Zion was the second camping stop on an 8-day trip; we arrived after driving through the Mojave Desert from Black Rock Campground in the Yucca Valley of California. Just inside the entrance, to the right, is the historic Watchman Campground. Our site, at the base of the teardrop on C-loop, rested at the base of the awe-inspiring historic rock structures for which the campground gets its moniker.

The Campground itself was full during our stay, but as campers and outdoor-people alike understand etiquette, the environment was tidy & respectful with regard to noise. Walk towards the entrance of the Campground, beyond the shuttle station, to find the Watchman Trail; a 3.1mi round-trip of moderate terrain & about 400ft of elevation gain. Uphill one way, downhill on the return. The hike offers a progression of sweeping views of Zion Canyon accented by a color palate of wildflowers, sandstone, limestone, and the iron rich, striated walls which continue through the park. We were even lucky to share the trail with a large Mule Deer doe on the trail back down.

From evening, through sunset, and as the moon overtook the sky, the light display against the backdrop of stoic giants was mesmerizing! A must for quick campers on a drive-through to further destinations.