Emerald Pools Zion
Iconic Zion hike to three pools with seasonal waterfalls, offering unique views and a chance to walk behind a cascade.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Waterfalls are flowing, fewer crowds
Emerald Pools Zion
Best Time
Waterfalls are flowing, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic Zion hike to three pools with seasonal waterfalls, offering unique views and a chance to walk behind a cascade.
"Walking behind the falls at the Lower Emerald Pool was such a fun and refreshing experience!"
🚶♀️ Use the Shuttle System
Park at the visitor center and take the shuttle to access trailheads like Zion Lodge. Arrive early to secure parking!
💧 Check Water Levels
Waterfalls are seasonal. Spring offers the best chance to see them flowing.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Lower Emerald Pool
Trailhead near Zion Lodge (Shuttle Stop #5)
An easy, accessible path leading to a picturesque pool with a seasonal waterfall you can walk behind.
Middle Emerald Pool
Accessed via Lower Emerald Pool or Kayenta Trail
Offers a different perspective with a small waterfall cascading over the alcove.
Upper Emerald Pool
Accessed via Middle Emerald Pool
The most rewarding pool, featuring a larger waterfall and stunning canyon views.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Emerald Pools
Accessing the Emerald Pools
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Use the Shuttle System
Park at the visitor center and take the shuttle to access trailheads like Zion Lodge. Arrive early to secure parking!
💧 Check Water Levels
Waterfalls are seasonal. Spring offers the best chance to see them flowing.
🥾 Trail Alternatives
If the main bridge is closed, use the Kayenta Trail for access.
⬆️ Hike to the Upper Pool
The middle pool can be underwhelming; the upper pool is more scenic.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Use the Shuttle System
Park at the visitor center and take the shuttle to access trailheads like Zion Lodge. Arrive early to secure parking!
💧 Check Water Levels
Waterfalls are seasonal. Spring offers the best chance to see them flowing.
🥾 Trail Alternatives
If the main bridge is closed, use the Kayenta Trail for access.
⬆️ Hike to the Upper Pool
The middle pool can be underwhelming; the upper pool is more scenic.
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The trails can be rocky and uneven, especially as you ascend.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally find the Emerald Pools hike to be a beautiful and rewarding experience, especially when waterfalls are flowing. The ability to walk behind the falls at the Lower Pool is a unique highlight. However, some reviewers note that water levels can be very low, making the pools appear more like puddles, and the main trails can become extremely crowded. Taking alternative routes like the Kayenta Trail or hiking back via the Middle Emerald Pool trail can offer a less congested experience. +1
"I wouldn't recommend this trail right now - the water levels are super low and the trail is packed. None of the pools (puddles) were emerald in color, either. So you put in the work to get to the three pools, but they're more like puddles. If you decide to do this trail, take the middle emerald pool trail back if you want to avoid lots of people. We took that trail back and saw only 2 ppl - the other (main) trail was absolutely packed."
Rachel Brower
"Emerald Pools Trail was one of the highlights of our Zion trip, I really enjoyed it and had a great time. We started from the Grotto (shuttle stop #6) and hiked up to the Upper Emerald Pool, passing waterfalls along the way. Walking behind the falls as water splashed over was such a fun and refreshing experience. The bridge near shuttle stop #5 was closed due to construction, but it worked out, we wanted to hike back the same way anyway. A scenic and memorable trail that’s absolutely worth doing."
Eric L
"The trail is closed due to construction of the foot bridge across the street from the lodge, so most people are using the Kayenta Trail to get to Emerald Pools, Upper, Middle and Lower. However, some brave souls have crossed the river near the bridge since this trail is much easier to hike than the Kayenta Trail and is shorter. If you choose this route be advised you might not be able to across under the waterfall at the lower pool due to ice, it was closed two weeks ago when we were there. Only an issue during the winter months due to weather. Once you start the decent into the pool areas, the temperature drops due to all the shade. There are no park facilities along the trailhead and the trail is open 24 hours, but would not recommend after dark."
Thomas B
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way to access the Emerald Pools is by taking the Zion Canyon Shuttle. Park at the Visitor Center and board the shuttle to the Zion Lodge stop (Shuttle Stop #5). From there, you can access the Lower Emerald Pool trailhead. Alternatively, you can use the Kayenta Trailhead (Shuttle Stop #6) which connects to the Emerald Pools trails.
Parking at the Zion Visitor Center is limited and fills up quickly, especially during peak season. It's highly recommended to arrive before 7 AM to secure a spot. If the visitor center lot is full, you may need to find parking in Springdale and take the town shuttle to the park entrance.
During most of the year, private vehicles are not allowed on the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive where the Emerald Pools trailhead is located. You must use the mandatory Zion Canyon Shuttle system to access this area.
