Lower Emerald Pool Trail Zion National Park | Springdale, UT

Zion is a truly incredible place to visit. The views are enchanting, the air is fresh, the visitors are bright-eyed, and the overall atmosphere is filled with positivity. Zion may be best known for it’s harder hikes such as The Narrows and Angels Landing, but there are plenty of options suitable for all ages and fitness levels, such as the Lower Emerald Pool Trail.

The Lower Emerald Pool Trail is a quick 1.2-mile hike along a paved walkway accessible enough for people in wheelchairs and children in strollers, allowing anyone to be able to enjoy the views. It can be extended to reach the Middle (2-miles roundtrip) and the Upper (3-miles roundtrip). The Lower trail leads hikers along the canyon bottom to the Lower Emerald Pool, where two small streams fall along the cliff face and trickle into pools.

From the Zion Lodge shuttle stop, walk toward the Zion Lodge. You’ll begin to see signs directing you toward the Emerald Pool Trails. The Trailhead for the Lower Emerald Pools Trail begins across the highway from the Zion Lodge. Cross the wooden footbridge and follow the trail to the right (north) that runs alongside the Virgin River. Once the trail takes you away from the Virgin River, you’ll be greeted by lush vegetation as you meander beneath the green canopy of tree leaves. At 0.5 miles you will reach an alcove where two waterfalls from the middle pools drip down into the pools below. For elderly or those with baby strollers, this is a good point to turn around and retrace your steps back to the trailhead.

For those that have a bit more time to spare, or are looking for something a bit more strenuous, you can continue onward to the middle and upper emerald pool. If you choose to continue onwards, the trail takes you on a loop back to the lodge.

Lower Emerald Pool Trail Tips

Tip #1: This trail can also be accessed at the Grotto bus stop via the less-traveled Kayenta Trail.

Tip #2: Because this hike is non-strenuous, the trail can get packed during summer months. If you want to beat the crowds, try to hit this hike as early as possible.

Tip #3: Though you were once able to take a dip in the pools in the past, hikers can no longer play in the water. Guardrails and signs will be posted to encourage this.

Tip #4: A spur trail near Lady Mountain is now closed after rainstorms and floods that took place in December 2010.

Tip #5: The waterfalls at the Emerald Pools are stronger in spring months. Other times of year do not expect to see anything similar to the waterfalls found at Yosemite.

Driving Directions to Zion National Park

From the North: Travel I-15 south, past Beaver. exit on Hwy 20. Follow US-89 to Mount Carmel Junction . Take SR-9 to Zion’s east entrance.

From Arizona: Travel US- 89A through Fredonia, Arizona and Kanab, Utah. Follow US-89 to Mount Carmel Junction. Take SR-9 to the east park entrance.