Emerald Pool Upper – Zion National Park
The Upper Emerald Pool Trail in Zion National Park has a lot to offer for being one of the shorter hikes in the park! This trail starts at the Virgin River bottom with...
Trail Facts
Overview
The Upper Emerald Pool Trail in Zion National Park has a lot to offer for being one of the shorter hikes in the park! This trail starts at the Virgin River bottom with views up and down Zion Main Canyon, then turns and continues up Heaps Canyon and affords views of hidden water falls and sheer Navajo Sandstone Cliffs. These water falls are all runoff fed, so depending on the amount of rain/snow fall, the waterfalls can be a gushing flow, slow and steady, or nothing but a drip. That said, there is typically enough flow during the year that each of the three pools along this trail has some water in it. In just a few hundred feet of elevation gain, the vegetation changes from cottonwoods to pines, and spotting local wildlife is common along this trail. Many travelers take a picnic with them to eat at the top of the trail as they enjoy the view of the Upper Pool and waterfall. This trail is a must on your next trip to Zion!
Alternative connection and route via Kayenta Trail.
Know Before You Go
Trail Map
Map of the route “Emerald Pool Upper – Zion National Park”: 3,847 m, 473 m of climbing and 472 m of descent, elevation between 1,302 m and 1,418 m, time 01:43:08. It is a loop that starts and ends at 37.25091, -112.95831 (latitude, longitude).
Getting There
From St. George: 50 Miles (1 hour 10 minutes driving)
Directions to Trailhead. From St George, head north on I-15 for about 18 miles and take exit 27 to Toquerville. Turn right on UT-17 and follow it for 6 miles. Turn left onto UT-9 and follow it for approximately 20 miles until you come to the park entrance. If parking is full inside the park, you can park in the town of Springdale and ride the shuttle up to the park. If you visit the park during the time the shuttles aren’t running, continue into the park for a couple of miles and turn left onto Floor of the Valley Road and continue for 2.7 miles. Park in the Zion Lodge Parking lot. The trailhead is on the opposite side of the road.
Trailhead GPS: 37.250948, -112.957969
Trail Report
Coming Soon!