Zion National Park is one of Utah’s some of the best tourist spots. Being a part of the deserted area, it’s hard to believe that Zion is home to some of the beautiful waterfalls with world famous hikes. In these waterfalls in Zion National Park, you can enjoy not only breathtaking views of these stunning waterfalls but also there are amazing hikes, popular wildlife, stunning natural beauty and lots of peacefulness and serenity, making the place a great outdoor destination to explore among diversified age groups.
These hidden gems are never too crowded, so you could visit and enjoy these waterfalls at any time, any season. Spending some time in this national park will fulfil all your desire for experiencing the great Utah landscape.
But the best time for chasing these waterfalls is from May to October. In rainy season, these falls become more gigantic and spectacular. Many past visitors reviewed that when snow starts melting and rainfall starts, this is the perfect time for watching all the natural waterbodies like springs, creeks and rivers. In that season, all these waterbodies become full to the brim and they look more dramatic!
So, here are some of the best waterfalls you must visit in and near Zion National Park at least once.
1. The Lower Emerald Pools
To watch the gorgeous Lower Emerald Pools, visitors need to walk through the park. It’s a series of three lovely waterfalls that flow into the pool below. The falls are located along a popular hiking trail. In the Lower Emerald Pools, water drops over parallel segments.
The trail is super easy and it offers peaceful atmosphere, and the easy hike attracts all age-group of people.
2. The Upper Emerald Pools
The Upper Emerald Pools are also a series of three waterfalls. But these are larger than the Lower Emerald Pools, and hike to these dramatic falls could be challenging. All the trail is covered with lush plantation. After finishing the trail, you will discover a nice pool. Must take a dip into this refreshing water. And the entire view from the top will give you a heavenly feeling. So, ENJOY!
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3. Pine Creek Waterfall
Pine Creek Waterfall is a small but beautiful waterfall and it’s located just after the Scenic Drive. Hike to this majestic waterfall starts from the parking lot that’s very close to the bridge. Along the trail, you will encounter a stream. And the trail leads you to the Zion Arch.
All the trail covers sandy paths and boulders. So, no more difficult hikes anymore! You will also discover a sandy beach right before the Lower Pine Creek Falls. This is truly a hidden gem in Zion National Park. So don’t skip this spot.
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4. The Narrows
Here you can explore numerous fantastic waterfalls. The Narrows is the highlight of Zion National Park and a must-to-visit spot for anyone. If you are a nature lover, you are going to love this place. This is one of the best spots for a fabulous day trip, and the hike is considered one of the best hikes in the park.
The first waterfall you will discover is Mystery Falls. It is an easy to access beautiful waterfall in the proximity of lush vegetation and wildflowers. The journey begins from Temple of Sinawava and requires a less than half mile hiking trail. This unique hiking trail takes visitors to the Virgin River. After crossing the river you will discover the truly breathtaking scenic beauty.
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5. Archangel Falls
Archangel Falls is one of the prettiest waterfalls in Zion National Park and it’s located near the Subway. This nice falls is also nicknamed as “The Subway” as flash floods have created a subway-shaped tunnel upon the rocks.
Hike to this pretty waterfall is not easy at all. Plus, visitors are required to take permits, it is available online. This is one of the strenuous hikes. You have to cross big boulders, uneven, slipper and muddy path and many more such obstacles. If you have good navigation skill, only then go for it.
You can start the hike either from the bottom up or the top down. From bottom up, the trail starts at the Left Fork Trailhead that is on Kolob Terrace Road. And to start your journey from the top down, the trail starts at the Wildcat Canyon Trailhead, and it ends at the previous trail that’s the Left Fork Trailhead.
Remember each trail is difficult and is not suitable for any beginners. Also, do not allow your kids in this hike. In both trails visitors need to cover more than 9-miles of distance.
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6. Telephone Creek Falls
The best time to visit the Telephone Creek Falls is during March when there is snowmelt. This beautiful waterfall is located at the Temple of Sinawava viewpoint. For year-round the waterfall looks lifeless and the Monsoon is the best time for its awakening.
