EMERALD POOLS TRAIL

TRAIL INFORMATION

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Overview:
Emerald Pools is a Zion classic: an oasis in the middle of the desert. The hike is a collection of short trails that meander past a small, lushly-vegetated stream that rolls down from the cliffs and forms several interesting "pools." If you have only two hours to spend on a leisurely non-strenuous hike with the entire family, I would probably pick this one. As this hike is not very difficult and it is located just across from the Zion Lodge, this trail gets crowded in the summer months, so be prepared to share the views with many other people. The trail is family-friendly, but keep a close eye on your children; do not let them play or run by the cliff ledges.

Detailed Description:
The most likely starting point for this hike is at the Zion Lodge. Cross the footbridge and follow the trail that goes north along the Virgin River. (You can also get to Emerald Pools from the Grotto bus stop, hiking southeast on a little connector trail, recently named the "Kayenta Trail.") Total time for this hike: 2-4 hours (depending on how leisurely your stroll).

• LOWER EMERALD POOLS: In less than half a mile, the vegetation becomes more lush and the trail makes its way along a tall alcove under two tall waterfalls and the pools below. Getting to this point is quite easy even for the elderly and baby-strollers.
• MIDDLE EMERALD POOLS: Beyond the alcove, the trail gets more difficult and steps up and around to bring you on top of the cliff that you just walked under. The middle "pools" are the streams that form the waterfalls. This section is quite beautiful.
• UPPER EMERALD POOL: The final stretch is a hot and sandy quarter mile, but it is well worth the effort to get to the final pool at the base of the 300-foot cliffs above. The upper pool area is a great area to find a shaded boulder to relax and have lunch. Most of the time, you can see a faint waterfall coming from the mouth of Heaps Canyon far above. For the return trip, you can either retrace your path or take the optional loop back to the Lodge.

Personal Sidebar: When I was a child in the 1970's, I remember how I loved this hike and enjoyed playing in all of the pools, especially the lower and the upper pools. Every year, the trail seems to have more and more fences, guardrails, warning signs, and "keep out of the water" restrictions; a necessary evil to protect the beauty from the overwhelming amount of human traffic that its popularity has generated.

Joe's Spin:
This hike is a perfect short and easy hike for tourists and first-timers to Zion, but be prepared for potential crowds. Also keep in mind that waterflow in Emerald Pools is usually quite light, so if you are expecting Yosemite-volume waterfalls, you will be disappointed.

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