Emerald Pools (Zion National Park, Utah)

Looking for some shorter hikes to allow a little recovery time from our previous day's travels, Nick recommends we hike up to the three emerald pools across from the Zion Lodge, in the approximate center of the canyon. The hike first crosses a bridge over the Virgin River that was responsible for the carving of this wondrous place. We were able to get some great shots from here.

Continuing on up the fairly steep trail, we encounter a few wild friends, including a mule deer enjoying an early morning snack. He has apparently not learned to be scared of men, as he casually walks right past us in his search for breakfast foods to his liking.

As we approach the first and lowest of the three pools, we are greeted by the pattering of some small waterfalls above us. The water has carved out a large bowl into the sandstone in which the lower emerald pool sits. From above several small waterfalls rain moisture from the world above the canyon into this small oasis.

The trail leads on to the second of the pools, rising ever more steeply along the way. The second pool though is less substantial than the first and simply requires stepping across it to continue on to the third and final pool.

As we reach the destination, we are greeted by a rock climber relaxing in the cool shade near the large upper emerald pool. Scanning the area, we notice a belay rope on cliff side around the back of the pool. Apparently our friend is not alone, we realize as he radios some comrades presumably preparing to descend. I only wish I was in better shape and practiced enough to do some of this cliff scaling. My experience with it has been limited to manmade walls, and even with those it is obvious that I lack training. Perhaps someday, I will take this pastime up more seriously. For now though, hiking will have to do.