Emerald Pools from Zion Lodge

Start at Zion Lodge, stop 5 on the park shuttle. Cross the road and the footbridge over the Virgin River and take the Lower Emerald Pool Trail, on the right, to the lower pool, where a thin waterfall spills from the ledge above. Climb to the Middle Emerald Pools on that ledge, then take the rougher spur up to the Upper Emerald Pool at the foot of the cliffs. Come back down to the junction and follow the Kayenta Trail north, high above the river, to the bridge at the Grotto. The Grotto Trail leads back beside the road to the lodge.

It is 3.2 miles (5.1 km) around the loop with 400 feet (122 m) of climbing; allow about 1½ hours. The grade is Easy: it is short, with one stiff climb to the upper pool, and there are long drops beside the Kayenta Trail.

From early March to late November private cars are not allowed on the canyon road, so take the free shuttle from the Visitor Center. The pools are a water source for wildlife: do not go into the water. Toxic cyanobacteria are present in the park's streams and pools. Water and restrooms are at the lodge and at the Grotto. The lodge footbridge was rebuilt and reopened in June 2025.

Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with the distance and time worked out from it. The climb is the published figure: height data cannot be trusted on this ground. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.