Middle Emerald Pools Trail

The Middle Emerald Pools Trail links the canyon's most popular pocket of shade and water into a moderate 2.2-mile round trip. From the trailhead across from Zion Lodge, the route crosses the reconstructed hiker bridge over the Virgin River before climbing to a broad slickrock basin where seasonal seeps feed a pool tucked against the cliff. Total elevation gain runs a bit over 330 feet, most of it concentrated on the push up from the Lower Pool junction.

What to expect

• Surface is mostly packed dirt with sections of bare rock and short sandy stretches
• Grades get steep in places, with pitches over 10% for nearly half the trail
• Unpaved ledges near the pool have real drop-offs; stay back from the edge
• Steps along the route can run up to 10 inches, worth knowing if you're hiking with kids or knees that complain

The pool itself sits in an open amphitheater of Navajo sandstone, with water sometimes curtaining off the rim above depending on the season. Spring runoff and early fall bring the best flow; by late summer the pools can thin out considerably. Swimming and wading aren't allowed, since this water source matters for the canyon's wildlife, and pets can't come along. From May through October, reaching the trailhead means taking the park shuttle to the Zion Lodge stop rather than driving in.