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An easily accessible Zion classic.


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Map Key

2.0

Miles

3.3

KM

84%

Runnable

4,709' 1,435 m

High

4,282' 1,305 m

Low

457' 139 m

Up

458' 140 m

Down

8%

Avg Grade (5°)

33%

Max Grade (18°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Cave · Fall Colors · Lake · River/Creek · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Overview

This is a short and potentially quick out-and-back run, depending on how long you decide to stop at each pool. Given the high volume of visitors that flock to this attraction, the trail has been brandished with guardrails and barriers to keep both people and the natural environment safe.

Need to Know

This run gets an easy rating due to the gradual grades and well-maintained nature of its paved paths. However, if you decide to visit the upper pool, the difficulty is much higher. The trail to the upper pool is steep, sandy and often very hot. Most tourists will turn around at the lower or middle pool.

Description

From Zion Lodge, cross the footbridge that leads over the Virgin River. On the western bank, turn right onto the Lower Emerald Pools Trail and follow it to the north for a quarter-mile above the river. The trail then turns westward into Heaps Canyon and parallels a stream to the first of the Emerald Pools.

Enjoy the beauty of the cascade, which flows at varying rates depending on season and precipitation, and then continue on the trail to the middle pool. The middle pool is located on the cliff above the lower pool and feeds the falls. If you're feeling adventurous, run up the steep and sandy Upper Emerald Pools Trail to view the highest of the pools and another waterfall.

From here, either retrace your steps to Zion lodge or take the Kayenta Trail to the Grotto picnic area.

Flora & Fauna

Immutable yet ever changing, the cliffs of Zion stand resolute, a glowing presence in late day, a wild calm. Melodies of waters soothe desert-parched ears, streams twinkle over stone, wren song cascades from red rock cliffs, cottonwood leaves jitter on the breeze. But when lightning flashes water falls erupt from dry cliffs, and floods flash down waterless canyons exploding log jams, hurling boulders, croaking wild joyousness, and dancing stone and water and time. Zion is alive with movement, a river of life always here and always changing.

The riparian area of the Virgin River supports enormous cottonwood trees and a diversity of herbaceous plants and grasses. Nearby, saturated wetlands make nice habitat for cattails, willows, aquatic plants, and rushes. Water seeping out of the Navajo sandstone creates tranquil springs and the unique “hanging gardens” for which Zion is famous, full of ferns, wildflowers, and mosses.

Contacts

Shared By:

Brian Smith

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 200 votes

#4

in Zion Canyon

#130

Overall
  4.0 from 200 votes
5 Star
28%
4 Star
47%
3 Star
20%
2 Star
6%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#4

in Zion Canyon

#17

in Utah

#130

Overall
20 Views Last Month
5,474 Since Feb 5, 2015
Intermediate Intermediate

16%
8%
71%
2%
4%
0%

Photos

Waterfall, Zion National Park
Feb 5, 2015 near Springdale, UT
Zion National Park
Feb 5, 2015 near Springdale, UT
Backroads Bryce & Zion
Feb 18, 2015 near Springdale, UT
Zion National Park.
Sep 30, 2017 near Springdale, UT
The view from the top of Emerald Pools.
Feb 18, 2015 near Springdale, UT
Sheer red rock walls, leafy greens trees, and blue skies above Upper Emerald Pool
Aug 28, 2020 near Springdale, UT

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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 9 days ago
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