From Springdale, you can take the free Springdale town shuttle to the Zion National Park Visitor Center. From there, transfer to the Zion Canyon Shuttle to reach the Emerald Pools trailheads.
Yes, there is an entrance fee for Zion National Park. You can purchase a pass at the park entrance station or online. The shuttle system within the park is free to use once you have paid your entrance fee.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, you do not need to purchase separate tickets for the Emerald Pools hike itself. However, you will need to pay the standard entrance fee for Zion National Park to access the park and use the shuttle system.
The Emerald Pools Trail is generally open 24 hours a day. However, it is not recommended to hike after dark due to safety concerns and lack of lighting. The shuttle system operates on a schedule, so be mindful of the last shuttle times.
Yes, trail closures can occur due to construction, weather, or rockfall. The bridge connecting the Emerald Pools to Zion Lodge has been closed in the past, requiring visitors to use the Kayenta Trail. Always check the official Zion National Park website for current trail conditions and alerts before your visit.
As of recent information, a 7-day pass to Zion National Park costs $35 per vehicle. This fee grants access to the park for seven consecutive days.
While the trail is technically open 24 hours, hiking at night is strongly discouraged due to the lack of lighting, uneven terrain, and potential wildlife encounters. Stick to daylight hours for a safer and more enjoyable experience.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The Emerald Pools Trail is a popular hike in Zion National Park that leads to three distinct pools: Lower, Middle, and Upper Emerald Pools. The trail offers varied scenery, including lush vegetation, towering cliffs, and seasonal waterfalls. The difficulty ranges from easy to moderate, depending on which pools you visit.
The length of the Emerald Pools hike varies depending on your starting point and which pools you visit. A roundtrip hike to the Lower Emerald Pool is about 1.2 miles. Hiking to the Middle and Upper Pools via the Kayenta Trail is approximately 2.2 miles roundtrip, with about 350 feet of elevation gain.
The Lower Emerald Pool trail is considered easy and is paved, making it accessible for many. The trails to the Middle and Upper Emerald Pools involve more elevation gain and can be rocky, making them moderate in difficulty.
While the name suggests swimming, the pools are generally too shallow for swimming, especially during drier months. They are more for viewing and enjoying the scenery. Some visitors have reported wading in the pools, but it's not a primary swimming destination.
Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, a hat, and wear comfortable hiking shoes. A camera is essential to capture the beautiful scenery. Consider bringing snacks as well, especially if you plan to hike to the Upper Pool. +1
📸 📸 Photography
The area behind the waterfall at the Lower Emerald Pool is a unique photo opportunity. The Upper Emerald Pool offers stunning panoramic views of the canyon. Don't forget to capture the lush greenery and the red rock formations along the trail.
Early morning or late afternoon offers the best light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and creating a warm glow on the canyon walls. Golden hour can be particularly magical.
Drone usage is restricted in Zion National Park to protect wildlife and the visitor experience. Check the official park regulations for current drone policies before your visit.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive canyon views and the waterfalls. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details in the rock formations. A polarizing filter can help reduce glare on water and enhance colors.
The viewpoints are along the trail itself. The area behind the Lower Pool's waterfall and the Upper Pool offer the most iconic photographic opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For families with slightly older children who are up for a bit more of a challenge, continuing to the Middle and Upper Emerald Pools via the Kayenta Trail is a great option. The total hike to the Upper Pool is around 2.2 miles roundtrip and offers more dramatic scenery. Remember to bring plenty of water and snacks, and keep an eye on little ones near the water and on steeper sections of the trail.
+1🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
Packing your own snacks and water is also a budget-friendly strategy, as options inside the park can be more expensive. Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (spring or fall) when accommodation prices might be lower than in peak summer.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Emerald Pools Trail System
The trail then continues to the Middle Emerald Pool, which is slightly more challenging to reach. From here, you can continue your ascent to the Upper Emerald Pool. This final section involves more elevation gain and can be rocky, but it rewards hikers with a more secluded and impressive pool area, often with a more substantial waterfall depending on the season.
Access to these trails can vary. Historically, a bridge near the Zion Lodge provided direct access. However, due to construction or maintenance, visitors have often needed to use the Kayenta Trail as an alternative route, which connects from the Grotto (Shuttle Stop #6). Always check the park's official website for the most current trail status and access information before your visit.
Best Times for Waterfalls and Avoiding Crowds
However, even in spring, the trails can become quite busy. To avoid the largest crowds, aim for an early morning start, ideally before 8 AM. This allows you to experience the tranquility of the park before the peak visitor hours. Weekdays are also generally less crowded than weekends.
If you visit during drier months, such as late summer or fall, the waterfalls may be reduced to a trickle or completely dry. In these instances, the beauty of the Emerald Pools lies more in the unique rock formations and the lush vegetation that thrives in the shaded canyon. Even with lower water levels, the hike offers a refreshing escape and beautiful scenery.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit