HIKING TO CANYON OVERLOOK TRAIL - ZION NATIONAL PARK

Where to park

This hike is not accessible using the Zion Shuttle, so you will have to go in your own car. Located just east of the tunnel, there is a small designated parking area immediately after you exit the tunnel on the right, but if you continue driving forward there is an overflow parking area on the left.

This trail is about a mile round trip, about an hour hike with great views of lower Zion Canyon along the way. Once you get to the viewpoint at the top the views of Pine Creek Canyon are totally worth it!

How to get there

Once you find a parking spot the trailhead is located on the left, directly in behind the ranger station. First up, a flight of stairs, with odd steps that are a bit slick to step on but good thing there is a rail to hold on to (it’s a lot more tricky when you return).

Although it is rated easy and quick, I was surprised to come across a iron bridge with a railing on the side of the mountain. The bridge itself is fairly sturdy but I personally got a little nervous crossing, especially since it goes around a corner. Keep an eye out for crowds coming in the opposite direction, there is a small area with railing where you can stand to wait if people are walking across.

On you way back make sure to cross quickly to avoid bumping into someone midway or before you arrive at the bridge look ahead to see if you can spot any other hikers coming your way.

Quickly after getting off the iron bridge there is mini cave where you can take a small break and enjoy the view while cooling down. If you’re like me, it’s also a good place to step aside and let other hikers go ahead if you want to catch your breath or sip some water.

After a second of relaxing/enjoying the view at the cave, there is a narrow area where you have to cross one person at a time. When I went it happened to be wet due to the snow melting, so just keep an eye out for slipper rocks. After crossing that it’s a straight trail up, just continue on the worn out path.

Once you arrive the trail will open up to a widen area with a fence that overlooks the Upper East Canyon. On your left you’ll see Bridge Mountain, the highest peak on the left side of the canyon. On your right you’ll see the East Temple, the beautiful rock formation above the overlook.

Then you just return the same way you came in, keep an eye out for hikers coming in your direction and be courteous to others.

If this is your first time at Zion I highly recommend this to be your first hike, it’s short and easy with an awesome view at the end! Regardless if you’ve been to Zion or not try to arrive early to avoid the crowds in narrow spots, it’ll make your hike go more smoothly.

I have provided you with a map of Zion that shows different hiking trails in the link below. Canyon Overlook Trail is located as number 15 on the map, it’s a small trail located on the west side of the park.

Zion is by far my favorite place to hike, I really enjoyed my time here. I hope to visit again in the near future, have you been to Zion National Park? Comment below your favorite hike!

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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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VISITING ZION NATIONAL PARK, SPRINGDALE UTAH

Zion National Park, one of the most visited national parks in the United States, is located in Springdale down in the southwest corner of Utah just along State Route 9. Located roughly 75 miles southwest of Bryce Canyon National Park and 200 miles northwest of the Grand Canyon National park in northern Arizona.

The highest elevation point in Zion is at Horse Ranch Mountain at 8726 feet and is located north of Kolob Finger Canyons. The lowest point is at the South Campground which roughly 3900 feet above sea level.

Entrance Fees

There are a few passes that are available for purchase at the park entrances.

The entrance fees for Zion National Park are $35 per vehicle, $30 per motorcycle, and $20 per person for bicyclists and pedestrians. Zion Annual Pass is $50 with admission to Zion for a full year from date of purchase.

Annual Pass is $80 with admission to all the National Parks for a full year from date of purchase. Seniors can purchase the annual pass for $20 as well as a Lifetime Senior Pass which is $80.

The annual pass if free for military and for anyone with a life or permanent disability. Passes are available at park entrance stations.

Getting inside Zion National Park

Before arriving in Springdale you must enter through the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel which is roughly a mile long. The tunnel was built in the 1920s and therefore not high enough for tall vehicles to pass through. If are driving a recreational vehicle taller than 11’4 or wider than 7’10 be prepared to stop before entering to alert the park ranger on duty to block traffic entering the tunnel to allow a single pass enterance so you can drive along the middle of the road. There is a $15 fee to enter through the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel. If you have questions about accessing through or obtaining a tunnel permit click here.

