EMERALD POOLS TRAIL
A Classic Hike Near the Zion Lodge:
The Emerald Pools Trail is a classic little hike in the heart of Zion Canyon. Starting at the Zion Lodge (the 5th stop for the Zion Canyon shuttle), this collection of trails crosses the Virgin River and heads back into a large sandstone amphitheater, leading hikers to a lush oasis in the middle of the desert. There are three officially designated areas: the lower, middle, and upper emerald pools, with the most famous waterfalls in the park flowing over the impressive cliffs from the middle to lower pools. As this hike is fairly easy and is located just across from the Zion Lodge, this is a very popular spot to visit, especially during the summer months.
| Rating: Easy day hike for Lower and Middle Emerald Pools. Moderately strenuous for Upper Emerald Pools. |
| Access: The Zion Lodge (the 5th stop for the Zion Canyon Shuttle) or the Grotto (the 6th stop) via the slightly longer Kayenta Trail |
| Time Required: 2-4 hours |
| Length: Roughly 2 miles, depending on which loops you hike |
| Elevation Change: 200-ft elevation gain to get to Middle Emerald Pools and another 200-ft gain to Upper Emerald Pools |
| Seasons: Year-round. Spring and fall are most pleasant; summer can be very hot with the falls down to a trickle. Some sections may be closed in winter due to falling ice. |
BRIDGE CLOSURE NOTICE: As of June 2023, the hikers bridge at the Zion Lodge is closed for safety concerns. You can alternatively cross the river at the Grotto (Shuttle Stop 6) and hike the Kayenta Trail to Emerald Pools or cross at the Court of the Patriarchs (Shuttle Stop 4) and hike the sandy riverside horse trail.
CAUTION: While this hike is fairly short and easy, there are a few exposed spots where a fall could be dangerous. Please stay behind any chain fences and respect the exposed cliff edges.
Zion Lodge to Lower Emerald Pools:
The most likely starting point for this hike is at the Zion Lodge. Cross the footbridge and follow the trail north along the Virgin River. In less than half a mile, the vegetation becomes more lush and the trail makes its way along the base of a tall alcove under two tall waterfalls with pools below. This area is known as Lower Emerald Pools. Getting to this point is quite easy even for the elderly and baby-strollers. Note that these waterfalls are mostly seasonal; they often have strong flow during spring runoff or after recent rain storms, but during the drier summer months, they may be down to a trickle.
Middle Emerald Pools:
Beyond the alcove, the trail gets more difficult as it works its way up the slopes and around several interesting boulders to bring you on top of the cliff that you just walked under. The Middle Emerald Pools are the two streams that leisurely flow to form the waterfalls. This section is quite beautiful. (The stream to the left/west is from Heaps Canyon and the stream to the right/north is from Behunin Canyon.)
Upper Emerald Pool:
The hike to Upper Emerald Pool is the most strenuous part of this hike. The final stretch is a hot and sandy quarter mile especially in the hot summer sun, 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. You can often see a faint waterfall coming from the mouth of Heaps Canyon far above. For the return trip, you can either retrace your steps or take the optional western loop back to the Lodge.
Kayenta Trail Alternative Hike:
For a longer alternate start to visit Emerald Pools, you can start at the Grotto (the 6th stop for the shuttle) and hike the Kayenta Trail. This slightly longer trail provides great views of Zion Canyon to the south and in roughly .7 miles, you will reach the junction with the main Emerald Pools Trails.
Fun Facts about the Emerald Pools Trail:
- While you could play in the water and swim into the pools back in ye olden times, this is now restricted due to the damage that today's non-stop crowds can do to the fragile oasis. Please obey any "keep out" signs.
- During a big rainstorm, it is a treat to see the two waterfalls running full blast, but take great caution. If you are in the Middle Emerald Pools area, do not attempt to cross either stream during high flow; you will get washed over the cliffs to your death. Be patient and wait until it is safe to cross again.
- The Emerald Pools Trails have faced many big closures over the years. The massive rainstorms of December 2010 closed the western spur trail for a decade. Several other storms over recent years have caused boulder falls that have damaged several sections of the lower and middle trails. But by September 2020, all sections of trail have been repaired and reopened.
Joe's Spin:
The Emerald Pools Trail is a perfect short and easy hike through some classic Zion scenery. If this is your first visit to Zion, definitely put this one on the "to do" list. But since Zion has seen more and more visitation over the years and this is one of the most popular hikes, be prepared to share the trail with many other people. If you are lucky enough to catch the waterfalls running full blast, it really is a magical experience.
