Zion Watchman trail

After finding the last camping site in the South campground at Zion, we went to the visitor center for Jr. Ranger booklets.  We took the shuttle to the museum for the movie and to collect some research for the booklets.   It was time to go back to the campground and swim. 



Zion was cut by the Virgin River.   It is central to the canyon and bordered one side of our campground.  The kids were itching to get in the water.  We did not swim in Bryce, since it is completely dry.  Additionally, Zion is about 2000 feet lower than Bryce, so it was much, much hotter.  Since we got the last camping spot, ours was devoid of shade. 

Had to bust out the field manual to operate the awning.

Me?  I was ready for a trail run! It may sound masochistic, but I like running in the heat.  I filled two water bottles and hit the trail.  It was 105 degrees and the Watchman trail is in direct sun light.  It was a rocky trail and I relished every footstrike.  I made it to the top, a lovely view of the canyon, the visitor's center, and the Virgin River below.  I ran back down the trail to the cool, refreshing river for a cooling relief.


Watchman vista