No. Pets are not permitted on this trail.

Very crowded June-August and weekends. Early arrival (before 8 AM) or off-season (December-February) are your tactics for solitude. Mid-week spring/fall offers balance.

🥾 Trail

Lower Emerald Pool Trail

Q: Can I swim in the pools?

No, absolutely not. The pools are fragile and essential wildlife water sources. Swimming is prohibited and enforced. Violators face fines. Respect the ecosystem.

Q: Do I need a map or GPS?

The trail is well-marked and straightforward. A map is not essential, but a basic GPS check at junctions prevents confusion.

Q: How much water should I bring?

Minimum 2L for the round trip. No on-trail water sources; fill at Zion Lodge before hiking. Summer and heat increase needs—consider 3L in July-August.

Q: What about winter conditions?

Trail may be icy December-March. Check NPS conditions report before visiting. Shaded sections freeze first. Microspikes are helpful but not always necessary; assess on arrival.

Zion Canyon

Overview

About This Trail

Paved hike to emerald pools with ephemeral waterfalls—0.6 miles of easy distance but steep in sections (up to 25% grade). The payoff: emerald pools framed by red rock, seasonal waterfalls, and pinyon-juniper woodland. Cliff edges demand your attention on the descent, and the pools are off-limits for swimming—they're fragile, critical wildlife water. Short, accessible, and wildly popular in summer; arrive by 8 AM.

Highlights

Difficulty Level

Easy—paved trail, modest elevation, but cliff edges and steep descent demand focus.

Trail Highlights

Emerald pools reflecting red rock and seasonal waterfalls are the main draw. The lower pool is the destination; water clarity and emerald color vary seasonally.

Insider Tips

• The trail continues to Middle and Upper Emerald Pools—if you want more mileage and elevation, link to those trails. • Early light (before 8 AM) on the pools creates excellent photo opportunities. • The 'ephemeral waterfalls' flow only after heavy rain or snowmelt; visit after storms for the full experience. • Winter visits are possible but require icy conditions; check NPS conditions before heading out. • Bring a filtered water bottle to refill at Zion Lodge water stations before and after hiking to maximize hydration. • The pools are fragile—stay on the marked trail to avoid trampling vegetation or contaminating the water.

Best Season to Hike

Spring and fall. Summer is hot and crowded. Winter possible but icy conditions may affect trail.

Hiking Tips

Bring minimum 2L water—no sources on trail, fill at Zion Lodge before hiking.
Sunscreen and hat mandatory; canyon reflects heat like an oven.
Trekking poles for descent stability on steep sections.
Wear closed-toe hiking shoes; gaps and grades demand it.
Do NOT enter the pools under any circumstances—they're fragile and swimming is prohibited.
Move away from cliff edges at every turn—they're real and unforgiving.
Early arrival (before 8 AM) is your only tactic for solitude in summer.
Trail continues to Middle and Upper Emerald Pools if you want more elevation.

Family Info

Short distance and paved surface make it family-accessible. However, cliff edges require hand-holding for young children and constant adult supervision. Steep sections (up to 25% grade) on descent are challenging for small kids. Children should be comfortable with exposed heights. Not suitable for wheeled gear in steep sections.

Details

Trail Specifications

Distance: 0.6 miles

Elevation Gain: 131 ft

Duration: 1-2 hours for most hikers

Difficulty: Easy—paved trail, modest elevation, but cliff edges and steep descent demand focus.

Route Type: Out-and-back

Surface: 96% hard concrete with 3.8% firm soil. Gaps up to 2 inches in places. Rough in places but generally well-maintained pavement.

Getting There

Trailhead: Emerald Pools Trailhead, across from Zion Lodge (shuttle stop #5). From shuttle stop: follow sidewalk across Lodge Lawn to crosswalk, cross street, continue across bridge, follow trail on right to trailhead.

Restrooms at trailhead

Requirements

Permit Required

No permits required.

Fees: $35 per private vehicle (7-day pass) or $20 per person hiking/cycling (7-day pass).

Shuttle Required

Zion Canyon is shuttle-only roughly March through late November; shuttle is required during this period. Private vehicles can access Zion Canyon December-February. Emerald Pools Trailhead is directly at shuttle stop #5 across from Zion Lodge, making shuttle access seamless.

Trail Rules

Dogs: No

Biking: No

Trail Markers: Well-maintained paved trail; clear path and junction markers. Navigation straightforward.

View on AllTrails

Trail Features

Conditions & Safety

Water: No on-trail water sources. Fill up at Zion Lodge water stations before hiking. Carry minimum 2L for the round trip.

Shade: Partial shade from pinyon-juniper woodland but significant sun exposure on open sections. Summer afternoon sun is intense; hat and sunscreen essential.

Hazards:

Real cliff edges line portions of the trail—stay on marked path at all times. Steep sections (up to 25% grade) make the descent treacherous if hurried. Pools are fragile wildlife water sources; swimming is prohibited and enforced. Summer heat on exposed sections can lead to dehydration. Winter: ice may form on shaded sections. Pavement gaps and surface irregularities demand attention to footing.

Crowd Info

Typical Crowds: Moderate to high during peak season (summer and weekends). Quiet in winter. Early morning offers some solitude.

Peak Times: June through August, spring break (March), weekends year-round

Accessibility & Family

Accessibility:

Paved surface (96% concrete, 3.8% soil). Bridge tread width minimum 45 inches. Typical grade 7.1%, maximum 25.3%. Concrete gaps up to 2 inches. Cross slopes up to 17.1% in places. Last accessibility assessment: March 20, 2025. Overall accessible for most mobility levels despite steep sections.

Family Notes:

Nearby Facilities

Zion Lodge immediately across from trailhead with restrooms and water. Zion Canyon Visitor Center nearby. Park services concentrated in Zion Canyon area.

FAQs

Is this really an easy hike?

Yes—0.6 miles and 131 ft gain are accessible to most hikers. But 'easy distance' doesn't mean zero effort. Steep sections (up to 25% grade) and cliff edges demand focus, especially on descent. Knee-friendly for most but quad-demanding on the way down.

Can I swim in the pools?

Can I bring my dog?

Do I need a map or GPS?

How much water should I bring?

How crowded is it?

What about winter conditions?

🏞️ National Park Service 📝 YourNPGuide Editorial

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