Experience Zion's most majestic sights on the Emerald Pools Trail, an accessible and easy 2-mile hike that winds past a rolling stream that feeds into several glistening "pools” surrounded by lush vegetation. Along the way are several awe-inspiring views of Lady Mountain, the Great White Throne, Red Arch Mountain, and cliffs in all directions.
$ - Budget
2-4 hours
Visitors are not allowed to swim in the pools. Please be respectful of the fences, guardrails, cliff warning signs, and "keep out of the water" restrictions in order to protect the natural landscape.
Starting July 1, 2020, visitors will need to pre-purchase a ticket to ride the park shuttle into Zion Canyon, which provides access to areas including Emerald Pools. Tickets can be purchased for $1 USD at Recreation.gov and are valid for a 1-hour time block. With limited service in the area, we recommend printing or download the tickets to your phone before arriving.
The Emerald Pools Trail is a non-strenuous, family-friendly hike, so there is no need to bring hiking sticks or water pouches—just a camera for photo ops of the dramatic mountains and fields!
The chance to have an atmospheric picnic lunch. Bring your own sandwiches and stop to enjoy them on the boulders along the way, where you can listen to the peaceful sounds of the trickling waterfall and morning birds.
The trail can get some rush-hour foot traffic in the mid-morning, so be sure to leave at the crack of dawn if you want to have the trail to yourself.
@howfarfromhome