The Zion National Park Emerald Pools Hike: How To Get There and What to Expect

The Zion Nation Park Emeralk Pools

The Zion National Park Emerald Pools Hike: How To Get There and What to Expect

The Zion National Park Emerald Pools Hike is one of the park’s most accessible and popular trails. It offers beautiful views, a variety of landscapes, and a chance to experience the beauty of Zion’s unique geology and vegetation. 

Zion National Park Emerald Pools

There are three main options for this hike. These are the Lower Emerald Pool Trail, the Middle Emerald Pool Trail, and the Upper Middle Emerald Pool. The series of trails in this area of the park highlights a variety of ways to access the different pools, each with varying degrees of difficulty. 

Trail Overview

Length:

  • Lower Emerald Pool Trail: 1-2 miles round-trip
  • Middle Emerald Pool Trail: 2 miles round-trip (this includes the Lower Trail, with an extension)
  • Upper Emerald Pool Trail: 3 miles round-trip (combines Lower and MIddle Trails with an additional climb)

Difficulty:

  • Lower Emerald Pool: Easy
  • Middle and Upper Pools: Moderate

Elevation Gain:

  • Lower: Minimal
  • Middle: approximately 200 feet
  • Upper: approximately 500 feet  

Time: Typically the Lower Trail takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour, while the longer routes can take 2-3 hours depending on your pace.

Zion National Park Emerald Pools Hike Highlights:

  • Lower Emerald Pool is the most popular and easiest part of the hike. This trail leads you to a small pool beneath a waterfall. It’s a perfect spot to rest and take in the views, especially after passing through some of the park’s red rock landscapes.
  • Middle Emerald Pool is more secluded and offers a larger and more dramatic view. It’s located above the Lower Pool with some interesting rock formations along the way. You’ll get a closer look at the hanging gardens and enjoy a serene and quiet atmosphere.
  • Upper Emerald Pool is the most challenging portion of the hike, but it rewards you with impressive views of Zion Canyon and the pools below. The trail to the Upper Pool can be a bit steeper, with more strenuous sections, but it offers the most dramatic scenery.

What to Expect

  • Scenic Views: Along the trail, you’ll enjoy views of Zion’s iconic sandstone cliffs, hanging gardens, and the Virgin River below. 
  • Waterfalls and Pools: Depending on the time of year and rainfall, you might see waterfalls cascading down the cliffs into the pools, creating a refreshing atmosphere.
  • Vegetation: The trail is lined with a variety of plant life, including cottonwoods, willows, and desert shrubs. In the Spring, the hanging gardens and ferns are particularly vibrant.

Best Time of Year to Hike to the Emerald Pools

The best time to hike the Emerald Pools Trail is during Spring and Fall when temperatures are milder and waterfalls are flowing. Summer can be hot, especially in the midday hours, so early mornings or late afternoons are ideal for avoiding the heat. 

Emerald Pools Trailhead

    • The trailhead is near the Zion Lodge, which is accessible via the park shuttle system.
  • Shuttle Stop: If you’re using the shuttle, get off at Stop #5—Zion Lodge.  From there, the Emerald Pools Trailhead is just a short walk.
  • Driving: If you are visiting during the off-season (when private vehicles are allowed on the Scenic Drive), you can park near Zion Lodge and walk to the trailhead.

The trailhead for the Lower Emerald Pool begins from the Zion Lodge area and provides access to all three sections of the hike. There are signs at the trailhead that direct you to different sections of the trail depending on how far you want to go. 

If you are visiting during the busy season (Spring, Summer, and Fall), be aware that parking in the Zio Lodge area can be limited, and using the shuttle service is highly recommended. 

Things to Keep in Mind

  • Water: Bring plenty of water, especially if you’re hiking during warmer months.
  • Shaded Areas: There is some shade along the trail, but not a lot, so be prepared for the sun, particularly in the Summer.
  • Crowds: This trail is very popular, so try to go early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the crowds.
  • Footwear: Good hiking shoes are recommended, particularly for the Upper Emerald Pool section, as it can be steeper and rocky. At General Army Navy Outdoor, we have a wide variety of hiking shoes that are a great asset on hikes such as this!

The Zion National Park Emerald Pools hike is a fantastic way to experience the natural beauty of Zion National Park at a moderate pace. Whether you’re a beginner or a more experienced hiker, this trail offers stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere to enjoy. If you enjoy short to moderate hikes with beautiful views, varied landscapes, and the chance to see Zion’s famous pools and waterfalls, the Emerald Pools Hike is perfect for you. It offers a great introduction to Zion’s gorgeous landscapes without requiring a full day of hiking.

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