Lower Emerald Pool Trail

Quick facts

Distance Miles: 0.6
Route Type: Out-and-back
Difficulty Level: Easy—paved trail, modest elevation, but cliff edges and steep descent demand focus.
Elevation Gain Feet: 131.1

Trail profile

Distance Miles: 0.6
Route Type: Out-and-back
Difficulty Level: Easy—paved trail, modest elevation, but cliff edges and steep descent demand focus.
Elevation Gain Feet: 131.1
Estimated Time: 1-2 hours for most hikers
Trail Surface: 96% hard concrete with 3.8% firm soil. Gaps up to 2 inches in places. Rough in places but generally well-maintained pavement.
Trail Features: Emerald Pool
Ephemeral waterfalls
Pinyon-juniper woodland
Red rock canyon walls
Seasonal water features
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.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location: 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.
Shuttle Required: 1
Shuttle Details: 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.

Permits & conditions

Permit Details: No permits required.
Fees: $35 per private vehicle (7-day pass) or $20 per person hiking/cycling (7-day pass).
Trail Status: Open year-round
Seasonal Closures: No seasonal closures, but trail may be icy in winter (typically December-March). Check conditions before winter visits.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead: 1
Water Sources: No on-trail water sources. Fill up at Zion Lodge water stations before hiking. Carry minimum 2L for the round trip.
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.

Safety & strategy

Hazards: Cliff edges
Steep descent sections
Summer heat and dehydration
Winter ice
Pool ecosystem contamination risk
Gaps in pavement
Slippery surfaces when wet
Hazard Details: 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 Level: Moderate to high during peak season (summer and weekends). Quiet in winter. Early morning offers some solitude.
Peak Crowd Times: June through August, spring break (March), weekends year-round
Best Season: Spring and fall. Summer is hot and crowded. Winter possible but icy conditions may affect trail.
Best Time To Visit: Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) for stable weather. Start by 6 AM to beat summer crowds and heat. Avoid midday July-August—the sun on exposed sections is relentless. Winter possible but trail may be icy; check conditions.
Tips Advice: 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.

More details

Park Area: Zion Canyon
Trail Markers: Well-maintained paved trail; clear path and junction markers. Navigation straightforward.
Dogs Allowed: No
Biking Allowed: No
Shade Level: Partial shade from pinyon-juniper woodland but significant sun exposure on open sections. Summer afternoon sun is intense; hat and sunscreen essential.
Map Recommended: 0
Alltrails Link: www.nps.gov
Snow Dates: Trail may become icy December-March in years with significant snowfall. Icy sections most likely January-February on shaded portions.
Mud Season: Not typically muddy due to paved surface, but spring runoff (April-May) may create water crossings.
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.
Recent Updates: No major recent trail closures or reroutes. Accessibility assessment completed March 20, 2025.
Family Friendly Notes: 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.
Nearby Facilities: Zion Lodge immediately across from trailhead with restrooms and water. Zion Canyon Visitor Center nearby. Park services concentrated in Zion Canyon area.
Review Summary: Hikers rave about the ease of access to emerald pools but flag the steep descent and cliff edge awareness as must-haves. Popular for families and photographers. Summer crowds are real; early arrival is key. The 'easy' distance belies the attention required on descent and cliff navigation.

Location

Frequently asked questions

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?

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

Can I bring my dog?

No. Pets are not permitted on this trail.

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.

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.

How crowded is it?

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.

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.