Do not stop in the tunnel or try to turn around at either tunnel entrances.

Pedestrians and bicycles are not allowed in the tunnel.

One of the best ways to get around is to park your vehicle in the town of Springdale and catch the Springdale Shuttle and take it across town to the Zion Canyon Shuttle to get to your hiking trail. There is maps everywhere as well of downloadable maps such like these.

When I went to Zion it happened to be in January and there was a fair amount of vehicles inside the park which made parking a tad bit difficult.

Quick Tip: If you enter the park via vehicle there are parking lots along some of the main trailheads. Although, if you find yourself parking near an observation view point and decide to park along the side of the road to get some awesome shots be mindful to park behind the white shoulder line or you’ll come back to an orange parking ticket.

The Zion Canyon Shuttle starts from the Zion Canyon Visitor Center and connects to nine locations along the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. The Springdale Shuttle also has nine stops in the town of Springdale. While using the shuttles you may get on and off as often as you’d like, both shuttles are free.

Hiking in Zion

Before hitting the trails make sure to have a clear plan of where you would like to go and give yourself plenty of time to safely hike. It’s also important to bring enough water along with you, try investing in an insulated water backpack for easy access.

Make sure to check ahead of time to see what trails may be closed or if there is any weather/river condition that may prevent you from hiking a specific route.

Zion-Mt. Carmel Scenic Highway

Driving through the Zion-Mt. Carmel Scenic Highway is a must! Prepare yourself for some stunning views of beautiful rocks surrounding you and towering high, good thing for observation point stops huh? There are a few scenic pull-offs to park along the way to stop and take photos, or if traffic is getting a bit out of hand just pull over and enjoy the views.

Hiking to Emerald Pools

This is one of many hiking routes to take, it’s also one of the shorter hiking trails on the map I’ve listed above. It’s not as crowded and just as scenic as other hikes, if you are short on time or if you are exploring with a family, I highly recommend taking an hour or two to go on this hike. If you happen to visit in the winter, there is a light waterfall at the end of the hike where you can see frozen icicles fall into the Virgin River. I plan to visit in the summer time to see if the views are just as beautiful as in the winter, plus I would love to see the water trickling down the mountain!

Exploring Springdale, Utah

Although there is mainly lodging, Springdale has a variety of cute little shops where you can purchase antiques and souvenirs. There even is a laundromat with an ice cream shop right next door. One place I can recommend to purchase some souvenirs is at Switchback Liquor Store, it’s filled with all sorts of knickknacks and local art!

When it comes to grabbing a bite to eat I would recommend checking out Whiptail Grill, they serve Mexican style food with vegetarian options. The food and service was great, the restaurant has a friendly atmosphere which made my visit even more enjoyable. The food itself is delicious, I ordered the Southwest Taco Salad with steak which comes with mixed greens, black beans and rice, fresh salsa served in a toasted flour tortilla. The portions are huge and you will definitely have left overs!

Where to stay in Zion National Park

Desert Pearl Inn - beautiful spacious rooms with gorgeous views of the river! Some rooms have a kitchenette where you can prepare your meals, which will come in handy if you are in for a long day of hiking. It’s in a prime location there is a variety of restaurants nearby.

Holiday Inn Express Springdale - Located right on Main Street and conveniently located to a few restaurants nearby. If you happen to stay here make sure to take advantage of the firepit located in the back of the hotel! They also happen to be pet friendly!

Cliffrose Springdale - Great views of the mountain and the banks of the Virgin River. Very convenient located, just a 5 minute walk to the Zion Visitor Center to catch the park shuttle. If you happen to stay here make sure to spend some time in the jacuzzi, especially at night so you can see the sky filled with stars!

Have you been to Zion National Park? Comment below your favorite things to do!

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