A moderate 2.2-mile hike to small ephemeral waterfalls and pools on sandstone terrain in Zion National Park.
Zion National Park entrance fee required; Zion Canyon shuttle required during shuttle season
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Based on this listing's approximate location — see the note on coordinates below.
Middle Emerald Pool Falls features small ephemeral waterfalls cascading into emerald pools along a 2.2-mile round-trip moderately difficult trail in Zion National Park. The route follows sandstone ledges with steep pitches, offering dramatically different terrain than the lower pool trail and more intimate canyon views.
Because the waterfalls here are ephemeral, they depend on recent rain or snowmelt. During dry periods, you may find flowing water in the creek and the pools themselves, but the falls may be absent or diminished. This makes timing important—spring and early summer generally offer the best water display. The sandstone ledge sections require careful footing and can be slippery when wet, so choose your visit date with weather in mind.
Dogs and swimming are prohibited in Zion National Park. Zion National Park entrance fees apply. Shuttle season (roughly March through November) requires you to ride the park shuttle to this trailhead—private vehicle access is not allowed during those months. Plan 1.5 to 2 hours for the round-trip hike, allowing time to explore the pool area carefully on exposed terrain.
Spring through fall when water flow is most reliable; waterfalls may be minimal or absent during dry periods.
NOT wheelchair accessible; unpaved sandstone-ledge trail with steep sections.
Avoid if you have a dog, want to swim, or are uncomfortable on steep sandstone ledges.
Zion National Park entrance fee required; Zion Canyon shuttle required during shuttle season
Via a 2.2-mile round-trip trail rated moderate 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 'Middle Emerald Pools Trail' page (nps.gov), checked Sept 2026; no closure listed on NPS current-conditions page (updated June 9, 2026). NPS describes 'small ephemeral waterfalls' above the pools; unpaved sandstone-ledge trail with steep sections.
Checked September 2026.