An easy 1.2-mile paved trail to a waterfall pool in Zion National Park; pets and swimming prohibited.
Zion National Park entrance fee required; Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is closed to private vehicles during shuttle season (shuttle mandatory, roughly March-November per the 2026 schedule)
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Based on this listing's approximate location — see the note on coordinates below.
Lower Emerald Pool Falls is accessible via a 1.2-mile round-trip paved trail in Zion National Park, making it one of the park’s easiest waterfall hikes. The trail ends at an emerald pool fed by a seasonal waterfall, creating a stunning turquoise vignette against Zion’s red cliffs.
Although the trail is paved, do not mistake this for a flat walk. The surface is rough and uneven, with grades reaching 25% in places, which means it can be challenging for some visitors. Wear sturdy shoes and be prepared for a steady climb. Dogs are not permitted anywhere in the park (except service animals), and swimming in the pools is prohibited because they serve as critical water sources for wildlife.
Zion National Park entrance fees apply. During shuttle season—roughly March through November each year—private vehicles are not allowed on the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, and visitors must ride the park shuttle to access this trail. Off-season visits (December through February) allow private vehicle access. Plan at least an hour for the round-trip hike plus time to enjoy the pool and waterfall.
April through October during Zion's peak season with reliable water flow; winter sees reduced visitor numbers but also lower water.
NOT wheelchair accessible despite paved surface; grades reach 25% and rough paving presents barriers.
Avoid if you plan to bring pets or want to swim. Also note the paved trail has grades up to 25%, which may challenge some visitors.
Zion National Park entrance fee required; Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is closed to private vehicles during shuttle season (shuttle mandatory, roughly March-November per the 2026 schedule)
Via a 1.2-mile round-trip trail rated easy by the managing agency.
No — the managing agency's page states dogs are not permitted here (or on the specific trail/area needed to reach the falls).
No — the managing agency's page states swimming/wading is not permitted here, often for safety reasons (current, rockfall, or cold water).
We track 3 waterfalls in Zion National Park.
There are 2 other waterfalls we track in Washington County. All Zion National Park waterfalls →
nps.gov
NPS 'Lower Emerald Pool Trail' page (nps.gov), checked Sept 2026; NPS current-conditions page (updated June 9, 2026) lists no closure affecting this trail. Trail is paved but rough with grades up to 25%; NPS states pets not allowed and swimming not permitted (pools are a wildlife water source).
Checked September 2026.