The Emerald Pools Trail Zion National Park is one of my favorite all-time hikes!
For me, this is the heart of Zion Canyon and I hike it each time I go to this amazing park.
It is a big part of why I fell in love with Zion and the American Southwest and have spent months exploring its beauty!
Here are my top finds for Zion National Park:
🏨Lodging: Zion NP Lodge & Cabins (In the Park), Cable Mountain Lodge
📍Tours: Private Narrows Hike, Peek-a-Boo Slot Canyon Guided Hike
🐻 Save time! Buy your National Park Pass before your trip
Emerald Pools Trail
This is one of the best hikes in Zion and I recommend it to all first-timers and anyone who does not have a full day in the park.
If this is your first hike or your only hike in Zion Canyon, It will give you a true taste of southern Utah and the magic of Zion.
This trail is perhaps one of the easiest hikes in the canyon, especially if you go to the Lower Emerald Pools only.
How to get to the Emerald Pools Trail
The most common way to get to the Emerald Pools Trailhead is to take the Zion Canyon Shuttle Bus from the Zion Visitor Center (Bus Stop #1) to the Zion Canyon Shuttle Bus Stop #5 for the Zion Lodge.
The trail starts across the road and over the bridge and takes an immediate right onto the trail.
Currently, the bridge to cross the Virgin River to the Emerald Pools Trail is closed so the best option is to take the Zion Canyon Shuttle Bus stop # 6 for The Grotto. (See Map above)
From the Grotto, cross the road and bridge and take a left onto the Kayenta Trail.
Once you cross the bridge, the trail to the right will take you to Angels Landing Trail and the left will take you to the Kayenta Trail.
This nice walk follows along the Virgin River and eventually connects to the Middle and Upper Emerald Pools Trail and Lower Emerald Pool Trail.
The Emerald Pools Trail itself is not classified as an ADA trail even though it is a paved trail to the waterfall as there are steep sections.
Once you get past the Waterfall, the trails to the Middle Pool, Upper Pool, and Kayenta Trail are not paved.
The Emerald Pools hike is a very popular day hike in Zion so expect to share the trail with other park visitors.
I would say this trail is kid-friendly as it is paved and one of the best easy hikes in Zion.
The trail is mostly flat and they will love to crawl on the large stones next to the trail.
Be careful as there are several sheer cliffs next to the trail.
Emerald Pools Trail Route Options
There is no wrong way to visit the Emerald Pools in Zion. My personal favorite is during the spring when the weather is cooler and the spring runoff makes the waterfall more dramatic.
The trail is open year-round but would say it is most pleasant during the spring and fall. The summer can get quite hot and I would recommend hitting the trail early to beat the afternoon heat.
Accessing Emerald Pools Trail From the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive Shuttle Bus Stop #6 (The Grotto Shuttle Stop)
Lower Emerald Pools Trail Round Trip
Distance: 2.2 Miles Roundtrip
Elevation Gain/Loss: 150 feet
Time: 1.5 Hour
You start by hiking one mile on Kayenta Trail which follows the Virgin River over halfway before heading towards Heaps Canyon and the Emerald Pools. You will reach a y in the trail, the left takes you to Lower Emerald Pools and the right takes you to the Middle then Upper Emerald Pools.
Middle Emerald Pools Trail Round Trip
Distance: 2.2 Miles Roundtrip
Elevation Gain/Loss: 150 Feet
Time: 1.5 Hours
The Middle Pool is a short hike above the lower falls to see the pool before going over the edge.
Remember there is no swimming allowed in the Emerald Pools and it includes all parts. The National Park Service has even placed posts and chain across to keep people out but it does distract from taking photos.
The views here are still beautiful as you can get a beautiful reflection off the water.
Upper Emerald Pool Trail Round Trip
Distance: 3.0 Miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: 200 Feet
Time: 2 Hours
After passing the Middle Emerald Pools, continue up the trail to Upper Emerald Pools. Remember that the water may look inviting, especially on a hot summer day, but there is no swimming allowed in any of the Emerald Pools.
Accessing Emerald Pools Trail From the Zion Canyon Canyon Scenic Drive Shuttle Bus Stop #5 (Zion Lodge) (Currently the Bridge by Zion Lodge is closed and trail is unaccessible from this stop)
Lower Emerald Pools Trail Round Trip
Distance: 1.2 Miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: 69 feet
Time: 1 Hour
Shuttle Bus Stop: Bus Stop #5, Zion Lodge
The Lower Emerald Pools Trail is an easy hike the perfect trail for almost everyone! It's relatively flat, has great views of the Virgin River, and the Zion Canyon and a spectacular view of the waterfall at the end. You can even follow the trail behind the waterfall then through some rock cliffs towards the middle pool.
Middle Emerald Pools Trail Round Trip
Distance: 1.6 Miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: 200 Feet
Time: 1.5 Hours
Shuttle Bus Stop: Bus Stop #5, Zion Lodge
The Middle Pool is a short hike above the lower falls to see the pool before going over the edge.
Remember there is no swimming allowed in the Emerald Pools and it includes all parts. The National Park Service has even placed posts and chain across to keep people out but it does distract from taking photos.
The views here are still beautiful as you can get a beautiful reflection off the water.
Upper Emerald Pools Trail Round Trip
Distance: 2.0 Miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: 269 Feet
Time: 2 Hours
Shuttle Bus Stop: Bus Stop #5, Zion Lodge
Another .4 miles takes you to the Upper Pool. It's the biggest of the three pools and is just below the canyon wall. It's a nice end to one of my favorite trails in the canyon.
Upper Emerald Pools Loop including Lower Emerald Pools, Upper Emerald Pools, Kayenta Trail, and the Grotto Trail Loop Hike
Distance: 2.9 Miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: 330 Feet
Time: 3.25 Hours
Shuttle Bus Stop: Bus Stop #5, Zion Lodge
You can make this a loop trail by starting at the Zion Lodge and hiking to the Upper pool. Instead of coming back the same way, take the upper pool trail down to the Kayenta Trail and down to the Grotto and head back to the lodge.
Here you will get to see different views of the Virgin River and have the opportunity to see wildlife all along the Grotto trail including deer and turkeys.
Things to know
Always carry plenty of water, especially in the summer months when hiking in the desert, and always carry the 10 essentials for outdoor survival.
The Emerald Pools Trail, like many trails in the Zion Canyon, has a history of being closed due to rock falls.
This is due to the natural cycle that makes this place so special. Water, especially flash floods, causes erosion to the sandstone and erodes the rock away.
Eventually, the upper cliffs fall and create the place we all want to come to visit, the Zion Canyon.
Fortunately for Zion, they have a great network of trails that interlink so when one trail area is closed, there is possibly another way to access where you want to go.
Any park visitor heading out into Zion Canyon should first check in to see the current trail conditions with the park newspaper or the park's visitor center.
Trails will be closed for any dangers, rock falls, or maintenance. Don't worry if your trail is closed, there are several spectacular trails in Zion, each having its own special moment.
All park visitors should also become aware of flash flooding. This means checking the weather and the park's visitor center for flash flooding potential before heading out.
Visitors should also be able to recognize the warning signs of a flash flood like rivers rising, turning muddy, and having debris inside the river.
Also, listen for a thundering sound and know where potential safety routes would be. Remember that you need to go up to escape a flash flood as you can't outrun the water.
The Emerald Pools area is a place to exercise common sense as waterfalls may be more interesting with more water going through but you also don't want to be caught unprepared for a dangerous situation like a flash flood.
Best Zion National Park Tours & Adventures
Peek-a-Boo Slot Canyon Guided Hike (Small Group)
⭐️ Rating: 5.0 out of 5 Stars (788+ reviews) | ⏳ Tour Length: 2 to 3 hours | 🏜️🥾 Check Rates and Availability
One of the most popular and best-reviewed slot canyon experiences in the greater Zion area, this small-group guided hike with Coral Cliffs Tours takes groups of 10 or fewer into the stunning Peek-a-Boo Slot Canyon near Kanab, Utah. Guides consistentaly earn extraordinary reviews across hundreds of trips for their geological knowledge, photography tips, and ability to make every guest feel at ease on the deep-sand Jeep ride in. The 8 AM tour is particularly popular for getting the canyon entirely to yourselves and catching the best morning light for photos. A genuinely easy hike on relatively flat terrain, making it suitable for families with young children and guests of all fitness levels. Bottled water is provided. Recommended by 99% of travelers.
East Zion Crimson Canyon Hike & UTV Adventure
⭐️ Rating: 5.0 out of 5 Stars (1,152+ reviews) | ⏳ Tour Length: 2 hours | 🚙🏜️ Check Rates and Availability
A Badge of Excellence holder booked multiple times daily, this crowd-free slot canyon adventure from East Zion Adventures takes small groups of just 5 guests into Crimson Canyon via a custom off-road UTV, accessing a private area that most Zion visitors never know exists. Once at the canyon mouth, the hike begins through towering sandstone walls that stretch over 100 feet high with a gap of just 6 to 10 feet between them. Your guide assists you over boulder sections reaching 8 to 10 feet, pointing out ancient Native American writings along the route and explaining the geological forces that carved the canyon over millions of years. Reviewers consistently describe it as one of the most jaw-dropping and underrated experiences in all of southern Utah.
