A Kayenta Trail guide to the Emerald Pools at Zion National Park.
Zion National Park has a number of options for hikes throughout. Â There’s canyon trails, rim trails, river trails. Â You name it and they probably have it in some form. Â One of the great things about having so many great trails is the variety in both difficulty and view potential. Â Let’s take a look at the Kayenta Trail (one of my absolute favorites). Â
Shuttle Stop #6 - The Grotto
If you didn’t know, part of Zion National Park sits inside a canyon. Â Several of its trails start at the bottom of the canyon and there’s not a lot of space in the area for anything else besides the trails. Â The park has created a road that goes from one end of the canyon (at least where the trails are) to the other. Â However, during most of the year vehicles are not permitted to drive on Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. Â So, Zion has a shuttle system. Â Find out more about the shuttle system RIGHT HERE. Â I’m not going to get into it for this post, but I do want you to know that in order to reach the trailhead for the Kayenta Trail, you can either walk to it or take the shuttle to Stop #6 – The Grotto. Â Check out the Zion information guide and see the SHUTTLE MAP for a visual.
A Little Climb
Once you’ve gotten off the shuttle, cross the street and look for the bridge. Â Across the bridge, you have the option to go left or right. Â To the right, you’ll find the West Rim Trail/Angels Landing and to the left is the Kayenta Trail. Â Head left and begin your climb up the trail with the North Fork Virgin River on your left. Â Let me clarify the word “climb” here. Â The elevation gain on this trail is only 150ft (as opposed to the West Rim Trail which is 1000ft). Â Most of the elevation gain happens at the very beginning. Â
As the trail flattens out and you’re hiking just above the river, you’re met with beautiful canyon views stop and enjoy them. Â Be sure to watch your step on the trail because there are some drop-offs along the way as this trail is on the side of the canyon. Â The trail is wide enough in most areas for this to be a non-issue but just be aware of where you’re at and be careful.
Emerald Pools
About 2 miles later, you’ve arrived at the Emerald Pools trail junction and are met with several options. Â Rely on your INFORMATION GUIDE Â to decide where you want to go and to help you know where you are. Â There is more elevation gain in this area as well as steps. Â Sometimes it can get a bit congested if there are a lot of visitors at the park that day so practice good trail etiquette.
I would suggest going on the Upper Emerald Pool Trail first since it does not lead back to a shuttle stop like the other trails do. Â This is a 1-mile out and back trail with an additional 200ft elevation gain. Â You can skip this trail all together and just continue on Middle or Lower Emerald Pool trails if you want. Â
When you’re ready to make your way back to the shuttle stop, you can choose to take the Middle or Lower Emerald Pool Trails. Â Both are very similar with Middle trail being at a higher elevation with a distance of 2.2 miles. Â It is steep (150ft elevation gain) right at the beginning. Â You do get better canyon views going this way. Â However, you have seen a similar view on the Kayenta Trail already, but you choose. Â This trail ends at Shuttle Stop #5 – Zion Lodge.
Lower Emerald Pool Trail is by far the easiest of the emerald pool trails. Â So, if you’re at the end of your hike and are looking for something a little easier, this would be a good option for you. Â This trail is 1.2 miles and also ends at Shuttle Stop #5 – Zion Lodge. Â BONUS: there is a great waterfall view.
Once you get back to the shuttle stop, you can go anywhere in the park from there or go rest for a while. Â The Zion Lodge shuttle stop is a great place for lunch. Â All in all, the Kayenta Trail is a great hike to add to your Zion National Park itinerary.
Zion National Park
Consider the Wonders is a travel blog intended for entertainment purposes only. We are not RV, travel, or hiking experts and are not making recommendations. These are our opinions and you should do your own research and make your own decisions.
Consider the Wonders is not affiliated with Zion National Park or the National Park Service.
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