Emerald Pools Zion refers to a group of hiking trails in Zion National Park, with trail access across from Zion Lodge at Zion Canyon Shuttle Stop 5. The routes vary in length and terrain, so you can choose a shorter walk to Lower Emerald Pool or continue toward the Middle and Upper pools.
- Location: Across from Zion Lodge at Shuttle Stop 5.
- Lower Emerald Pools: 0.6 mi one way from Stop 5.
- Middle Emerald Pools: 2.2 miles round trip.
- Upper Emerald Pools: 0.3 mi one way; access is also available from Stop 6 at The Grotto.
- Shuttles: Typically run daily from March through November and during a holiday-season period near the end of December; dates vary by year.
Understanding the Emerald Pools Trail Options
The Emerald Pools trails offer different distances and terrain, from a 0.6 mi one-way route to Lower Emerald Pool to paths that continue toward the upper pools.
The Lower Emerald Pools Trail starts at Shuttle Stop 5, across from Zion Lodge. At 0.6 mi one way, it is the shortest of the listed routes. The National Park Service describes the Middle Emerald Pools Trail as a moderate hike on an unpaved sandstone ledge above the Lower Emerald Pool Trail.
The Middle Emerald Pools Trail is 2.2 miles round trip, with a one-way length of 0.9 mi from Stop 5. For the Upper Emerald Pools, the trail itself is 0.3 mi one way. You can reach it from Stop 5 at Zion Lodge or Stop 6 at The Grotto.
Starting at The Grotto adds the Kayenta Trail: the route follows this moderate 2 mi trail until it joins the Emerald Pools trails. Factor that approach into your route choice rather than treating the short Upper Emerald Pools segment as the entire hike.
How do you get from the Zion Canyon shuttle stops to Emerald Pools?
Take a Zion Canyon shuttle to Stop 5 at Zion Lodge for the main Emerald Pools trail access, or use Stop 6 at The Grotto to approach the Upper Emerald Pools.
The National Park Service says its shuttles typically operate daily from March through November and during a holiday-season period near the end of December, with dates varying by year.
During scheduled service, Zion Canyon Line shuttles arrive about every 5 to 10 minutes; Springdale Line shuttles arrive about every 10 to 15 minutes. The shuttles are free and require no permit, ticket or reservation, but you must pay the park entrance fee or have a valid pass.
During shuttle season, personal vehicles are not allowed on the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. Check the Zion shuttle and scenic drive guide when planning how to reach the trailhead and move around the canyon.
Zion National Park is open 24 hours a day, year-round, but shuttle service follows its own seasonal pattern. For current operating details and park entry requirements, check the official site before you go.
What are the trail conditions and water expectations?
Trail surfaces and grades differ across the Emerald Pools routes, so check the terrain before choosing how far to hike.
The Lower Emerald Pools Trail accessibility assessment describes a typical grade of 7.1% and a maximum grade of 25.3%. Its surface is mostly hard concrete, with a small section of firm soil. The Middle Emerald Pools route is a moderate hike along an unpaved sandstone ledge.
The Upper Emerald Pools route includes more demanding terrain: its accessibility assessment records a maximum grade of 37%, a minimum tread width of 12 in, and stair steps up to 30 in tall. If you plan to take this route, account for the steep sections and steps when deciding whether it suits your group.
Water levels and flow can vary, so don’t assume the pools will look the same on every visit. The trail names refer to the route and its features, not a promise of a particular water display.
What should you bring, and what park rules apply?
Bring what you need for your chosen route and follow the park’s restrictions around water and trail use.
The Lower and Middle routes differ in surface and grade, while the Upper route includes steep grades and tall steps. Use those details to choose footwear and plan a route your group can manage. Carry drinking water for yourself, but do not drink water from streams or pools.
Swimming, bathing and wading are prohibited in the Emerald Pools and in Heaps Creek from Upper Emerald Pool to the base of the Navajo Formation. Keep to the trail and leave the pools for viewing rather than entering them.
How can you fit Emerald Pools into a Zion day?
Choose your Emerald Pools route first, then allow the shuttle ride and any approach trail to shape the rest of your Zion Canyon day.
If you want a shorter outing, the Lower Emerald Pools Trail is 0.6 mi one way from Stop 5.
The Middle route is 2.2 miles round trip, while the Upper route requires choosing an access point: Stop 5 at Zion Lodge or Stop 6 at The Grotto. From The Grotto, include the moderate 2 mi Kayenta Trail in your plan.
The National Park Service began operating Zion’s shuttle system in 2000 to reduce traffic and parking problems, protect vegetation and restore tranquility in Zion Canyon. The park is open around the clock, but shuttle availability and trail conditions affect how you organize a canyon visit.
FAQs
Where do the Emerald Pools trails start?
The main access is across from Zion Lodge at Zion Canyon Shuttle Stop 5. The Upper Emerald Pools route can also be reached from Stop 6 at The Grotto.
How long is the Lower Emerald Pools Trail?
It is 0.6 mi one way from Shuttle Stop 5.
Do you need a ticket to ride the Zion shuttles?
Shuttle rides are free and do not require a permit, ticket or reservation. You still need to pay the park entrance fee or have a valid pass.