Michigan Bluff-Deadwood Trail
Eldorado NF

April 24, 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 me, 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 interests are purely photographic, of course.

Above Middle Emerald Pool Brink of the lower falls

Any seemingly unattractive coloration of the pools and streams around here is misleading.  In fact, the water is 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 wonderful 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 ever have seen.  Nothing has changed.


Upper Emerald Pool


Upper Falls

The waterfall drains Heaps Canyon, arguably the most challenging of the numerous technical 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 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, she 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 trip.

Nice cactus Western wallflower

Service berry tree Utah penstemon

A view 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 that the backs of people's heads.

View more of this trail here:  Emerald Pools, Mar 26, 2009


Zion National Park
Emerald Pools