HAND-VERIFIED TRAIL · ZION NATIONAL PARK

Lower Emerald Pools

1.2 midistance
69 ftelevation gain
25mmoving time
58 ft/miaverage climb

Lower Emerald Pools is a 1.2 mi trail with 69 ft of climbing — about 25m of moving time before you stop for anything. Dogs are not allowed, and we rate it comfortable from age 5. About 50% of it is shaded, and no refill point is recorded on the route.

CAN WE ALL GO?

Who this trail suits

🐕 No dogs 🧒 Comfortable from age 5 👶 No stroller 🚻 Restrooms at the trailhead 💧 No refill recorded ☀️ 50% shaded

Underfoot & overhead canyon

WHAT THIS CLIMB COSTS YOU

Lower Emerald Pools charges in hours, not miles.

1.2 mi and 69 ft of climbing work out to 25m of moving time — before you stop for anything. No refill is recorded on the route — you carry all of it. Informational only, not medical advice.

Get the summer refuel plan →

NAISMITH · CDC · ACSM · how these numbers are worked out

25mmoving time, no breaks
0.2–0.4 Lwater, cool day → hot
10–30 gcarbs across that climb
HOW HARD IT FEELS

Steepness and shade

58 ft per mile 4th steepest of the 7 trails we've measured in Zion National Park
50% shaded Patchy cover — the sun finds you in stretches

In July, Zion National Park runs around 100°F at the main visitor elevation. With no refill recorded on the route, everything you drink starts in your pack.

TODAY AT THE PARK

Before you leave the car

Tonight

55°F · Mostly Clear · wind 5 mph

NOAA forecast for Zion National Park — not for this trailhead specifically
⚠️ The Virgin River Narrows and all slot canyons closed

The Narrows and all slot canyons are closed at this time due to active or anticipated flash flooding.

Live NPS alert for Zion National Park · source
⚠️ Stage 2 fire restrictions in effect

No setting, building, maintaining, attending, or using open fires of any kind in the park. This includes campfires and charcoal fires in Watchman Campground, South Campground, and picnic areas in Zion Canyon. Stoves...

Live NPS alert for Zion National Park · source
NOT THIS ONE?

Other trails in Zion National Park

QUICK ANSWERS

Frequently asked

How long does Lower Emerald Pools take?

About 25m of moving time for 1.2 mi and 69 ft of climbing — that is Naismith's planning rule, so it counts walking only, with nothing for photos, lunch or the queue at the top.

How much water should I carry on Lower Emerald Pools?

Planning figures for that much moving time are 0.2–0.4 L, cool day to hot. No refill point is recorded on the route, so you carry all of it. Informational only, not medical advice.

Can I take a dog on Lower Emerald Pools?

No — Lower Emerald Pools is closed to dogs. Our Zion National Park dog guide lists the trails where they are welcome, plus boarding and the nearest 24/7 vet.

Is Lower Emerald Pools good for kids?

We rate it comfortable from age 5. It is not a stroller route. That rating is our own hand-check of length, footing and exposure, not an official NPS grade.

When is the best time of day to hike Lower Emerald Pools?

About 50% of the route is shaded, and Zion National Park peaks around 100°F in its hottest month. The less shade a route has, the more of it you want behind you before midday.