The trail is only a-five-minutes-walk, and it covers multiple stunning views of the surrounding terrain. And you need to start this paved trail from the shutter drop off point that runs part of the year. If you keep walking further north along the trail, another scenic beauty you could explore and it is the canyon of the North Fork Virgin River.
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7. The Weeping Rock
The Weeping Rock is another popular destination among the visitors. The name has been such because the water it flows, creates a weeping effect. The hike is super easy and it is one of the most popular hikes among families with little ones.
You can explore the nearby large area that is quite green, serene and filled with lots of colourful wildflowers.
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8. Cascade Falls
Cascade Falls is an easy to cover trail, the trailhead is located along highway 9, and down the street from the Canyon Overlook Trail.
The trail has been rated as the moderate one and it’s a little steep. The surrounding area is very beautiful. You will get amazing views of some fine natural wonders that include the East Rim, several pools, gigantic sized boulders.
Moreover, many visitors have encountered wildlife while covering the trail. If you are in a mood of more to explore, you might hike the Canyon Overlook Trail. It is a beautiful trail and an official hike.
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9. Jolley Gulch
The waterfall at Jolley Gulch is almost dry for the whole year, until spring. After heavy snowmelt, the current waterfalls get visible. You could start the hike from the East Entrance of Zion National Park. It takes one hour to reach the viewpoint.
Also, visitors who are starting from Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort, they can reach to the point within 45 minutes.
Must add this Zion attraction in your list of best Zion National Park waterfalls, especially, if you’re visiting the place in spring. The rest of the year, the waterfall gets totally dry. But during spring time, visitors could enjoy the majestic waterfall standing near the edge of the 300-foot drop.
10. Powell’s Way Canyon
Powell’s Way Canyon is home to beautiful ephemeral waterfalls in spring time. But hike to the waterfalls is really strenuous. It is almost a day trip, and takes more than 9 hours to complete after finishing lots of hikes.
After reaching there, visitors could reward them with majestic waterfalls and fun and adventurous activities.
FAQs
1. Is there any waterfalls in Zion National Park?
In Zion Narrows, visitors can enjoy several beautiful waterfalls, and the best part is, anyone could access these waterfalls, specially the first one, the Mystery Falls. Hike to Mystery Falls takes less than half mile from the starting point at Temple of Sinawava.
2. What is the best waterfall hike in Zion?
Emerald Pools Trail is considered as the best waterfall hike in Zion.
3. What is the most famous trail in Zion National Park?
Angel’s Landing is the most famous and iconic trail in Zion National Park.
4. What is the biggest waterfall in Utah?
Bridal Veil Falls, the 607-foot waterfall, in Provo Canyon is the biggest and one of the most popular waterfalls in Utah. Bridal Veil Falls has also been listed as one of America’s top 100 waterfalls.
5. Where is Hidden Falls Utah?
Hidden Falls in Utah is located up Big Cottonwood Canyon.
6. How long is the lower Emerald Pools hike at Zion?
If visitors want to hike only the lower Emerald Pool, they need to cover just 1.2-mile round trip loop. And if visitors want to cover all three Emerald Pools (upper, middle and lower Emerald Pools), then they need to cover the 2.5-mile long round trip hike.
7. Can you swim in lower Emerald Pools?
No, swimming is strictly restricted in the lower Emerald Pools.
8. Which Emerald Pool is the best in Zion?
All the three Emerald Pools are dazzling. But to enjoy the majestic views, continue going to the Upper Emerald Pool. It’s located in a towering amphitheater and is one of the most popular park trails in Zion Nation Park.
9. Is the Emerald Pool Trail worth it?
The Lower Emerald Pools and the Upper Emerald Pools trails are some of the most popular trails in Zion. While approaching these hikes, you will get stunning views of the terrain. The route is always easy and takes an average of 10 minutes to complete. So, the Emerald Pool Trail is definitely worth it. The best time to explore this trail is from May to October.
10. How long is the hike to Upper Emerald Pool?
Visitors can access Upper Emerald Pool via the Kayenta Trail. It’s a moderate trail and is approximately 1.6 km long.
