Easy · 1–1.5 hours
Riverside Walk to the Narrows
Zion's most beloved easy walk. Paved riverside path under hanging gardens. Wheelchair-friendly.
Family & Easy Wins
Lower Emerald Pool
Hike behind a falling-water curtain on Zion's easiest waterfall trail — 1.2 mostly flat miles from Zion Lodge. Zero risk, big visual, kid-perfect.
Photo: Ken Lund · CC BY-SA 2.0
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 1–1.5 hours
- From the lodge
- ~50 min + shuttle
- Type
- Easy hike to waterfall
Lower Emerald Pool is the easy-win Zion hike. 1.2 miles round-trip from the Zion Lodge shuttle stop, mostly flat with a gentle climb to a paved overlook *behind* a curtain of falling water — a small waterfall that drips off a cliff face into the pool below.
Kids love this one. The waterfall is reliably running spring through summer, the trail is wide and forgiving, and the visual is dramatic enough to feel like you've been somewhere. Pair with the Middle and Upper Emerald Pool extensions if anyone in the group has more energy (Middle: +1 mile of moderate climbing; Upper: +1 mile beyond that, sandy and steeper).
**Best window:** late morning when the light catches the water curtain.
Before you go
- Trail is paved but can be slick after rain or near the falls — careful footing
- Crowds peak mid-morning to mid-afternoon
- Upper Emerald Pool extension closes seasonally for rockfall — check at visitor center
Pair it with
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Ready for your lower emerald pool day?
Book your cabin and discover the area at your own pace. The trails start at the door.