Zion's Emerald

Emerald Pools is one of Zion’s sweetest signature trails. Generously endowed with breathtaking scenery, this trail is one that children and adults alike will have fun hiking. Waterfalls, pools and a dazzling display of monoliths create the Emerald Pools Trail System.

There are three pools in the Emerald Pools Trail System – Lower Emerald Pool, Middle Emerald Pool and Upper Emerald Pool. How (un)creative! Who cares actually as long as they are not named as Pool # 1, #2 and #3. This trail is a short one, about 1 mile round trip depending where you start your hike. There are three ways to enter or exit the Emerald Pools Trail System, so unlike most of Zion’s trails there is no need to backtrack. I entered through Kayenta Trail.

However, I didn’t managed to get close to the waterfall because the trail that I took was somehow closed for access near the waterfall. So I can only see the waterfall from a distance of about 10 meters! Oh man, it’s so near but yet so far. This is the view that I got.

The pools and waterfalls are the attraction here, but the surrounding scenery is outstanding as well. The paved lower trail is a treat for kids and nice for parents pushing a stroller.

I went to the Middle Pool to check out. The color is not as green as I thought it might be. Nevertheless, the hike to the place offers amazing view, though Angels Landing has a better view.

On the way back to my car, there are nice views along the trail. Here are some photos that I took.

One more thing that I do not really understand is that why do people stack up the stones whenever they find plenty of small stones. And they stack the stones in lots of stacks. Is it to meant to symbolize something? Can anyone enlighten me please?