Upper Emerald Pools Trail

The Upper Emerald Pools Trail caps off one of the most popular short hikes in Zion Canyon, ending at a quiet pool tucked beneath a sandstone amphitheater with a seasonal waterfall dropping over the rim above. It's a short final push from the Middle Pools junction, but the grade steepens and the footing turns to slickrock and loose sand near the top, so it earns its moderate rating despite the low mileage.

Good to know

• Reach it via the Kayenta Trail from The Grotto (shuttle stop 6) or from the Emerald Pools Trailhead at Zion Lodge (shuttle stop 5)
• Expect stone staircases with tall, uneven steps and some exposed drop-offs near the pool
• Plan on 1-2 hours round trip from either trailhead, longer if you're combining all three pools
• The pool is a wildlife water source — stay out of it and off the fragile ledges above it

Waterfall flow depends entirely on recent rain and snowmelt, so spring after a good winter is the best bet for a real cascade; by late summer it can slow to a trickle or stop. The rock overhangs mean occasional mist and slick spots even when it hasn't rained recently, so watch your footing on the sandstone benches near the pool's edge.