Highlight • Trail
Emerald Pools Trail
Hiking
5.0
(108)
Running
5.0
(2)
This Highlight is in a protected area
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Zion National Park
Tips
February 3, 2019
Hiking
•
October 28, 2019
Hiking
•February 3, 2019
Hiking
•
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Emerald Pools Trail
4.6
(36)
350
hikers
4.79km
01:18
70m
50m
Start your easy hike on the Sand Bench and Kayenta Trail, a 3.0-mile (4.8 km) route that takes about 1 hour and 17 minutes to complete. You'll experience a gentle elevation gain of 223 feet (68 metres) as you explore Zion National Park. The path offers a varied terrain, moving from firm ground on the Kayenta Trail to stretches of deep sand on the Sand Bench section. Look out for spectacular views of lower Zion Canyon, including the majestic Court of the Patriarchs and the Virgin River winding below. This trail provides unique vantage points, especially beautiful during sunrise.
Access the Kayenta Trail conveniently from The Grotto, which is shuttle stop #6 within Zion National Park. Here you will find essential facilities like water and restrooms before you begin your journey. Be aware that the Sand Bench Trail is also a commercial horse trail from March through October; you might encounter horses and their droppings along the way. Since this route is popular, especially for those connecting to other well-known Zion Canyon hikes, you should expect to share the path with other visitors. Consider an early start to enjoy a quieter experience.
This trail offers a pleasant and accessible way to explore some of Zion National Park's iconic scenery without a strenuous climb. It provides a different perspective of the canyon compared to higher elevation trails. You can also use this route to connect to the popular Emerald Pools trails, extending your adventure further into the park's diverse landscapes. The mix of firm paths and sandy sections adds to the unique character of this Zion experience.
134km
43:54
3,840m
3,960m
Prepare for an epic adventure on the Zion Traverse, a difficult hiking route that spans 83.4 miles (134.3 km) and climbs a formidable 12599 feet (3840 metres). This journey, which typically takes around 43 hours and 53 minutes to complete, guides you through Zion National Park's diverse terrain. You will experience everything from the remote Kolob Canyons with their towering mesas to the dramatic vistas of Zion Canyon, passing natural arches and vibrant multi-colored rock structures along the way. As you descend, you will be treated to panoramic views of iconic formations like Angels Landing.
Planning is crucial for this extensive hike. Permits are required if you intend to camp overnight, so make sure to secure these well in advance. The best times to undertake the traverse are during spring or fall, which helps you avoid the extreme temperatures of summer and winter. Be aware that the full original route to the East Rim Trailhead is currently not continuously passable due to a significant rockfall in 2019, so most hikers now complete a modified version, often ending at The Grotto.
This traverse offers a unique opportunity to witness the park's varied ecosystems, from high-desert ponderosa forests to the lush canyon floor. It showcases the geological grandeur of Zion, allowing you to experience its vastness and intricate beauty over several days. The changing scenery and the sheer scale of the landscape make this a truly memorable and challenging experience for any dedicated hiker.
4.8
(87)
821
hikers
5.43km
01:32
120m
120m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Details
Informations
Elevation 1,300 m
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Saturday 16 May
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Max wind speed: 24.0 km/h
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