HIKING TO EMERALD POOLS - ZION NATIONAL PARK
Located in the Zion National Park, the Emerald Pools are three separate spring fed pools connected by a stream. It is one of Zion's most breathtaking spots! There are varies trails to all three pool areas with the option of doing a loop hike back to the Lodge.
Upper Emerald Pool Trail located in front of the Zion Lodge, is roughly an hour hike round trip. It’s a fairly rocky and sandy trail around the base of a cliff. This hike is roughly 3.2 miles round trip with a 200 feet elevation gain. At the trailhead there are several hiking options available, ranging from short and easy to strenuous and steep.
How to get there
If you are taking the shuttle from the Zion Canyon Visitor Center and ride the shuttle to the Zion Lodge( 5th stop). Exit the shuttle to your right and follow signs to the Emerald Pools trailhead.
Once you arrive at the Zion Lodge continue to the wooden bridge located across the street and that is directly in front of the parking lot. Before continuing take a moment to quickly use the restrooms at the Zion Lodge or refill your water bottles.
One of the best places to get a real nice pictures is on the bridge, take a second to look to the sides because you might just see some wildlife by the Virgin River, plus the landscape isn’t too shabby.
After crossing the footbridge there will be a sign to show you the different hikes you can go on, we’ll be headed left and up the rocky stairs.
What to expect
Both the Upper Emerald Pool Trail and the Lower Emerald Pool Trail hikes lead to glistening waterfalls and sparkling pools.
The hike to Upper Emerald Pools is a short trail with uneven sand and a very rocky surface with little to no shade. It’s important to bring a good pair of hiking shoes and to wear sunblock.
While hiking you’ll be surrounded by majestic sights including views of Red Arch Mountain, Lady Mountain, and the Great White Throne.
Additional information
Swimming and walking through the water at the Emerald Pools is not allowed. If you happen to visit in the winter, if the water is frozen make sure to not walk on the frozen pools. It might seem like common sense but the park ranger that was supervising the Upper Emerald Pools was telling us people have fallen into the frozen pools before since the ice isn’t very thick, so be warned!
The Lower Pool is accessible to people in wheelchairs if they have assistance. The trail is closed till Spring 2020 for maintenance.
A few nearby trails include Sand Bench Trail, Kayenta Trail and Grotto Trail. Another great hike is Angel’s Landing, a more steep and challenging hike, the trailhead is located down the road to the left.
That wraps it up for my quick review on the Upper Emerald Pools hike. I hope that this post helps you out if you plan to visit in the nearby future!
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