Zion National Park · Utah

Upper Emerald Pools Trail

0.2 mi of trail, end to end · about 300 ft of climbing · 4,382 ft–4,661 ft · hiking

4,382 ft 4,661 ft · 0.2 mi high 4,661 ft

Upper Emerald Pools Trail the Park Service's write-up

1-2 Hours · no dogs

Start Emerald Pools Trailhead

A large group of people near a pool of water with green trees and an orange sandstone cliff face
Upper Emerald Pools Photo: NPS / Ally ORullian

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.

This hike on nps.gov

On the parks map

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About this trail's facts

The lines are the National Park Service's public trails layer, the trailheads and the waterfalls, views, peaks and historic places along them the Service's public points of interest, read 2026-10-16 and simplified for the map; the length is the line's, end to end. The write-ups are the Service's own "things to do" text, unedited. Heights come from USGS 3DEP through Terrain Tiles on AWS (Mapzen/Tilezen), read along each line and rounded; a short trail on steep ground can be off by a few tens of feet. Closures change: check the park's own site before you go.