Lower & Upper Emerald Pools - Zion National Park. Utah, USA

Destination: Lower & Upper Emerald Pools - Zion National Park. Utah, USA
Difficulty: 1B-II
Route: Zion lodge, at the 5th bus stop from the visitor center

PREREQUISITES FOR ANY ROUTE OF ANY DIFFICULTY:
Have wikiloc downloaded and know how to use said application. Consider that wikiloc is only a support tool and that you also have to have a good sense of direction on the hill.
Always carry more water than indicated for emergency situations. Having extra water can save the life of someone who is dehydrated on the same trail as you. It can also be used in cases of having to stay longer than expected in the mountains.

Just like water we must always have extra food. This includes sweet and salty snacks and some hydrating fruit.

Always share your plans with someone who will not be attending your tour. Let know the departure time, estimated duration of the tour and location of the sidewalk.

If you happen to suffer any type of accident, do not hesitate to call the authorities immediately. For mountain rescues of all kinds, dial 911.
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HOW TO ARRIVE: Drive toward Zion National Park and continue along the road. After driving a while, you will see a gate and guard hut. Pass through the gate, and take the first right turn after the guard hut. This will take you to the visitor center. Park your vehicle here, and walk towards the buses. Hop on the first available bus, and wait for the 5th stop at Zion lodge. After getting off at this stop, the hike will begin at a bridge at the opposite side of the road.

VEHICLE TYPE: Any vehicle can pass through, as it is a paved road.

PARKING: You can park at the Zion visitor center, located at the first right turn after passing the guard hut.

COSTS: $35 US dollars payment at the guard hut for parking.

WHERE AM I?: You are located at Zion National park in southern Utah, near the city of Springdale.

PHYSICAL DIFFICULTY: This route has a physical difficulty level 1. This is due to the low elevation gain of 102 meters to get to the upper emerald pool.

TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY: This route has a technical difficulty grade B. Most of the route has low inclination, although there are certain stretches that can be slippery and require holding on to rails to avoid slipping. Also, once at the upper emerald pool the stretch is rocky and slippery, and it requires using your hands.

SOLAR EXPOSURE: This route has a solar exposure level II, as there is very little shade throughout the route. Although, there are shades at both pools, and the water vapor from the waterfalls helps cool down.

ROUTE TRACE: The route has many signals since the beginning, and it is easy to follow. Most parts are wide, yet there are a few narrow parts. The lower emerald pool are composed of 3 waterfalls, and after crossing it, there is a signal showing you how to get to the upper emerald pool, which is one large waterfall.

FOOD AND LIQUIDS:
* 1-2 L of water
* Sweet or salty snack

CLOTHING:
* Sportswear
* Hiking shoes with good grip
* Raincoat
* Change of socks

ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT: No additional equipment is necessary, although beware that there isn’t any phone signal during the hike.

I GOT LOST!
If you're lost, check the wikiloc to try to find your way, but if you really don't know where to go, or you've suffered an accident, don't hesitate to call 911.
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SPECIFIC REVIEW OF THE ROUTE

Summary:
The Lower and Upper Emerald Pools at Zion National Park are filled with great views and waterfalls. It is a relatively easy and short route, and the water vapor from the waterfalls helps you cool down when hiking. The route begins at the 5th stop from the bus at the Zion visitor center, otherwise known as Zion lodge. It is about a 10-15 minute bus ride, and after arriving at Zion lodge there are many signals pointing to the route, so it isn’t hard at all to find the start. Throughout the route, there are many signs showing which way to go, although there are very little crossroads throughout the route. The bottom emerald pool is composed of 3 waterfalls, and the route has you go under them. Be careful though, as the water vapor gets you wet and it can be slippery, though there are hand rails that help you get through it. After crossing underneath the waterfalls, there is a small elevation gain leading to a crossroads. Here, there is an amazing observation point that has a great view of the 3 waterfalls. This is the end of the bottom emerald pool. If you wish to continue to the top, the sign shows you the way to the upper emerald pool, leading to another elevation gain. Here, you cross through the middle pool, which is only a small water pool that you need to cross. Be careful though, as you need to watch your step to avoid getting your shoes wet. After this, continue the single route to the upper emerald pool. Here, you will arrive at a beautiful waterfall, which is also a great place to take pictures. If you want to get closer, you can, although the water vapor and cold is much stronger here, and it is also rocky and slippery. This is the end of the route.

Warnings:
Be careful throughout the route, and check the temperature before going. The water vapor from the waterfalls hits you, so it is important to predict colder temperatures than what your weather app tells you. Remember to take your raincoat or anything that protects you from water, and be careful with the slippery stretches. Also, it is important to note that you lose your phone signal on the bus ride to the hike, so plan ahead for this.