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Lower Emerald Pools Trail

Easy/Intermediate
 3.8 (63)
  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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Map Key

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 Unknown

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 63 votes

#1

in Zion Canyon

#37

Overall
  3.8 from 63 votes
5 Star
24%
4 Star
40%
3 Star
29%
2 Star
8%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#1

in Zion Canyon

#5

in Utah

#37

Overall
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1,764 Since Feb 4, 2015
Easy/Intermediate
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Photos

Zion National Park
Feb 5, 2015 near Springdale, UT
Waterfall at the end of Lower Emerald Pools trail. Fabulous after the rain!
May 5, 2019 near Springdale, UT
Zion National Park.
Sep 30, 2017 near Springdale, UT
Moon and water
Feb 5, 2015 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
Hiking down to the Lower Emerald Pools.
Dec 17, 2015 near Springdale, UT

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All Clear 12 days ago See History
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Check-Ins

Jul 19, 2021
Emily Belanger
Jul 14, 2021
Stacey Russell
0.8mi — 4h 30m
Jul 6, 2021
Brian Williams
Refreshing mist at the lower pool 0.6mi
Jul 3, 2021
Andrew Demolat
Elizabeth and I on our crazy afternoon hike!
Jun 17, 2021
Patricia KD
Jun 1, 2021
Ainsley Droege
1.5mi — 1h 02m
Jun 1, 2021
Marsha Swainston
May 2, 2021
Breck Tuttle

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