Emerald Pools

Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Easy
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
1.5-2h
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
4.8 km
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
260 m
User Ratings
These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
Overall Rating
This is the average user-submitted overall rating on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest.
9.8
Physical Difficulty
This is the average user-submitted rating on the physical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Technical Difficulty
This is the average user-submitted rating on the technical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
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Directions to Trailhead
Emerald Pools hike in Zion National Park

This gentle hike brings trekkers up to the stunning spring-fed three-tiered Emerald Pools, with fantastic views of the sandstone cliffs lining the valley. Most of the trail is reasonably well shaded, making this a great hike for hotter days.

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Route Description for Emerald Pools

Find the trailhead by crossing the street and footbridge leading across the Virgin River. Here you will find a junction. Turn left towards the Emerald Pools and head up a couple of switchbacks. After gaining this modest amount of elevation the trail contours above the Virgin River for a few hundred yards, yielding great views of the fertile oasis formed from the flowing water.

Soon the path will veer to the right heading up to an obvious recession in the otherwise uniform canyon wall. The trail will now start to gain elevation once again, however it is not extremely steep, or challenging. There are several ways to complete the hike, as the diversions for the Lower and Middle pools all loop back up with the main trail.

Our favourite way to do this hike is to go directly towards the Upper Pools first (staying right at all the signs) then visit the Middle and Lower Pools on the way back. The final part of the ascent is sun exposed, which can be uncomfortable near midday. The area around the Upper Pools, however, is beautifully shaded. From the Upper Pools you will be almost completely surrounded by absolutely sheer vertical cliffs. These cliffs form the base of Castle Dome.

After soaking in the views and tranquility of the Upper Pools, return the way you came and keep a lookout for signposted junctions. Continuing forward, keep hanging a right at the next two junctions to visit the Middle and Lower Pools. From the Lower Pools especially, you’ll be able to see a stunning little seasonal waterfall cascading over the overhanging cliff. The trail runs right beneath the falls!

Finally, after admiring the serenity of the water, return the way you came following signs for “The Grotto”.

Find other spectacular hikes in Zion:

Insider Hints for Emerald Pools

  • You can also approach the pools from the Zion Lodge. Ask your bus driver or a park ranger for more information.
  • This is a great hike to add on after completing Angel’s Landing – if you have the energy!

Getting to the Emerald Pools Trailhead

Enter Zion National Park from the town of Springdale. If possible park near the visitors centre just past the park gates. If that lot is full, park in the town of Springdale and get the free shuttle bus to the visitors centre. From the visitors centre take the other free shuttle bus into Zion Canyon. For most of the year the canyon is not open to public vehicles. Exit the bus at “The Grotto”.

Route Information

  • When to do

    Spring and Fall, avoid summer heat

  • Backcountry Campsites

    None

  • Toilets

    At “The Grotto” bus stop

  • Family friendly

    Yes

  • Route Signage

    Average

  • Crowd Levels

    Moderate to High

  • Route Type

    Out and back

Emerald Pools Elevation Graph

Weather Forecast

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Emerald Pools Reviews

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