The Emerald Pools Trail Zion National Park is one of my favorite all-time hikes! In fact, I have hiked this trail numerous times and have hiked it on almost every trip I have made to Zion.
This is the trail I recommend to all first-timers and anyone who does not have a full day in the park. 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.
Emerald Pools Trail
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The Emerald Pools Trail itself is not classified as an ADA trail. You will have to go to the Pa'Rus Trail or the Riverside Walk for ADA approved trails. The Emerald Pools does have a paved trail to the waterfall but it does have a few steep sections. Trails to the Middle Pool, Upper Pool, and the Kayenta Trail are not paved.
The Emerald Pools Trail 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, mostly flat and they will love to crawl on the rocks next to the trail. Be careful as there are several steep cliffs next to the trail.
Emerald Pools Trailhead Location and How to get there
The most common way to get to the Emerald Pools Trail is to take Shuttle Bus from the parks visitor center along the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive to ShuttleBus stop #5 for the Zion Lodge.
The trail s start is across the road and over the bridge and takes an immediate right onto the trail.
You can also take shuttle bus stop #6 The Grotto and cross the road and bridge and take a left onto the Kayenta Trail.
If you accidentally take a right here you will find yourself heading towards Angels Landing Trail. The Kayenta Trail will connect to the Middle and Upper Emerald Pools Trail.
Emerald Pools Trail Routes
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.
Lower Emerald Pools 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 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 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
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
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, cause 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.
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 get 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 their 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 have 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.
Additional Resources
Zion National Park Cabins - Check out what to expect when staying in a Zion Cabin.
Zion Shuttle System - Check out our complete guide on what you need to know before heading out on the Zion Shuttle.
Zion Narrows - All the things you need to know to plan a hiking trip in the Zion Narrows.
Zion Lodge - Check out what to expect when staying at the Zion Lodge including video.
Things to do in Zion NP - Don't miss all of the top things to do in Zion NP.
Zion National Park Camping - Check out all of the campgrounds in the park, how to make reservations, site photos, and more.
National Parks near Las Vegas - Check out all of the parks you can visit near Las Vegas.
Utah National Parks - Check out all of the National Parks in Utah.
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