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The Watchman Rock Climbing

Climbing Area Map

Routes in The Watchman

L › R R › L A › Z

	Chastity Crack T 5.11 6c+ 23 VIII- 23 E4 5c
	Cradle to Grave T 5.11 6c+ 23 VIII- 23 E4 5c C2
	Hoods in the Woods T 5.11 6c+ 23 VIII- 23 E4 5c
	Mythical Kings & Iguanas T 5.10- 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a
	Negative Ghostrider T 5.11- 6c 22 VIII- 22 E3 5c
	North Ridge T 5.10 6b 20 VII- 19 E2 5b PG13
	Silmaril T 5.12a 7a+ 25 VIII+ 25 E5 6a
	Strikes & Gutters T 5.11 6c+ 23 VIII- 23 E4 5c C1- PG13
	Surf's Up T 5.12- 7a+ 25 VIII+ 25 E5 6a
	Vigil, The T 5.11 6c+ 23 VIII- 23 E4 5c R

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Elevation:	6,555 ft
GPS:	37.18464, -112.97954 Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views:	33,313 total · 179/month
Shared By:	bsmoot on Mar 4, 2008 · Updates
Admins:	Andrew Gram, Nathan Fisher, Perin Blanchard, GRK, D C Page Updates (admin only)

Access Issue: Seasonal Raptor Closures ***** RAIN AND WET ROCK ***** The sandstone in Zion is fragile and is very easily damaged when it is wet. Holds rip off and climbs have been and will continue to be permanently damaged due to climbers not respecting this phenomenon. After a heavy storm the rock will remain wet, sometimes for several days. PLEASE DO NOT CLIMB IN ZION during or after rain. A good rule of thumb is that if the ground near your climb is at all damp (and not powdery dry sand), then do not climb. There are many alternatives (limestone, granite, basalt, and plastic) nearby. Seasonal Raptor Closures Details

Closures in effect March 1
Check for current Raptor closure conditions at:

nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/…

Description

The Watchman is the beautiful and often photographed formation guarding the south entrance to Zion. The impressive 1/2 mile wide west face is cleaved with many vertical cracks, corners, pillars and chimneys. The west face varies from 1,000 to 1,500' high, with at least 15 established routes. 10 of them going from bottom to top. The climbing is very traditional. Make sure you have experience in multi-pitch sandstone climbing.

In May of 1973 Mike Weis and Jeff Lowe made the first ascent of the steep west face via a crack system just below the summit. Their route went all free save a pendulum up high.

This secluded area doesn't get many visitors. Most of the routes are concentrated on the south end of the west face, where the rock is steeper and more compact. Most of the rock is good, but one must beware of the usual loose rock on ledges and wide chimneys.

Getting There

A good approach is to cross the Virgin River at the Desert Pearl Hotel. A short trail/dirt road leads to the talus. Ascend the small rib that breaks through a cliff band. A trail leads to the middle of the impressive west face. The approach takes about 1 hour.

If you can't or don't want to cross the river, you'll need to enter via the south end of the Watchman campground. Walk south to the break in the cliff band, then head up.

10 Total Climbs

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Classic Climbing Routes at The Watchman

Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.

5.10- 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a 9 ● Mythical Kings & Iguanas Trad 6 pitches
5.11- 6c 22 VIII- 22 E3 5c 5 ● Negative Ghostrider Trad 9 pitches
5.11 6c+ 23 VIII- 23 E4 5c R 10 ● The Vigil Trad 10 pitches
5.11 6c+ 23 VIII- 23 E4 5c 15 ● Chastity Crack Trad 3 pitches
5.12a 7a+ 25 VIII+ 25 E5 6a 19 ● Silmaril Trad 10 pitches