Trail name: Emerald Pools Trail
Location: Zion National Park
Difficulty: Easy to the Lower Pool, moderate to the Middle Pool, more strenuous to the Upper Pool
Distance: 1.2 miles to Lower, 2 miles to Middle, 2.5 miles to Upper (round trip)
Total elevation gain: 70 feet to Lower, 150 feet to Middle, 350 feet to Upper
Average time: 1–3 hours, depending on how far you go
Family-friendly: Lower Pool is great for nearly all ages; Middle and Upper are best for older kids and adults
Dog-friendly: No dogs are allowed on this trail
Access: Take the park shuttle to Zion Lodge (Stop #5). The Emerald Pools Bridge reopened in June 2025, restoring direct access across the Virgin River. Outside shuttle season, limited parking is available at the Lodge.
The Trail
Emerald Pools was my very first hike in Zion National Park more than 14 years ago. For many visitors, it’s the gateway hike — approachable yet rewarding, offering a taste of waterfalls, lush canyon vegetation, and towering cliffs without requiring a backcountry trek. I still remember stepping onto the trail for the first time and being surprised at how suddenly the desert gave way to something so green and alive.
In Zion, waterfalls are more than just scenic — they’re magical. They appear unexpectedly in a land of sun and stone, shimmering like silver veils and cooling the air around them. They feed hanging gardens that cling to sandstone walls and create small, fragile ecosystems. Whether a steady trickle or a roaring torrent after a storm, they transform the canyon into something almost enchanted.
The Lower Pool is the easiest to reach, just over half a mile from the trailhead on a mostly paved path shaded by cottonwoods and box elders. Here, waterfalls spill over the cliffs above, sometimes misting the trail as you pass behind them — a refreshing gift on hot summer afternoons. This is the spot where many families turn back, and it’s perfect for first-time hikers or those with young children.
Continue on to the Middle Pools and the trail becomes steeper, switching back across sandstone steps. At two miles round trip, the effort is rewarded with views of Red Arch Mountain and two beautiful pools fed by canyons above. Water from Behunin Canyon feeds one, while Heaps Canyon drains into another before cascading over the edge toward the Lower Pool. The slickrock edges demand caution, but the views are breathtaking.
For those who keep climbing, the Upper Pool is the crown jewel. Enclosed by sheer sandstone walls, the amphitheater-like setting feels secluded and serene. The pool itself is broad and shaded, often reflecting the cliffs above. Look closely and you may spot canyoneers descending from Heaps Canyon far above. It’s the perfect place to pause, snack, and simply listen to the sound of water.
A Haven for Artists
Emerald Pools is more than just a family-friendly hike — it’s also one of the easiest places in Zion for artists to set up for the day. Shaded alcoves and gentle overlooks make it an inviting plein air studio, with waterfalls, hanging gardens, and the ever-changing interplay of light and stone as subjects. For a painter, few places in the park are as welcoming or inspiring.
Tips
- Family-friendly: Lower Pools is accessible for most ages; Middle and Upper are best for those steady on their feet.
- Not dog-friendly: Pets are not permitted.
- Access: Shuttle to Zion Lodge (Stop #5) and cross the newly rebuilt bridge to the trailhead.
- Bring: Plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, and a camera. Summer hikes are best started early in the morning.
With its bridge reopened and easy access restored, Emerald Pools continues to be one of Zion’s most beloved trails. Whether it’s your very first hike in the park or one you return to again and again, the pools remind us that even in the desert, water creates wonder.
