Camping & Outdoor Blog
Family Camping Activities for All Ages: Games, Hiking, and Campfire Fun
The legendary heart of Joshua Tree National Park.
Introduce
Welcome to Lower Emerald Pool, a scenic gem located within Zion National Park near Hurricane, Utah. This easily accessible destination offers a refreshing escape into nature, with its beautiful waterfalls, emerald pools, and lush vegetation. Whether you're seeking a leisurely stroll or a family-friendly adventure, Lower Emerald Pool is a must-visit spot in Zion Canyon.
A Natural Oasis
Lower Emerald Pool is a natural oasis nestled amidst the towering cliffs and rugged landscapes of Zion National Park. The trail leads you through a lush, forested area, offering a cool and tranquil escape from the desert heat.
- Emerald Pools: The pool gets its name from its stunning emerald green color, reflecting the surrounding vegetation and sky.
- Waterfalls: Two small streams cascade down the cliff face, creating picturesque waterfalls that feed into the pool.
- Lush Vegetation: The trail is surrounded by a variety of plants and trees, creating a vibrant and refreshing environment.
An Easy Hike for Everyone
The Lower Emerald Pool Trail is a short and easy hike, making it accessible to visitors of all ages and abilities. The trail is partially paved, with some minor drop-offs, making it suitable for families with children and those seeking a less strenuous hike.
- Trail Length: The Lower Emerald Pool Trail is a 1.4-mile out-and-back trail.
- Elevation Gain: The trail has a minimal elevation gain of 127 feet.
- Hiking Time: The average hiking time is approximately 32 minutes.
Activities and Things to Do
Lower Emerald Pool offers a variety of activities and things to do, allowing you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Zion National Park:
- Hiking: Enjoy a leisurely hike along the Lower Emerald Pool Trail, taking in the scenic views and refreshing atmosphere.
- Photography: Capture the beauty of the emerald pool, waterfalls, and surrounding landscapes through photography.
- Nature Watching: Observe the diverse plant and animal life that inhabits the area, including various bird species and wildlife.
- Relaxing: Take a break and relax by the pool, enjoying the peaceful sounds of nature and the soothing atmosphere.
Visitor Information
Here is some essential information to help you plan your visit to Lower Emerald Pool:
- Location: Lower Emerald Pool is located within Zion National Park, near Hurricane, Utah.
- Entrance Fee: Zion National Park charges a fee to enter. Please see the park's website for current fee information.
- Trail Access: The Lower Emerald Pool Trailhead is located across the street from the Zion Lodge.
- Restrooms and Water: Restrooms and water filling stations are available at the Zion Lodge.
- Swimming: Swimming is not permitted in the Emerald Pools to protect the fragile ecosystem.
- Dogs: Dogs are not allowed on the Lower Emerald Pool Trail.
Plan Your Visit to Lower Emerald Pool Today!
Whether you're seeking a family-friendly hike, a refreshing escape into nature, or a beautiful spot for photography, Lower Emerald Pool is a must-visit destination in Zion National Park. Plan your visit today and experience the magic of this natural oasis!
Contact Us
For more information about Lower Emerald Pool and Zion National Park, please contact us at or visit our website at .
Gallery
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Activities
Hiking
Out-and-back trail
Trail difficulty
Walking
Children
Good for kids
Kid-friendly hikes
Ksenia Postolnik
Dec 31
Low Emerald Trail is, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful trails in Zion. It’s an easy hike with breathtaking views, making it perfect for all skill levels. The scenery is absolutely stunning, and the trail’s simplicity allows you to fully enjoy the natural beauty around you. Highly recommend it!
Cindy W
Feb 09
The hike was enjoyable, offering different landscapes at various turns. All three pools begin from the same trail called Kayenta. About 2 miles in, you will come across the Lower Pool first. If you continue for another 0.2 miles, you will reach the Middle Pool. From there, it takes an additional 0.8 miles to reach the Upper Pool, but the effort is totally worth it! Plan to spend about 2 hours for the round trip hike.
Megan Siegner
Jan 04
We only had about 2 hours in the park, but we definitely needed more time to hike and explore. There was quite a lot of construction/updates going on, so we didn't get to do the full Emerald Pool loop because a bridge was closed. I will be back here and will stay for 3 days minimum - 2 hrs was not nearly enough!
Sarah Afflerbach
Oct 06
The hike to any of the emerald pools is a beautiful hike, and we initially hiked to the upper pool which was pretty but a little stagnant. The lower pool lets you walk under the waterfall and cool off from all the dust and heat.
The Foodie Architect
Jun 29
We did hike from Grotto (#6 stop) to lower Emerald pool and then walk to Zion lodge. The bridge at Zion lodge is closed, but you could walk through icy cold water which is refreshing. The grotto portion is no shade and views along the river. Lower Emerald pool is stunning. You will be under the cave like rock with water above you. Views are stunning. From there to Zion lodge is shaded and beautiful. Amazing hike. It can be done in 2-3 hours leisurely.