#emeraldpoolstrail

Emerald Pools Bridge Reopens in Zion After Major Reconstruction Springdale, UT"After two years of planning and construction, Zion National Park has officially reopened the Emerald Pools Bridge, restoring direct access from Zion Lodge (Shuttle Stop #5) to one of the park’s most beloved trail systems.The original bridge, closed in May 2023 due to a nearby landslide, was determined unsafe after geotechnical assessments revealed shifting at its foundation. In response, National Park Service engineers and contracted teams carefully lifted and relocated the historic bridge approximately 100 feet upstream, where a new, more stable foundation was constructed. Cement pouring for the new emerald pools bridge“Reopening this bridge restores a critical connection to one of Zion’s most iconic trail systems,” said Zion National Park Superintendent Jeff Bradybaugh. “We appreciate our visitors’ patience and support as we worked to ensure this structure can safely serve future generations.” Foundation built for emerald pools bridge constructionThe rebuilt bridge rests on new concrete abutments designed to withstand the area’s shifting geological conditions, including flash floods and landslides. The project was fully funded through Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (FLREA) fees—demonstrating how visitor contributions directly support long-term infrastructure and preservation efforts. Construction crews moving the emerald pools bridge upstreamWith the bridge now reopened, hikers can once again enjoy easy access to the Lower, Middle, and Upper Emerald Pools, known for their scenic desert landscapes, hanging gardens, and cascading waterfalls.Visitors planning a trip to Zion this summer can expect seamless access from the main canyon road to the Emerald Pools Trail via the newly completed bridge.To learn more about the bridge project, watch this video overview, or view construction photos in this NPGallery album...."Read the rest of story at link below Read the full article

Hiking Southern Utah: Emerald Pools Trail" Photos by Krista WiekampHiking Southern Utah: Emerald Pools TrailEDITORS NOTE: As of July 2024: To access Emerald Pools, start your hike at the Court of the Patriarchs (Shuttle Stop #4) or the Grotto (Shuttle Stop #6). This does not affect other trailheads or the Zion Canyon Shuttle System.Trail name: Emerald Pools TrailLocation: Zion National ParkDifficulty: Easy to the lower pool, moderate to the middle pool, strenuous to the upper poolDistance: Round trip distances are 1.2 miles to lower, 2 miles to the middle, and 3 miles to upperTotal elevation gain: 70 feet to lower, 150 feet to the middle, and 350 feet to upperAverage time: 1--3 hoursFamily-friendly: The hike to the lower pools is great for all ages. As you proceed to the middle and upper falls, the level of difficulty gets progressively more challenging for young children and older adults.Dog-friendly: No dogs are allowed on this trail.Access: To the west entrance- From I-15, take exit 16 if you’re driving northbound from St. George or exit 20 if you’re coming south from Cedar City. Continue to La Verkin and turn onto SR-9 toward Zion National Park. Please Note: This access point may no longer be accessible.To the east entrance- Follow US-89 to Mount Carmel Junction. Take SR-9 to the east park entrance.Take the park shuttle to the Emerald Pools parking lot. If you leave late in the day during the shuttle season, make sure that you return to your shuttle pick-up area before the last shuttle leaves for the evening. You can check the shuttle schedule online at nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/shuttle-system.htm.The Trail: The trailhead to Emerald Pools Trail is located across the street from the Zion Lodge. Choose the lower trail to access the lower pools first. You can traipse along the paved trail shaded by box elder trees and cottonwoods. After approximately a half mile, you will reach the lower pools. Enjoy the majestic green foliage and waterfalls that spill off the sandstone walls from the middle pool on the shelf above the lower pool. At this point, the path takes you under and behind the falls, offering a nice cool mist, something which is especially welcomed in the hot summer months.To continue to the middle pools, follow the path that leads you behind the falls. At this point, the trail becomes unpaved and will lead you up some switchbacks until you reach the middle pools. The stream crosses the path before pouring out into the first pool below. Make sure that children stay away from the slick edge. Two popular canyons amongst canyoneers allow drainage that creates the middle pools. Water from Behunin Canyon fills the first pool and the second pool is filled by the Heaps Canyon watershed. From this point you will also be rewarded with a majestic view of Red Arch Mountain.Continue on the trail between the two middle pools to venture onward to the upper pool. This part of the trail is a bit steeper and more strenuous; however, if able, I highly recommend enduring the last stretch. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by towering sandstone cliffs and a leafy paradise. If you look up, you may find canyoneers descending from Heaps Canyon. This is a nice spot to sit and have a snack, some water, and visit with your hiking partners or nature itself.To return to the trailhead, turn around and go back the way you hiked in.As always, remember to bring plenty of water, snacks, a camera, and sunscreen.Articles related to "Hiking Southern Utah: Emerald Pools Trail"http://suindependent.com/hiking-southern-utah-the-narrows/http://suindependent.com/hiking-southern-utah-hurricane-cliffs-rim-trail/http://suindependent.com/hiking-southern-utah-kanarra-creek-trail/..."Read the rest of story at link below Read the full article