Emerald Pools - Waterfalls in the Desert

A stop on Zion Canyon, a free self-guided tour.

Cross the footbridge over the Virgin River from Zion Lodge and follow the trail to Lower Emerald Pool. Here water spills from above, dripping and sometimes pouring over an overhang into a pool below. Walk behind the falling water and notice the plants clinging to the wet rock: ferns, mosses and wildflowers growing in what the park calls hanging gardens.

The pools get their green color from algae. Their water comes from springs and runoff high above, in an area that drains from Heaps Canyon. After a storm the falls can roar; in a dry season they shrink to a trickle.

The trail continues to Middle and Upper Emerald Pools, which are steeper and rougher. Rocks here are slippery, and people have been badly hurt falling from the cliffs above the pools, so stay on the trail and away from the edges. Check nps.gov before you go, because sections of these trails sometimes close for rockfall or repairs.

Getting here: From Zion Lodge, cross the road and the footbridge over the river, then follow signs to Lower Emerald Pool.

Did you know?: In 2025 the park reopened the footbridge to Emerald Pools after moving the entire crossing about 100 feet upstream.

Photo op: From behind the falling water at Lower Emerald Pool, frame the drips against the bright canyon beyond.

Nearby: No facilities on the trail; restrooms, water and food at Zion Lodge. Swimming and wading in the pools are not allowed.

More on Wikipedia: Zion National Park · Virgin River

Emerald Pools - Waterfalls in the Desert

Stops on this tour