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Emerald Pools
Good-for-Kids Rating
Babies
Toddlers & Pre-KSchool-Age Kids
Pre-Teens & Teens
Park
Hiking
Emerald Pools Description
Choose between three paths to the lower pool, middle pool, or upper pool, and take a nice hike to a fascinating and bizarre geological formation where water cascades out of the rocks into a basin below and tree frogs (found only here!) bleat like noisy sheep. Your kids can stand under some of the waterfalls (cascading in the spring, trickling by late summer) to cool off. If you're feeling energetic, paths connect the three Emerald Pools to each other.
Kid Tips
Babies: The path to the Lower Emerald Pool is paved, though it's a bit rough in some sections. A stroller can go part way, but it's better to put the baby in a backpack carrier.
Pre-Teens & Teens: The most popular destination for teenagers, Upper Emerald Pool has white sand and massive cliffs surrounding it.
Planning Notes
- Hike is shady. This is a pleasant hike to take even at mid-day, since the paths are shaded and a cool mist comes off of the pools.
- Take the shuttle. Get off at the Zion Lodge stop, then cross the road to the trail head.
- Choose your difficulty level. It's just over half a mile one way to Lower Emerald Pool; 1 mile to Middle Emerald Pool; and just under a mile and a half to Upper Emerald Pool.
Just the Facts
Hours: Daily, dawn to dusk
Fees: Free
Recommended Time: 2 - 4 hours
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