Zion National Park
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Emerald Pools Zion National Park |
April 19, 2010
When I visited this trail last year in March, it was late afternoon and cold. Today's trek rates to be more enjoyable and productive, especially in light of the recent rainfall.
Getting started
Beetles at work
It takes less than fifteen minutes to reach the first attraction and its attendant waterfalls.
Lower Emerald Pool
The best short-hike destination in the park
Most walkers don't venture beyond here, doubtless because doing so would entail another (horrors) few feet of climbing. Of course, these folk also miss most of the scenery.
Heading up to the Middle Pool
Lower Falls
Above the falls some visitors (including myself, I admit) ignore the barricades warning not to venture too near the edge of the cliff. Over the decades, more people have died here doing something stupid than have fallen off the Angels Landing Trail. My own interests are purely photographic, of course.
Above Middle Emerald Pool
Brink of the lower falls
What might seem like an unattractive coloration of the pools and streams is misleading. In fact, the water here is as clear and pure as can be.
Canyon view
Somewhat farther uphill, a spur trail branches steeply up toward the end of the canyon. Right here a colorful monster is guarding the canyon entrance. This is just the sort of thing I need as a hiking mascot, to add a personal touch to an occasional photo.
Preview of coming attractions
Purple People Eater
Another 280 feet of climbing gets me to the end of the trail. Last year I declared this spot one of the half-dozen prettiest places I have seen. Nothing has changed.
Upper Emerald Pool
Upper Falls
The waterfall drains Heaps Canyon, arguably the most challenging of the numerous technical climbing routes in the park. Excepting a rescue by helicopter, the only way out of that canyon is to rappel some 300+ feet down beside this waterfall. It would be fun to watch some daredevils do just that.
The best-feeling place in Zion Park?
Back at the trail junction, the purple monster has disappeared.
I never did see its owner — or perhaps it doesn't have one!
Nearby, two women are discussing whether to venture to the upper pool. When I volunteer that it is the prettiest place in the park, one responds, "Oh, I don't care about that". Incredulous and dismayed, I retort, "Lady, why are you here?"
Starting back from Middle Emerald Pool
Virgin River
As usual, I opt to return on the high loop trail, where the scenery changes. There are more flowers up here than I have seen previously on this loop.
Prickly Pear Cactus
Western Wallflower
Service Berry Tree
Utah Penstemon
The sight of the park lodge indicates that my journey is nearly complete.
Zion Lodge
§: This extra-special trail packs a whole lot of scenery per square
foot. It's a must-do for any visitor to Zion who is interested
in seeing something other than the backs of people's heads.
View more of this trail here: <Hike #49: Emerald Pools>
| Scenery |  |
| Difficulty |  |
| Personality |  |
| Flowers | |
| Solitude |  |
