The Watchman
Zion National Park, UT
THE WATCHMAN
A BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE WATCHMAN
Zion National Park is truly a remarkable place to visit, hike, enjoy nature and to photograph. One of the most recognizable photo locations in the park is The Watchman Overlook. From the Canyon Junction Bridge looking south you are presented with a romantic view of the great southwest like few other places.
The Watchman Overlook has many wonderful things going for it: the curving Virgin River leading your eye into the distance, beautiful trees lining the riverbed, a rocky riverbed that creates soft wrinkles in the water, a layered mountain range in the distance with The Watchman watching over the scene. And at sunset (or sunrise) you get the glorious red glow of the Watchman’s cliffs and rosy red clouds in the distance.
As with great photographic locations, this iconic scene attracts many participants which can turn an easy shot into a frustrating situation. On a beautiful evening, I have seen as many as 50 photographers crowded onto this narrow bridge - with traffic (including Zion shuttle buses) streaming by.
IMPORTANT: Unfortunately, Zion National Park has decided to close the Watchman bridge to photographers. Unless or until this policy changes, the shooting from the bridge is no longer available. However, you can still shoot this location from the area under the bridge. It is not the same view, you can still get a pleasant composition.
Images and location summary by Tim Wier
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DATA POINTS INCLUDED WITH THE WATCHMAN SUMMARY
I would rate the difficulty of this trail as a 2 on a scale of 1-5 (with 5 being most difficult). The distance to this location is varies based on if you drive/park or ride the shuttle bus (300 - 500 yd). However, you are shooting off of a narrow bridge that has continuous traffic going by. Always be aware while standing on this bridge.
From a composition standpoint, this shot is as straightforward as they come - as you simply set up a tripod on a bridge and point your camera and shoot. With that being said, this shot is all about the light, the clouds, the color of the trees lining the Virgin River and the crowds. The first three elements will greatly affect the fourth.
From an exposure standpoint, the dynamic range between the brush and the bright sky is extreme and you will most likely need to bracket and blend images to get the exposure right. The shot above is a blending of 2 exposures.
Be patient with timing of this shot - and wait until the late glow on the side peaks and Watchman peak before taking the picture.
You will mainly be shooting with a wide angle lens (16mm – 35mm).
4,024 Ft. Elevation
Other Resources Available with Membership
KMZ Trail File
Directions
Best Time of Day to Shoot
Best Time of Year to Shoot
Equipment Needed
Permits Required
Direction of Shot
Google Maps Birds-Eye-View
Number of Photographers to Expect
Cell Service
Overnight Lodging/Camping
Nearby Restaurants
Area Guides and Workshops
Other Resources
LOCATION SUMMARIES WRITTEN BY PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHERS
