Get the app

Outdoors Zion Canyon

Emerald Pools Trail

An outdoor spot in Zion Canyon, free to visit and worth about 2 hours. Best time to go: Morning.

Open in Google Maps Apple Maps
Emerald Pools Trail in Zion Canyon
Photo: Alison Carter · Google

Why go

Short hikes to pools and seasonal waterfalls below cliffs, starting at Zion Lodge.

It is one of 10 curated places we feature in Zion, alongside 3 activities, 2 places to eat and 2 outdoor spots. The closest of our other picks is Emerald Pools Trail, 0.0 mi away as the crow flies.

Type
Outdoors · Nature
Neighborhood
Zion Canyon
Price
Free
Time needed
2 hr
Best time
Morning

Nearby

Our closest curated picks, including 4 beyond Zion. Distances are straight-line, not walking or driving.

  1. 1
    Emerald Pools Trail

    Short trails to pools and seasonal waterfalls below Red Arch Mountain.

    Outdoors · Zion NP · 0.0 mi straight-line
  2. 2
    Angels Landing

    Chain-assisted ridge hike to a narrow summit 1,500 ft above the canyon.

    Activity · 0.7 mi straight-line
  3. 3
    Angels Landing

    Chain-assisted climb along a narrow fin to a summit 1,500 ft above the canyon.

    Activity · Zion NP · 0.7 mi straight-line
  4. 4
    Canyon Overlook Trail

    1-mile round trip on the east side to a view straight down Zion Canyon.

    Activity · Zion NP · 2.7 mi straight-line
  5. 5
    Canyon Overlook Trail

    One-mile hike on the east side to a view down Pine Creek and switchbacks.

    Outdoors · 2.8 mi straight-line
  6. 6
    Watchman Trail

    Moderate 3-mile loop from the visitor center to a viewpoint over Springdale and the Watchman.

    Outdoors · Zion NP · 3.7 mi straight-line

On these curated routes

Emerald Pools Trail is a stop on our Utah Mighty Five route. Open it to see the full day-by-day plan.

More outdoor spots in Zion

Another curated outdoor spot in Zion. See the full Zion guide.

When to go

Average daily highs in Zion run from 41°F in December to 89°F in July; February is usually the wettest month. For Emerald Pools Trail itself, we suggest: Morning.

Modelled monthly averages for Zion from NASA POWER, not a forecast. Full Zion weather by month.

Getting there

Map links open a live search for Emerald Pools Trail, so hours and directions come straight from the map app.

Address
Apple Valley, UT 84737, USA
Coordinates
37.25112, -112.95926
Destination
Zion, Utah

Emerald Pools Trail: quick answers

How much time do you need at Emerald Pools Trail?

Plan on about 2 hours at Emerald Pools Trail. That is our curated estimate for a typical visit; groups that linger will want more.

When is the best time to visit Emerald Pools Trail?

Our pick: Morning. Insider tip: Lower pool is easy; continue to Upper for fewer people.

Is Emerald Pools Trail free?

Yes, we list Emerald Pools Trail as free to visit. Check locally before you go, since special exhibits, parking or tours can carry a fee.

Where is Emerald Pools Trail?

Emerald Pools Trail is at Apple Valley, UT 84737, USA, in Zion Canyon. The Google Maps and Apple Maps links on this page open it for directions.

Which TripsCircle routes include Emerald Pools Trail?

Emerald Pools Trail appears on Utah Mighty Five, a curated route you can open on TripsCircle and plan with your group.

Add Emerald Pools Trail to your crew's plan

Save it to a shared TripsCircle itinerary, settle the timing with a quick poll, and split the costs with everyone going to Zion.

Get TripsCircle

Plan Zion

Lists & regions

Also in Zion

Curated recommendation, not live listing data. Confirm hours, prices, bookings and access before you go.