Emerald Pools |

Zion

Hiking Emerald Pools - Zion Hiking Emerald Pools

Zion

Overview

RATING: Easy Hike
MAPS: Temple of Sinawava, UT;

Tue

A slight chance of rain showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 68. East northeast wind around 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

68 | 33

Wed

Sunny, with a high near 71. Northwest wind 5 to 12 mph.

71 | 33

Thu

Sunny, with a high near 72.

72 | 36

Fri

Sunny, with a high near 71.

71 | 38

Sat

Mostly sunny, with a high near 68.

68 | 39

View Full Weather Details
SEASON: Any
GEAR: Standard Hiking Gear

Tue

A slight chance of rain showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 68. East northeast wind around 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

68 | 33

Wed

Sunny, with a high near 71. Northwest wind 5 to 12 mph.

71 | 33

Thu

Sunny, with a high near 72.

72 | 36

Fri

Sunny, with a high near 71.

71 | 38

Sat

Mostly sunny, with a high near 68.

68 | 39

View Full Weather Details
The big walls near Upper Emerald Pools

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

The waterfall into the Lower Emerald Pool

Close up of the walls near the upper pools.

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.

Nice sun on the trail to the upper pools.

High view into the Lower Emerald 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.


Maps

Route / 1.69 miles / Elevation Range 4,273 - 4,499 ft.
Printable 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"

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