All desert hikes lead to flowing falls and pristine pools, right? Well, in Utah’s Zion National Park, that’s exactly what you’ll discover on the Emerald Pools Trail. You’ll think your mind is playing tricks on you, as you experience a real-life mirage in this desert oasis. As you wander through acres of panoramic perfection in this beloved state park, you’ll happen upon resplendent waterfalls, lush alcoves, and deep, blue-green pools – getting completely lost in this wondrous place. Hiking the Emerald Falls Trail in Utah is a completely transcendent experience, as you explore acres of unparalleled views.

Nestled deep within Utah's Zion National Park, there is a real-life Garden of Eden.
Gigi Avila/AllTrails
Of course, Zion Natural Park is in itself a place of paradise: 146,597 acres of pure Utah magnificence, full of scenic hikes and outdoor adventures.
Zion National Park is full of surprises; most notably, the Emerald Pools.
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Emerald Pools isn't simply one of the state's most wondrous waterfalls; it's a hidden oasis of lush greens and bold blues, which stand in startling contrast to the warm desert hues of its surrounding canyons.
It's a place of immense beauty and grandeur; and the best part is, Emerald Falls is also incredibly accessible.
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Two trails start at the Emerald Pools Trailhead, each less than two miles long.
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The trail to the lower pool is fairly straightforward, at just over a mile long.
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It's fully paved, making this option both wheelchair- and stroller-friendly.
You'll cross over a bridge, over a paved path that leads to the Lower Emerald Pool.
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This easy, one-mile hike meanders past multiple waterfalls, as well as the park's iconic blue-green pools.

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Steeper and a bit more challenging, the two-mile Middle Pools Trail begins in the same spot as the Lower Pools Trail, but climbs higher up the slope.
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You'll be rewarded for your efforts, however, as this trail ventures through some of the most spectacular scenery in all of Zion National Park.
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Beyond the alcove, the trail gets more difficult, ascending a series of sandstone steps to the top of the cliff that you just walked under.
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There, you'll literally be beneath the waterfall, which is a truly breathtaking experience.
The eponymous middle "pools" along this trail are actually just the streams that form the waterfalls.
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And they are some of the most pristine pools of emerald-green waters you'll ever see.
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Zion National Park is one of Utah's greatest treasures, and the Emerald Pools Trail is truly the best way to experience the sublime splendor of this desert wonderland.
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A few things to note as you plan your visit: Zion National Park is open 24 hours a day, all year round. However, some attractions may be closed during inclement weather or colder seasons. To enter the park, you’ll pay a weekly admission pass of $25/vehicle or $12/individuals.

Have you hiked the Emerald Falls Trail in Utah? What was your experience at this unexpected desert oasis? Share your experience in the comments below! And for more stellar hikes in Zion National Park, check out this list of our favorites. (Can’t make it to Zion in person? Sit back and go on a virtual hike of Zion’s Canyon Overlook Trail.)

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Emerald Pools Trail, Utah 84737, USA