Hike Emerald Pools

Serene pools, waterfalls, and beauty beyond your imagination.
Zion National Park

Emerald Pools

Hiking to Emerald Pools in Zion National Park is a popular and relatively easy set of trails that lead to a series of beautiful pools and waterfalls. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to experience this hike. Emerald Pools is a great choose your own adventure trail system. There are three different pools to explore  - Upper, Middle, Lower - each with varying levels of difficulty. The series of trails in this area of the park highlight a variety of ways to access the different pools. You can do each pool in succession or visit one and turn back. We recommend starting with lower and hitting each pool along the way, this is a 2.5 mile round-trip hike and offers the best of The Emerald Pools at Zion National Park.

Hike to the Emerald Pools

Lower Emerald Pool is the shortest and easiest to access with minimal elevation gain. It highlights Middle Emerald Pool dropping off as a waterfall into Lower Emerald Pool. It is a 1.2 mile round-trip hike if you choose to go just to Lower Emerald and turn back. This is an easy trail that is paved, very family friendly, and accessible by wheelchair.

Middle Emerald Pool is a nice trail that involves some climbing, steeper sections, and an unpaved sandstone ledge. The pool area is surrounded by trees and provides an incredible vantage point with a reflecting pool and views of towering rock formations around and in the distance. It is 2 mile round-trip to see both Middle and Lower Pools.

Upper Emerald Pool is a bit more challenging than Lower or Middle. This trail has sections of sand and rocky trail. When you arrive at the pool you will be surrounded by towering rock walls and the beautiful Upper Emerald Pool. It is 2.5 miles round-trip including all three pools.

There are several variations of The Emerald Pools that vary in length and which pools will be included. See Zion Canyon Trail Descriptions for up to date information on trails in Zion National Park.

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Plan for Emerald Pools

Check for any trail closures, trail damage in the past has caused closures to different trails in this system. It is important to know when each of the trails are open before hiking.

  • Wear comfortable hiking shoes with good traction.
  • Bring plenty of water.
  • Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses for sun protection.
  • Snacks or a picnic lunch to enjoy by the pools.
  • Stay on designated trails.
  • Confirm trail conditions.
  • Pay attention to any posted signs for trail conditions and closures.
  • Practice the Leave No Trace principles to help protect this beautiful park.
Emerald Pools Hike

Trailhead Location:
The trailheads can be access from shuttle stop #5 and #6. Quickest access to Lower and Middle would be stop #5 and if you wish to go straight to upper it can be accessed via the Kayenta trail at stop #6.

The Water:
Getting in the water is not permitted. The pools themselves are fragile and also serve as important water sources for the wildlife in the park.

Weather:
Spring and fall are ideal times to visit when the weather is mild, water flow in the pools is at its best, and the shuttle system offers easy access.

Questions?
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Twin Knolls Rd, Orderville, UT 84758
Front Desk: 435-648-2700

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