Emerald Pools

The Basics

The Emerald Pools rank among Zion National Park’s most popular and easily accessible natural wonders. Paths to the Lower and Middle Pools are wide and paved, making them an excellent option for families with kids or those with restricted mobility. Visitors looking for a more active experience can tackle the sandy, rocky, and somewhat steep trail leading to the Upper Emerald Pool. The Emerald Pools and several other Zion highlights are often included in multi-day tours of Utah’s national parks, which cover Bryce Canyon and Monument Valley as well.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Emerald Pools are a must-see for first-time visitors to Zion.

• Don’t forget to bring sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of drinking water.

• Bathing in or walking through the water of the pools is prohibited.

• The Lower Pool is wheelchair accessible with some assistance.

How to Get There

The Emerald Pools Trail begins just across the road from the Zion Lodge. Three trails access the pools: a 1.2-mile (1.9-kilometer) loop to the Lower Emerald Pool, a 2-mile (3.2-kilometer) round-trip hike to the Middle and Lower Pools, and a 2.5-mile (4-kilometer) round-trip hike visiting all three. Free shuttles from Zion Canyon Visitor Center stop at Zion Lodge from April to October.

When to Get There

Since the Emerald Pools have become one of Zion’s most popular attractions, the trails can get congested during the high season in June, July, and August. To avoid the crowds, plan to visit on a weekday morning during the fall or spring shoulder seasons, and avoid school holidays.

The Lesser Traveled Trail

While most visitors take the Emerald Pools Trail to the eponymous pools, the Kayenta Trail offers a lesser-known, slightly longer, and more scenic route to the popular site. The trail follows the west wall of Zion Canyon, linking The Grotto picnic area to the Emerald Pools and Angels Landing.

How do you get to the Emerald Pools trailhead?

The Emerald Pools trailhead is easily reachable from the Zion Lodge within Zion National Park and via the park’s shuttle. Cross the street from the lodge (and the park’s fifth shuttle stop) and then cross the bridge. There you’ll find three trails that give you access to the Emerald Pools.

What is the difficulty level of the Emerald Pools hike?

The difficulty level of the Emerald Pools hike depends on which trail you choose. There are three trails: a short loop to the Lower Emerald Pool, an easier hike to the Middle and Lower Pools, and a more challenging hike that goes to all three.

Are dogs allowed on the Emerald Pools trail?

No, dogs aren’t allowed on Zion National Park’s Emerald Pools hiking trail, and, in fact, dogs aren’t allowed on any of the trails or wilderness areas within the Utah park.

Are there any swimming opportunities at the Emerald Pools?

No, there aren’t swimming opportunities available at Emerald Pools. These are natural pools in Zion National Park where swimming has been banned to make sure the ecosystem of the area doesn’t get ruined. You can, however, dip in the Virgin River along Pa’rus Trail within the park.

What is the best time of year to hike to the Emerald Pools?

The best time of year to hike Emerald Pools is during the spring or fall. In summer the trail can be extremely crowded, and in winter ice may form on the paths. If you want to further avoid crowds in spring or fall, try for an early morning, weekday visit.

How long does it take to hike to the Emerald Pools?

It depends on the trail you choose. The hike to the Lower Emerald Pool is about a 1.2-mile (1.9-kilometer) loop. The Lower and Middle Pool is a 2-mile (3.2-kilometer) round-trip hike, and the trail that visits all three pools is about 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) long.

Ways to explore

Trails to Emerald Pools leave from Emerald Pools Trailhead, across from Zion National Park Lodge. The roughly paved 0.6-mile (1-kilometer) Lower Emerald Pools Trail traverses pinyon-juniper forests, while the steeper, unpaved 0.9-mile (1.4-kilometer) Middle Emerald Pools Trail has beautiful views of Zion Canyon. Both trails lead to the start of the 0.3-mile (0.4-kilometer) Upper Emerald Pools Trail, which follows steep canyon walls decked by ephemeral waterfalls. The Emerald Pools are also a featured stop on many Zion National Park tours, with options ranging from audio guides for independent travelers to trips with private hiking guides.

Accessibility

The Lower Emerald Pools Trail is mostly paved and may be suited to some wheelchair users.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Drinking water, sunscreen, hiking poles

What to wear

Layered clothing, sturdy shoes

Not allowed

Pets, drones

Amenities

Water filling stations and restrooms are available nearby, at Zion National Park Lodge.

Address 

The Emerald Pools are in the Zion Canyon section of Zion National Park, which is accessible by car in the winter, and via the park’s shuttles from spring through fall.

Driving

To reach the Emerald Pools Trailhead from the Zion Canyon Visitor Center, follow State Route 9 East to Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. The trailhead is on the left, just past Zion National Park Lodge.

Public transportation

The free Zion Canyon Shuttle System generally runs from March through November, when the road is closed to private cars. Stop 5 is within walking distance of the Emerald Pools Trailhead.

Best times to visit

For milder summer temperatures and fewer crowds, hike to Emerald Pools early in the morning or in the late afternoon.

Best days to visit

This popular hiking area can get busy on weekends, so come during the week for a quieter experience.

Best months to visit

Spring and fall are the best times to visit the Emerald Pools, with milder weather and more abundant waterfalls.

Special events

Regular ranger programs are held at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center—look online for start times and other details.