Emerald Pools Trail: Zion's Desert Oasis

The Emerald Pools Trail is a popular hiking destination within Zion National Park, near Springdale, Utah, offering a chance to experience Zion's greatest gift: water. The trail system features three main pools—Lower, Middle, and Upper—each with varying levels of difficulty and scenic rewards. The Lower Emerald Pool is the easiest to access, making it suitable for families with small children and non-hikers. This 1.2-mile round trip hike provides incredible views of sandstone walls and spring flow. The paved path meanders through a riparian habitat and even passes underneath the waterfalls that come from the Middle Pool above. The Middle Emerald Pool trail involves some climbing and steeper sections. It's a 2-mile round trip to see both Middle and Lower Pools. Note that the Middle Emerald Pools Trail is closed indefinitely due to significant trail damage caused by a landslide. The Upper Emerald Pool trail is more challenging, with sections of sand and rocky terrain. The 2.5-mile round-trip hike leads to the Upper Emerald Pool, surrounded by towering rock walls. From here, you can view the massive sandstone walls and seasonal storm runoff creating a 360-foot waterfall. Regardless of which pool you choose, the Emerald Pools Trail offers sparkling waterfalls, glistening pools, and majestic sights, including views of Lady Mountain, the Great White Throne, and Red Arch Mountain.