Zion National Park Angels Landing Guided Hike with Permit
⭐️ Rating: 5.0 out of 5 Stars (30+ reviews) | ⏳ Tour Length: Half day | 🥾⛰️ Check Rates and Availability
Angels Landing is one of the most famous and thrilling hikes in all of America, and since 2022 it requires a permit that is notoriously difficult to secure. This guided experience with Land Beyond Zion handles the permit for you, eliminating the stress and uncertainty of the lottery system entirely. Guides Camila and June earn outstanding reviews for their knowledge of hand and foot placements on the iconic chain sections, their ability to keep guests calm on the exposure-heavy final push to the summit, and the incredible views they help visitors soak in at the top. A genuine bucket-list hike with a guide who makes it accessible and safe. Free cancellation included. Highly recommended for solo travelers and first-timers tackling the chains for the first time.
Make sure to click here for additional tours in Zion National Park.
Lodging Options inside Zion National Park
⭐️ 4.5 of 5 Stars - Zion Lodge & Cabins - Click here for Rates and Availability.
The only lodging inside Zion National Park, nestled among towering cottonwoods at the heart of Zion Canyon with Angels Landing, the Emerald Pools, and the Narrows all just steps from your door!
Choose from hotel-style rooms, cozy Western cabins with gas log fireplaces and private porches, or spacious suites with wet bars and sitting rooms, all featuring private balconies with jaw-dropping canyon wall views. The Red Rock Grill serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with spectacular canyon views, and the on-site cafe is perfect for a pre-hike coffee and pastry. Free WiFi, free parking, gift shop, 24-hour front desk, and the Zion shuttle stops right at the lodge entrance so you can skip the crowds and hit the trails early. Open year-round, book up to 13 months in advance!
Make sure you read my full review on the Zion Lodge and Zion Cabins!
Lodging in Springdale, Just out of the park's Entrance
National Park Lodges often sell out months in advance but there are several lodging options near Zion National Park in Springdale, Utah.
⭐️ 4.8 of 5 Stars - Desert Pearl Inn - Click here for Rates and Availability.
A family-owned award-winning boutique inn right on the banks of the Virgin River, with every single room featuring a private balcony or terrace overlooking the river and Zion's soaring red rock cliffs!
The 73 spacious rooms and suites feature floor-to-ceiling windows, kitchenettes, premium pillowtop beds, and sofa beds for families, all crafted from reclaimed Douglas fir and native stone. After the hike soak away sore muscles in the heated outdoor pool or hot tub beside a soothing rock waterfall, then grab an e-bike and explore Springdale. The Zion shuttle stops right at the front entrance. Free WiFi, free parking, full-service spa, laundry, and concierge. Pet friendly and open year-round!
⭐️ 4.9 of 5 Stars - Cable Mountain Lodge - Click here for Rates and Availability.
Zion's highest-rated independent lodge, perched steps from the Zion Canyon Visitor Center with direct canyon views from the lobby and a seasonal heated outdoor pool and hot tub overlooking the red rock cliffs!
Studios and suites feature satellite TVs, microwaves, mini-fridges, rainfall showerheads, and deep-soaking bathtubs, with full kitchen suites available for extended stays and families. Amenities include a full-service spa, yoga classes, bike rentals, an area shuttle, convenience store, gift shop, BBQ area, business center, EV charging, free WiFi, and free parking. Open year-round!
Click here or on the map below to see additional hotels and vacation rentals near Zion National Park
Zion National Park Entrance Fee
New in 2026: Each Non-US Resident aged 16 and older visiting Zion National Park must pay a $100 nonresident fee (in addition to the standard entrance fee), unless admitted with an annual or America the Beautiful Pass. This includes nonresidents entering as part of a commercial tour group, commercial use authorization (CUA) group, or concessioner tour group.
Park entrance fees are separate from camping and lodging fees.
Park Entrance Pass - $35.00 Per private vehicle (valid for 1-7 days from the date of purchase)
Park Entrance Pass - Motorcycle - $30.00 Per motorcycle (valid for 1-7 days from the date of purchase)
Park Entrance Pass - Snowmobile - $20.00 Per Snowmobile (valid for 1-7 days from the date of purchase)
Per-Person Entrance Pass - $20.00 Visitors 16 years or older who enter on foot, bicycle, or as part of an organized group not involved in a commercial tour.
