Emerald Pools Loop Trail

This route forms a short, two miles, loop from Zion Lodge to lower and middle Emerald Pools. It connects with the Kayenta Trail in Heaps Canyon and can be used as the first or last leg in a larger loop with Kayenta and The Grotto Trail. A short trail to upper Emerald Pool can also be accessed from this trail. The upper trail is unmaintained.

Begin this hike from the Zion Lodge along Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. The route crosses the road and then the river on a foot bridge. On the western side of the river the loop begins and ends. Turn right at this fork to reach the lower pool first. The route to the lower pool is slightly more than a half mile along a paved path. The trail follows the river closely with a few minor drop-offs. Where the Heaps Canyon drainage enters the North Fork Virgin River the trail turns westward and follows this tributary upstream.

Beyond the lower pool a smaller trail, not paved, leads past the pool. Follow this trail to reach the middle pool. This trail loops away from the pools and contours the mouth of Heaps Canyon paralleling the paved route. This track leads back to the foot bridge after a left turn one mile from middle Emerald Pool.

Zion National Park, Zion NP , Springdale, UT, 84767-1099, Phone: 801-772-3256, zion_superintendent@nps.gov