Hiking Emerald Pools
Zion
Overview
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Wed 66 | 29 |
Thu 65 | 27 |
Fri 63 | 26 |
Sat 64 | 26 |
Sun 62 | 28 |
| View Full Weather Details | ||||
|
Wed 66 | 29 |
Thu 65 | 27 |
Fri 63 | 26 |
Sat 64 | 26 |
Sun 62 | 28 |
| View Full Weather Details | ||||
The big walls near Upper Emerald Pools
One of the more popular trails in Zion, Emerald Pools is one I would highly recommend as a first hike in the park. From the trailhead, the trail visits several Emerald Pools, as well as waterfalls that connect the pools. The short distance and easy walking make this a good family outing as well.
The main destination is the Lower Emerald Pool and waterfall. I would recommend most to continue to the Upper Emerald Pool. The upper pool is situated in a towering sandstone amphitheater that is dazzling.
Like all popular park trails, this one is crowded. It gets morning/afternoon sun and evening shade. If visiting in the summer, an evening or early morning visit is perfect. In the winter, morning and afternoon offer great light.
The waterfall into the Lower Emerald Pool
Close up of the walls near the upper pools.
Getting There
The trailhead is the Zion Lodge Shuttle stop in the main Zion canyon. During spring, summer, and fall months, the Zion shuttle is the only way to access the trailhead. If the shutte isn't running, park at the lodge.
Nice sun on the trail to the upper pools.
High view into the Lower Emerald Pools
Route
The hike can be started at the Zion Lodge, or the Grotto Trailhead just up the road from the Lodge. If starting from the Lodge, the trail to the lower pool is shorter (0.6 miles one way). From the Grotto trailhead, it is about a mile one way. Once at the lower pool, add another 0.6 miles one way to the Upper Emerald Pool.
My recommendation is to start at the Grotto Trailhead, go left after crossing the bridge. Follow this to the Upper Emerald Pools, then return via the Lower Emerald Pools and Lodge Trailhead. This makes for a nice hike with a little bit more distance to it.
Families or those with less motivation will enjoy an out-and-back hike to the Lower Emerald Pool from from the Lodge Trailhead.
Photos
Maps
| Grotto Trailhead |
12S 326959mE 4125416mN N37° 15' 33" W112° 57' 05" |
| Lodge Trailhead |
12S 326349mE 4124505mN N37° 15' 03" W112° 57' 29" |
| Lodge Bridge Jct |
12S 326237mE 4124530mN N37° 15' 04" W112° 57' 33" |
| Grotto Bridge Jct |
12S 326942mE 4125497mN N37° 15' 36" W112° 57' 06" |
| Lower Pool |
12S 325955mE 4125207mN N37° 15' 26" W112° 57' 45" |
| Upper Junction |
12S 325943mE 4125260mN N37° 15' 28" W112° 57' 46" |
| Upper Pool |
12S 325585mE 4125234mN N37° 15' 26" W112° 58' 00" |