Emerald Pools

Emerald Pools is part of a trail system that is one of the most popular in Zion National Park, Utah. Emerald Pools are actually natural pools formed by waterfalls along the north fork of the Virgin River. In order to see each of the pools there is a 3 mile round trip trail that takes visitors into the diverse ecosystem. Lower pool is .6 miles from the beginning of the trail head. It takes roughly a half hour to get to the lower pool. It is a 69 foot ascent.

The middle pools are 1 mile from the beginning of the trail head and take about an hour to reach, with a total ascent of 150 feet. The upper pool is 1.5 miles and about 1.5 hours from the trailhead at 350 feet ascent. The trail is only accessible from the lower pool. Usage of the trail is quite heavy in the summer months. It is moderately strenuous to reach the upper pool, though the sun shines throughout the day along the entire trail. The trail is well maintained, though the upper trails are dirt and rock rather than paving. The pools get their name from the green tint algae lends to the water.