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Lower Emerald Pools Trail

Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate
 3.8 (84)
  1. Areas
  2. UT
  3. …Southwestern Utah
  4. …Zion National Park
  5. Zion Canyon
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“An easy, well-maintained paved path leading to some of Zion's most cherished sights. ”

Brian Smith
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0.8

Miles

1.3

KM

Point to Point

4,434' 1,352 m

High

4,307' 1,313 m

Low

128' 39 m

Up

4' 1 m

Down

3%

Avg Grade (2°)

5%

Max Grade (3°)

Dogs No Dogs

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

Family Friendly Perfect for a quick out-and-back outing with the entire family. The more intrepid of the bunch can head up Upper Emerald Pools Trail, if they want.

Description

From Zion Lodge, cross the footbridge that leads over the Virgin River. On the western bank, you'll intersect the Lower Emerald Pools Trail. Turn right 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.

Contacts

Land Manager: National Park Service - Zion National Park

Shared By:

Brian Smith
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  3.8 from 84 votes

#1

in Zion Canyon

#19

Overall
  3.8 from 84 votes
5 Star
24%
4 Star
39%
3 Star
29%
2 Star
8%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#1

in Zion Canyon

#3

in Utah

#19

Overall
2 Views Last Month
1,869 Since Feb 4, 2015
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate
40%
18%
40%
1%
1%
0%
Add a Photo

Photos

Middle Emerald Pool
Feb 19, 2026 near Springdale, UT
Zion National Park
Feb 5, 2015 near Springdale, UT
Zion National Park.
Sep 30, 2017 near Springdale, UT
Waterfall at the end of Lower Emerald Pools trail. Fabulous after the rain!
May 5, 2019 near Springdale, UT
View from the trail
Jan 7, 2023 near Springdale, UT
If you want to see it in its full beauty, try getting there right before/after the rain (The rangers close the trail during the rain so be mindful).
Jan 15, 2016 near Springdale, UT

0 Comments

Weather

Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 55 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Nov 26, 2025
Anonymous
Oct 27, 2025
Lou Hibbard
With Janelle 0.8mi
Sep 16, 2025
Cyndi Jones
Multiple stops 2mi
Sep 14, 2025
Michael Lynch
Mar 31, 2025
Maelynn Runells-Anderson
Jun 12, 2024
Lee Anne Batal
Jun 12, 2024
Michele ONeill
Apr 14, 2024
Jessica Catlin

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