EMERALD POOLS - ZION NATIONAL PARK
If an easy hike to some spring fed pools
appeals to you, then you will like this hike.
HOW
TO GET THERE
This hike is located in Zion National Park (Southern Utah).
To the trailhead: Park at the visitor center and take the free
shuttle to the Zion Lodge stop. The well signed trailhead starts across the
road from the tram stop.
RATING
Be Aware of:
30 yr old Recommendation: The lower pool is the most scenic. Emerald
Pools is a nicer way to say algae colored stagnant water. This hike is
Easy.
DETAILS
Elevation change: about 400 ft
Distance: 3.0 miles round trip.
Time: It took us 1.5 hours of hiking.
Time of year: Late Spring, Summer, Early fall.
Solitude: No chance. This is one of the most popular trails in Zion
National Park. Expect to meet 50-100 people on this hike.
This is one of the shorter day hike trails in Zion National Park. It is
also well shaded and cool so it is quite popular hike for the middle of
the day. Although there are several routes to take to see the pools, we
took the trail to the middle and upper pools, then descended to the lower
pool. From the lodge, cross the bridge across the Virgin River and head
south for a bit, following the trail marker for the 'middle pool'. This
trail soon makes a turn perpendicular from the river and begins a moderate
climb up the wall. This paved trail is well marked and easy to follow.
After about a mile, the trail reaches a pool, but this is not the 'middle
pool'. This pool is one of the springs that feeds the lower pool. The
water cascades off the rock ledge here. Continue past this pool to the
signed junction with the 'upper pool'. The 'upper pool' trail is more
rocky but not difficult. An additional 0.3 miles gets you to the upper
pool. This part of the trail is shaded by many trees and on three sides by
a rock amphitheater. The upper pool is the water runoff collected by the
water leaking from the top and sides of this sandstone amphitheater. When
we were here in the afternoon, bats were busily flying up above us. We
watched the bats for a few minutes before heading back down.
After retracing your steps 0.3 miles, you reach the trail junction for
the lower pools. Follow this trail down to the lower pool. The trail cuts
under an overhang which has a steady stream of dripping water that feeds
the lower pool. Personally, I thought this was the most scenic pool. The
water and shade makes this a pleasant place to stop and take a few
pictures.
When you are finished, continue down the paved trail 0.6 miles to the
start.
[Lower Emerald Pool]
[Upper Emerald Pool]
return to top...
We did this hike in early September, 2006
