About Emerald Pools

The Emerald Pools hike in Zion National Park delivers three separate pools fed by waterfalls cascading from the red Navajo sandstone walls of Zion Canyon. The Lower Pool, with water dripping dramatically from a sandstone overhang, is accessible to most visitors. The Middle Pool and Upper Pool require more effort but reward with increasingly dramatic canyon scenery and solitude.

The Emerald Pools are named for the distinctive green algae that coats the pool edges in certain light conditions. In spring and early summer the waterfalls are vigorous and the mist from the Lower Pool overhang creates a dramatic dripping curtain. The trail is one of Zion's most popular and beautiful, connecting to the West Rim Trail for hikers who want to push further into the backcountry.

Trail Highlights

• Three pools and waterfalls at progressively higher elevations in Zion Canyon
• Lower Pool's sandstone overhang creates a stunning dripping waterfall curtain
• Red Navajo sandstone walls rise 1,500 feet above the pools
• Connects to the West Rim Trail for backcountry access
• One of Zion's most rewarding moderate hikes accessible from the valley shuttle

Trail Description

Take the Zion Canyon Shuttle to the Zion Lodge stop and cross the footbridge to the Emerald Pools trailhead. Follow the Lower Emerald Pools Trail to the first pool — a wide sandstone amphitheater with water dripping from the curved overhang above.

Continue on the Middle and Upper Pools trails, gaining elevation with increasingly dramatic views. The Upper Pool sits at the base of a vertical sandstone wall and sees far fewer visitors than the lower pools. Return via the Kayenta Trail for a loop option, or retrace your steps.

Tips & What to Bring

• Private vehicles are prohibited on Zion Canyon Scenic Drive — use the free park shuttle
• The Zion Lodge shuttle stop is the most convenient for Emerald Pools
• Spring waterfalls (March-May) are most vigorous after winter precipitation
• The Upper Pool trail requires modest scrambling — good shoes and sure footing
• Arrive before 8am on summer days to beat the shuttle crowds

Getting There

Enter Zion National Park via the South Entrance on UT-9. Take the free Zion Canyon Shuttle to the Zion Lodge stop (Stop 5). Cross the footbridge over the Virgin River. GPS: 37.2556, -112.9511.