Annual Park Entrance Pass - $70.00, Admits pass holder and all passengers in a non-commercial vehicle. Valid for one year from the month of purchase.
$20.00 for Non-Commercial Group (16+ persons)
$70.00 for Commercial Van with 7-15 seats
$80.00 for Commercial Mini-Bus with 16-25 seats
$190.00 for Commercial Motor Coach with 26+ seats
Learn more about National Park Passes for parks that have an entrance fee.
$80.00 - For the America the Beautiful/National Park Pass. The pass covers entrance fees to all US National Park Sites and over 2,000 Federal Recreation Fee Sites for an entire year and covers everyone in the car for per-vehicle sites and up to 4 adults for per-person sites.
Buy your pass at this link, and REI will donate 10% of pass proceeds to the National Forest Foundation, National Park Foundation, and the U.S. Endowment for Forestry & Communities.
National Park Free Entrance Days -Mark your calendars with the free entrance days the National Park Service offers for US citizens and residents.
Park Alerts
- The Hidden Canyon Trail and Observation Point Trail have a long term closure due to a large rockfall.
- The Watchman Trail is currently closed pending repairs with no offical reopening date announced.
- Everyone who hikes Angels Landing needs a permit. Learn why/how to get a permit here.
- Toxic Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) in the Virgin River and the streams of Zion National Park. Do not submerge your head in or filter drinking water from still or moving water. (Read more here)
Additional Zion National Park Information
- Complete Guide to Zion National Park - Your complete guide to exploring Zion National Park
- Things To Do Zion National Park- List of things to do at Zion National Park including horseback riding, ranger programs, and exploring the town of Springdale!
- Zion Hikes- The ultimate hiking guide to plan your trip to Zion! Get Trail information, photos, and trail descriptions directly from a park ranger who has spent countless hours hiking this incredible park!
- Zion Shuttle Guide- Learn when the shuttles are running and how to use them to plan your trip to Zion
- Zion Narrows planning guide- The ultimate guide to plan your hiking adventure to the Zion Narrows. Includes both day hikes and top-to-bottom overnight hikes.
- Zion National Park Camping Guide- Complete guide to camping in Zion National Park
Additional State Parks and Tribal Parks Near Zion National Park
- Valley of Fire State Park (Nevada)- an incredible park with great trails and jaw-dropping scenery between Las Vegas and Zion!
- Upper Antelope Canyon- The slot canyon that every photographer on the planet desires to photograph!
- Monument Valley- The most iconic scenery of the American Southwest and the location of countless Western movies.
- Valley of the Gods- This is a park where you can spend as little as a couple hours and complete the 17-mile scenic drive and truly get an appreciation of the area.
- Goosenecks State Park (Utah)- amazing views of the San Juan River twisting and turning causing epic goosenecks in the canyon 1,000 feet below.
- Goblin Valley State Park (Utah)- is best known for its goblin-like geologic features that can be easily seen.
National Parks near Zion National Park
- Pipe Springs National Monument- learn about the Mormon War!
- Lake Mead National Recreation Area- Explore all the recreational opportunities along Lake Mead and around Hoover Dam
- Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument - If you are flying into Las Vegas on your way to Zion this is an easy park to visit on the way.
- Bryce Canyon National Park- No matter if you see Bryce in the summer or snow, at sunrise or the middle of the day, its breathtaking scenery and hoodoos will leave you inspired and awestruck!
- Cedar Breaks National Monument- Another gift from nature, the mini Bryce Canyon with sunsets that will dazzle your imagination! They have pretty epic fall colors too
- Grand Canyon National Park- nicknamed "The Big Ditch" is something you just have to see to believe! Its wonders are hard to put into words, photographs can only capture a small portion of its epicness! It truly is one of the seven wonders of the natural world!
- Capitol Reef National Park- The least visited of the 5 National Parks in Utah is what I call one of the top hidden Gems in the National Park System! It has epic scenic drives, epic hikes, jaw-dropping scenery, and much more!
- Arches National Park- A hikers and photographers paradise! Arches is home to over 2000 natural sandstone arches, many of which will blow your mind!
- Canyonlands National Park- Canyonlands is broken down into 3 sections, each filled with the charm and rugged beauty of the American Southwest. It's easy to see some of the highlights but its real charm come to those who plan and prepare to go deep into the wilderness.
Check out these other great Utah National Parks, Nevada National Parks, Idaho National Parks, Wyoming National Parks, Colorado National Parks, New Mexico National Parks, and Arizona National Parks.
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