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 Reporter |
Summary: The environs of Upper Emerald Pool are like sitting in the sanctuary of a great mosque. Sheer canyon walls surround you. A wide flat beach allows you to stretch out after the short but wearying hike from Middle Emerald Pool. Watermarks on the cliffs remind you of Islamic calligraphy. You can imagine yourself in a holy place. Perhaps this is sacred ground. Middle Emerald Pool is tiny but it reflects the cliffs rising between the Great White Throne and the Mountain of the Sun (so similar they could be twins.) The Spearhead is a stunning rock formation around whose base you will creep as you approach the Middle and Upper Pools along the Kayenta Trail. Be careful on the steps leading down to Lower Emerald Pool and, if you timed things right, refrigerate your hot torso behind Lower Pool's waterfalls. Trailhead: Most guidebooks have you start this trail at Zion Lodge. A ranger put me on to an alternative route which is far easier on the ascent than the usual one. The Zion Canyon Visitor Center crops up just north of the Springdale Park Entrance on Utah Highway 9. From April until October, a shuttle bus service is available to take you to the trailhead. Get off at the Grotto Picnic Area. Cross the road to come to the footbridge. The trail is well marked to the Emerald Pools. Follow this trail to Emerald Pools. You can either catch the bus at Zion Lodge or hike the easy Grotto Trail to make it a loop. Like all Zion Canyon trails, you must remember that you are in a desert. Bring water, a hat, and a pole for negotiating the steep steps leading up and down Behunin Canyon. (Lat:37.2593 Lon:-112.9495) Trail Guides for Emerald Pools-Kayenta Loop, Zion NP: Hiking Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks by Erik Molvar (Falcon Publishing) Utahs National Parks by Adkison (Wilderness Press) Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, User Groups: Hikers, Ranger Contact: Zion National Park, (435)772-3256 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Joel Sax, who has posted 51 other hikes on this site. To visit this reporters web site, click here. Trail Reviews Submit your own review 
Reviewed by JZR on 4/28/2007 Fun stuff. Get started early to beat the crowds from the Zion Lodge. In the summer go to the lower then upper pools. The mid-section is just an alternate way back. 
Reviewed by A. Riedel on 3/20/2005 Amazing. During the winter, there are waterfalls everywhere! The upper pool has a waterfall of at least 175 feet. This trail is a must any time you visit Zion NP!
Reviewed by Lacey on 3/14/2005 Hiking the Emerald Pools was a wonderful experience. You truly do not want to forget real shoes and water. I learned this from experience. It's a lot said of a hike if you enjoy it despite all of that. The kids I went with enjoyed it as well. (try to get hosed down by the waterfall, it's exilerating!)
Reviewed by Tanya on 7/5/2004 The Emerald Pools Hike is a wonderful hike in Zion Canyon. It is great for kids, although it can be pretty long for younger children. You might want to just hike to the lower pool with them. Kids will not only enjoy the hike, but the little things in the ponds like canyon tree frogs and horse hair worms. http://www.eastziontourismcouncil.org Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Utah Hiking, Utah Trails, Utah Hikes, Washington County Hiking, Washington County Trails, Washington County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||