Middle Emerald Pools Trail

Quick facts

Distance Miles: 2.2
Route Type: Out-and-back
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Elevation Gain Feet: 332.8

Trail profile

Distance Miles: 2.2
Route Type: Out-and-back
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Elevation Gain Feet: 332.8
Estimated Time: 1.5–2.5 hours depending on fitness and photo stops
Trail Surface: Primarily firm soil (79.7%), mixed with hard rock and concrete (18.7%) and sand (1.6%). Unpaved sandstone ledge—traction varies with moisture and weather.
Trail Features: Emerald-colored pools
Ephemeral waterfalls
Sandstone ledge
Pinyon-juniper woodlands
Zion Canyon views
Bridges
Stairs with up to 10-inch steps
Trail Highlights: Expansive views of main Zion Canyon from the initial ascent, the contrast of exposed sandstone ledge and shaded woodland, and emerald pools positioned above small waterfalls (visible but not swimmable).

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location: Emerald Pools Trailhead, across from Zion Lodge (shuttle stop #5). From the shuttle, cross the Lodge Lawn sidewalk, use the crosswalk, then follow the bridge. The trail begins on the left.
Shuttle Required: 1
Shuttle Details: The trailhead is at shuttle stop #5 (Zion Lodge) in Zion Canyon. During shuttle season (roughly March through late November), private vehicles cannot drive into the canyon—shuttle is mandatory. From December through February, private vehicles can drive to the trailhead area. Shuttle frequency and schedule vary; check Zion's official website for current operating hours and service details.

Permits & conditions

Permit Details: Not required. Park entrance fee applies.
Fees: $35 per private vehicle (1–7 day pass); $20 per person on foot, bicycle, or motorcycle. Youth 15 and under admitted free. Entrance fees valid for 1–7 days. Check nps.gov/zion for current rates and annual pass options.
Trail Status: Open year-round
Seasonal Closures: No official seasonal closures. Winter (December–February) snow is possible but rare in the canyon; the trail may be briefly slippery after heavy rain or snow, but typically remains passable all season.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead: 1
Water Sources: No potable water on trail. The emerald pools are not for drinking—they are fragile ecosystems and wildlife water sources. Restrooms and water filling stations available at Zion Lodge (directly across from trailhead). Carry 2L minimum from the start.
Accessibility: Steep and exposed. Initial ascent is steep (38% max grade) on exposed sandstone ledge with tread width dropping to 20 inches minimum. Stairs with steps up to 10 inches present. Bridges included but sections feel exposed due to drop-offs. Not wheelchair accessible.

Safety & strategy

Hazards: Steep initial ascent (38% max grade)
Cliff edges
Slippery when wet
Narrow tread (20 inches minimum)
No water sources on trail
Full sun exposure on ledge
Dehydration risk
Hazard Details: The initial ascent reaches 38.1% grade maximum—a lung-demanding, exposed climb. Cliff edges are present throughout; NPS advises avoiding them. Tread width narrows to 20 inches in places, creating exposure risk. Sandstone becomes slippery when wet or muddy. No potable water on trail combined with full sun exposure on ledge sections creates acute dehydration risk. Swimming is prohibited; do not enter the pools.
Crowd Level: Moderate to High during peak season (March–November), especially mid-morning to late afternoon. Quieter during winter months (December–February).
Peak Crowd Times: Mid-morning through late afternoon, especially weekends during spring and summer (April–October).
Best Season: Spring (April–May) and Fall (September–October)
Best Time To Visit: Spring (April–May) and Fall (September–October) when temps are mild and water flow is predictable. Start by 7 AM to beat afternoon crowds and midday heat. Summer can exceed 95°F on exposed sections; winter snow is possible but rare in the canyon floor.
Tips Advice: Carry 2L minimum water—the pools are not potable and no sources exist on trail\n
Start early; afternoon temps spike on exposed sandstone\n
Tighten boots before steep sections; tread width narrows to 20 inches in places\n
Stay back from cliff edges—drops are real and NPS explicitly warns against them\n
Do not enter water; protect the fragile ecosystem and wildlife water sources\n
Trekking poles stabilize the descent and reduce knee strain\n
Hike with a partner if possible; signal if separated on the trail

More details

Park Area: Zion Canyon
Trail Markers: Well-marked main trail. The path is distinct and connections to Lower Emerald Pool Trail, Upper Emerald Pools Trail, and Kayenta Trail are signed. Route-finding is straightforward.
Dogs Allowed: false
Biking Allowed: false
Shade Level: Mixed exposure. The initial ascent is sun-exposed sandstone; mid-trail sections offer shade from pinyon-juniper woodland. Wear sunscreen and a hat for the open sections.
Emergency Contacts: Call 911 or contact a park ranger immediately. Zion Canyon Visitor Center is nearby for non-emergency assistance.
Map Recommended: 1
Alltrails Link: www.nps.gov
Snow Dates: Winter (December–February) may bring occasional snow, particularly after storms, but the canyon floor rarely closes. Snow is uncommon at this elevation.
Mud Season: Spring snowmelt (April–May) and after heavy rain create muddy or slippery sections on sandstone ledge, reducing traction.
Insider Tips: Continue past the initial overlook to reach the pools—don't turn back early at the first vista\n
Start before 8 AM to secure parking and beat afternoon crowds and heat\n
Trekking poles reduce strain on the steep descent\n
The trail connects to Lower Emerald Pool Trail and Kayenta Trail if you want a longer day\n
Restrooms and water stations at Zion Lodge are your only supply stops
Recent Updates: No recent trail closures or changes reported. Accessibility last assessed March 20, 2025.
Family Friendly Notes: Not ideal for small children. The steep initial ascent challenges young hikers, and cliff edges near the trail require close supervision and hand-holding. Older children (10+) with good balance and moderate fitness can manage with parental oversight. Water restrictions mean kids must obey the 'no entering pools' rule despite visual temptation.
Review Summary: Hikers consistently report the initial ascent is steeper and more demanding than expected, but the payoff—Zion Canyon views and emerald pools—is worth the effort. The exposure and lack of water sources demand respect and preparation, but most hikers with moderate fitness complete this in 1.5–2.5 hours. Reviews emphasize: start early, carry plenty of water, and stay away from cliff edges.

Location

Frequently asked questions

I'm not super fit. Can I hike this?

Yes, if you're comfortable with a steep initial climb. This is moderate difficulty—not extreme—but the first 0.5 miles demand effort (38% grade max). Go slow, take breaks, and don't be ashamed to turn around. Fitness improves with practice.

Is it safe to hike alone?

Yes, the trail is well-marked and popular. Hike with a partner if possible; if solo, start early, carry a charged phone, tell someone your plan, and make noise so other hikers know you're present.

Can I bring water from the pools?

No. The emerald pools are not potable—they are fragile ecosystems and wildlife water sources protected by park regulation. Carry 2L minimum from the trailhead. Restrooms and water refill stations are at Zion Lodge.

Do I need special gear?

No. Wear sturdy hiking boots with ankle support for the descent, bring trekking poles to reduce knee strain, wear sunscreen and a hat, and carry 2L water minimum. That covers it.

Are there bears or dangerous animals?

Bears and mountain lions exist in the park but encounters are rare. Make noise while hiking (talk to your partner), avoid dawn/dusk hikes when predators are active, and stay on the trail. If you see wildlife, back away and report to a ranger.

How crowded is this trail?

Moderate to High during peak season (March–November), especially mid-morning to afternoon. Arrive by 7:30 AM for quieter conditions and cooler temps. Winter (December–February) is much quieter.

What if I slip on sandstone?

Sandstone is slippery when wet. After rain or during spring snowmelt, use trekking poles, go slow, and watch your footing. Handrails on bridges help. If the rock is actively wet, consider postponing.