Not every adventure in Zion requires scaling dizzying heights or wading through rushing rivers. Sometimes, the magic comes in quieter moments – trickle of water spilling from sandstone cliffs, a shaded alcove where greenery clings to the rock, a pool of still water reflecting the red canyon walls. The Emerald Pools Trail may not be Zion’s most daring hike, but it offers an oasis of beauty, accessible to nearly everyone who enters the park.
This hike is what you make it, and is like a chose your own adventure. This is what makes it a great option for families, or those who are just looking to ease your way into a Zion adventure.
- Distance: 1.2 miles (Lower), 2 miles (Middle), 3 miles (Upper) round trip.
- Elevation Gain: 150-300 feet depending on how far you go.
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Trailhead: Across from Zion Lodge (Shuttle Stop #5)
- Time Needed: 1-3 Hours
- Family-Friendly: Yes – Lower and Middle Pools are great with kids; Upper requires a bit more effort.
THE HIKE
LOWER EMERALD POOL
The trail begins on a paved path, shaded and gentle, making it one of the most accessible hikes in the park. It leads to the Lower Pool, where a waterfall spills from the sandstone cliffs above. Depending on the season, it might be a delicate mist or a stronger cascade, but it always feels refreshing in the dessert heat. Walking beneath the dripping alcove is a quintessential Zion moment.
MIDDLE EMERALD POOL
From the lower section, the trail climbs slightly to reach the Middle Pool, a quieter area with still waters and views across the canyon. Its less dramatic than the lower falls, but the reflections of the surrounding cliffs make it worth the extra steps.
UPPER EMERALD POOL
for those with a little more time and energy, continuing on leads to the Upper Pool – a larger basin tucked against towering cliffs. The path here is more rugged and sandy, but the reward is a secluded spot that feels far away from the crowds below
TIPS FOR HIKING THE EMERALD POOLS TRAIL
- Go Early or Late: This is a poplar hike, so mornings and late afternoons are less crowded.
- Expect Seasonal Changes: Water flow is best in spring or after rain. In summer waterfalls may be just a trickle.
- Combine Trails: For more variety, connect Emerald Pools with the Keyenta Trail (we did this) for a loop that offers extra canyon views
- Great Midday Option: Shadier sections make this a good hike when the sun is strong.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The Emerald Pools may not carry the heart-pounding thrill of Angels Landing or the immersive wonder of The Narrows, but they reveal Zion’s softer side. They remind us that adventure doesn’t always have to be extreme to be unforgettable – sometimes, its as simple as a trickle of water creating an oasis in the desert.
Want more Zion hikes? Don’t miss our guides to Observation Point, The Narrows, Angels Landing and the Watchman Trail.
[…] more Zion hikes? Don’t miss our guides to Observation Point, The Narrows, Emerald Pools, and the Watchman […]