Middle Emerald Pools Trail
Lower Emerald Pool Trail the Park Service's write-up
1-2 Hours · no dogs · season Trail may be icy in winter.
Start Emerald Pools Trailhead
Lower Emerald Pool trail is a rough, paved trail that leads through pinyon-juniper woodland to the Lower Emerald Pool and ephemeral waterfalls.The pools are fragile and an essential water source for wildlife. Do not go into the water.
Connects to the other Emerald Pools trails and the Kayenta Trail.
Avoid cliff edges. Swimming is not permitted. Restrooms and water filling stations are available at the Zion Lodge.
Accessibility Length (one way) | 0.6 mi (1.0 km) Elevation | Gain: 131.1 ft (40.0 m) | Loss: 96.4 ft (29.38 m) Grade | Typical: 7.1% | Maximum: 25.3% | 34.4% of the trail is at a 8.3% or higher grade. Cross Slope | Typical: 3.6% | Maximum: 17.1% | 18.9% of trail has a cross slope of 6% or higher. Tread Width | Typical: 62 in (157.8 cm) | Minimum: 30 in (76.2 cm). 25 ft (7.6 m) of the trail is this width. Surface | 96.2% of the trail is hard concrete, and 3.8% is firm soil. Obstructions | Bridge with minimum tread width of 45 in (114.3 cm). | Gaps in concrete up to 2 in (5.1 cm) long. Last assessed on March 20, 2025. Obstructions less than 12 in (30.5 cm) tall, or outside the tread area of 12 in (30.5 cm) wide by 96 in (243.8 cm) high, were not reported.
Middle Emerald Pools Trail the Park Service's write-up
1-2 Hours · no dogs
Start Emerald Pools Trailhead
Middle Emerald Pools Trail is a moderate hike along an unpaved sandstone ledge above the Lower Emerald Pool Trail. The initial ascent is quite steep, bringing you to expansive views of main Zion Canyon below. Further along the trail, tucked into the red sandstone of the mountain, enjoy the shade and flora of pinyon-juniper woodlands. The trail then descends to emerald-colored pools of water above the small ephemeral waterfalls of Lower Emerald Pool Trail. The pools are fragile and an essential water source for wildlife. Do not go into the water.
Connects to the other Emerald Pools trails and the Kayenta Trail.
Avoid cliff edges. Swimming is not permitted. Restrooms and water filling stations are available at the Zion Lodge.
Accessibility Length (one way) | 0.9 mi (1.4 km) Elevation | Gain: 332.8 ft (101.4 m) | Loss: 152.2 ft (46.4 m) Grade | Typical: 10.3% | Maximum: 38.1% | 44.8% of the trail is at a 10% or higher grade. Cross Slope | Typical: 4.4% | Maximum: 20.1% Tread Width | Typical: 57 in (144.2 cm) | Minimum: 20 in (50.8 cm) Surface | 79.7% of the trail is firm soil, 18.7% is hard rock or concrete, and 1.6% is soft sand. Obstructions | Bridge with minimum tread width of 45 in (114.3 cm) | Staircases with steps up to 10 in (25.4 cm) tall, and 0 in of remaining tread Last assessed on March 20, 2025. Obstructions less than 12 in (30.5 cm) tall, or outside the tread area of 12 in (30.5 cm) wide by 96 in (243.8 cm) high, were not reported.
Upper Emerald Pools Trail the Park Service's write-up
1-2 Hours · no dogs
Start Emerald Pools Trailhead
Upper Emerald Pools Trail is a moderate trail that can be accessed via the Kayenta Trail, Lower Emerald Pools Trail, or Middle Emerald Pools Trail. Climb up stone steps to a sandy path that leads through pinyon-juniper woodlands to the base of towering canyon walls which boast majestic, seasonal waterfalls. Enjoy views of canyon landmarks such as Lady Mountain and The Great White Throne along the way. The trail ends at the sandy shore of Upper Emerald Pool. The pool is fragile and an essential water source for wildlife. Do not go into the water.
Connects to the other Emerald Pools trails and the Kayenta Trail.
Restrooms and water filling stations are available at Zion Lodge and The Grotto.
Accessibility Length (one way) | 0.3 mi (0.4 km) Elevation | Gain: 75.8 ft (23.11 m) | Loss: 28.9 ft (8.81 m) Grade | Typical: 7.5% | Maximum: 37% | 25.6% of the trail is at a 10% or higher grade. Cross Slope | Typical: 5.2% | Maximum: 20.6% Tread Width | Typical: 59 in (149.0 cm) | Minimum: 12 in (30.5 cm) Surface | 45.1% of trail is hard rock, 35.8% is soft sand, and 19.1% is firm soil. Obstructions | Overhanging rock 11.3 ft (3.4 m) long with 30 in (76.2 cm) of remaining tread outside of rock zone. | Staircases with steps up to 30 in (76.2 cm) tall. Last assessed on March 20, 2025. Obstructions less than 12 in (30.5 cm) tall, or outside the tread area of 12 in (30.5 cm) wide by 96 in (243.8 cm) high, were not reported.