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Emerald Pools

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate Intermediate
 4.0 (200)
  1. Areas
  2. UT
  3. …Southwestern Utah
  4. …Zion National Park
  5. Zion Canyon
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“An easily accessible Zion classic. ”

Brian Smith
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Map Key

2.0

Miles

3.3

KM

Out and Back

4,709' 1,435 m

High

4,282' 1,305 m

Low

457' 139 m

Up

458' 140 m

Down

8%

Avg Grade (5°)

33%

Max Grade (18°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Cave · Fall Colors · Lake · River/Creek · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Family Friendly Short enough that almost any kid can complete it, but hard enough to make it rewarding, this hike ends at an awesome cascade the whole family can enjoy. The lower and middle pools are great, too.

Overview

This is a short and potentially quick out-and-back hike, depending on how long you decide to stop at each pool. Given the high volume of visitors that flock to this attraction, the trail has been brandished with guardrails and barriers to keep both people and the natural environment safe.

Need to Know

This hike gets an easy rating due to the gradual grades and well-maintained nature of its paved paths. However, if you decide to visit the upper pool, the difficulty is much higher. The trail to the upper pool is steep, sandy and often very hot. Most tourists will turn around at the lower or middle pool.

Description

From Zion Lodge, cross the footbridge that leads over the Virgin River. On the western bank, turn right onto the Lower Emerald Pools Trail and follow it to the north for a quarter-mile above the river. The trail then turns westward into Heaps Canyon and parallels a stream to the first of the Emerald Pools.

Enjoy the beauty of the cascade, which flows at varying rates depending on season and precipitation, and then continue on the trail to the middle pool. The middle pool is located on the cliff above the lower pool and feeds the falls. If you're feeling adventurous, hike up the steep and sandy Upper Emerald Pools Trail to view the highest of the pools and another waterfall.

From here, either retrace your steps to Zion lodge or take the Kayenta Trail to the Grotto picnic area.

Flora & Fauna

The riparian area of the Virgin River supports enormous cottonwood trees and a diversity of herbaceous plants and grasses. Nearby, saturated wetlands make nice habitat for cattails, willows, aquatic plants, and rushes. Water seeping out of the Navajo sandstone creates tranquil springs and the unique "hanging gardens"for which Zion is famous, full of ferns, wildflowers, and mosses.

Contacts

Land Manager: National Park Service - Zion National Park

Shared By:

Brian Smith
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 200 votes

#4

in Zion Canyon

#131

Overall
  4.0 from 200 votes
5 Star
28%
4 Star
47%
3 Star
20%
2 Star
6%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#4

in Zion Canyon

#17

in Utah

#131

Overall
20 Views Last Month
5,474 Since Feb 5, 2015
Intermediate Intermediate
16%
8%
71%
2%
4%
0%
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Photos

Zion National Park
Feb 5, 2015 near Springdale, UT
Waterfall, Zion National Park
Feb 5, 2015 near Springdale, UT
Backroads Bryce & Zion
Feb 18, 2015 near Springdale, UT
Zion National Park.
Sep 30, 2017 near Springdale, UT
The view from the top of Emerald Pools.
Feb 18, 2015 near Springdale, UT
Sheer red rock walls, leafy greens trees, and blue skies above Upper Emerald Pool
Aug 28, 2020 near Springdale, UT

0 Comments

Weather

Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 5 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Feb 29, 2024
Carlye Pichman
I saw one of the two middle pools and the upper. It was epic. 2mi — 1h 15m
Dec 29, 2023
Juan Yniguez
Dec 12, 2023
Blake Stevenson
Oct 27, 2023
Lauren Bricker
upper & lower pools 617 ft elevation gain 2.9mi — 1h 31m
Oct 25, 2023
Ilona Ring
All 3 pools 4.2mi
Oct 13, 2023
Jane Kim
Oct 6, 2023
Ashley Zagari
1h 23m
Sep 21, 2023
Krystin Diaz

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