class to the true
summit and use the scramble descent or take 4th-5th class on the northwest
ridge, then rappel into the gulley.
Getting There
I-15 is the prominent highway running north-south through western Utah. Just north of St. George, or just south of Cedar City (southern Utah), follow prominent signage toward Zion National Park. The signage will ultimately lead you to highway 9 and through the town of Hurricane.
Follow highway 9 north, passing through the town of La Verkin. The scenery becomes more dramatic as you approach the town of Springdale- a gateway town next to the south entrance to Zion National Park.
Your options include parking in the town of Springdale or near the Watchman Campground. You'll need to cross the North Fork of the Virgin River for any of the climbs or scramble. Several bridges exist in the area to make it easy during high water.
Weather, Seasons, Conditions
Many of the southern summits of Zion (like Kinesava) can be climbed virtually
year round. Be aware that snowstorms can occur during the winter and snow will
linger on the north sides. Strong late winter / early spring sun usually
melts the west to south exposed sections.
Zion Valley Climate Data:
|
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
Annual |
| Average Max. Temperature (F) |
51.8 |
56.8 |
64.0 |
72.8 |
83.0 |
93.8 |
99.6 |
97.0 |
90.1 |
78.0 |
62.7 |
53.1 |
75.2 |
| Average Min. Temperature (F) |
29.0 |
32.7 |
37.0 |
43.6 |
52.2 |
61.3 |
68.6 |
67.2 |
60.3 |
49.3 |
36.9 |
30.0 |
47.3 |
| Average Total Precipitation (in.) |
1.67 |
1.86 |
1.89 |
1.17 |
0.79 |
0.47 |
0.99 |
1.42 |
1.06 |
1.06 |
1.25 |
1.35 |
14.99 |
| Average Total SnowFall (in.) |
3.4 |
1.7 |
1.0 |
0.1 |
0.0 |
0.0 |
0.0 |
0.0 |
0.0 |
0.1 |
0.6 |
2.0 |
8.9 |
| Average Snow Depth (in.) |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
For current weather conditions and forecast at Springdale, UT click
here
General Zion Valley Overview
Map
Most scrambles and approaches involve some level of bush-whacking in Manzanita,
Sage, juniper, and many types of cactus. Expect many scratches and
prickers on your trip.
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