Numerous springs and seeps feed the pool, and after heavy rains or the melting of the snowpack on the plateau above, a noisy waterfall plunges over the tall cliff behind the pool. Rising sheer above us one three sides are lofty cliffs of Navajo Sandstone, stained with desert varnish from dust and mineral-laden rainwater. Notice the Douglas-firs clinging to the ledges on the cliff face south of the pool. That north-facing cliff is shaded from heat and sunlight, so soil moisture evaporates more slowly and nurtures a suitable microhabitat for trees that are more commonly found atop the plateaus more than 3000 feet above.
After backtracking to the junction near the middle pool (0.2; 4380), we should bear left if we intend to complete the circuit. Quickly we meet a left-branching trail bound for the Grotto Picnic Area, 0.8 mile ahead. But we turn right, passing through a narrow cleft between two immense boulders fallen from the cliffs above. Rock stairs then lower us to a junction with another left-branching trail (0.1; 4350), which quickly connects with the aforementioned trail leading to the picnic area.
Our trail immediately leads us under an overhanging ledge just above the lower pool, which is merely a wide spot in the creekbed. Presently wedged between the cliff face and the waterfall emanating from the middle pool, our wet trail leads us past horizontal seeplines resplendent with the growth of hanging gardens. A white, powdery residue of sodium bicarbonate coats the trailside wall, left behind by the evaporation of seeping water. We are likely to get wet under the dripping wall as we proceed out of the canyon’s draw and begin the final leg of the loop. The trail presently traverses southeast across lower slopes of the amphitheater beneath a canopy of Gambel oak and bigtooth maple, their ranks mixed with Utah juniper and singleleaf ash. Inspiring views of canyons, cliffs, and mesa rims accompany us as we descend to the floor of Zion Canyon. Reaching the river, the trail hugs the west bank the remaining distance to the bridge, from where we quickly backtrack to the parking area (0.7; 4270).
Trip 6
Zion Lodge to Grotto Picnic Area
Distance: 1.2 miles, round trip
Low/High elevations: 4280’/4320’
Suited for: Walk
Difficulty: Very easy
Best season: All year
Map/Trailhead: 3/5
Hazards: Negligible.
Introduction: This pleasant stroll offers an alternative route from Zion Lodge to the Grotto Picnic Area for visitors who would rather walk than drive or ride the shuttle bus. It features shady, canyon-bottom vegetation, grassy openings, and close-up views of towering canyon walls. The trail is used primarily by guests of the lodge.
Description: The trail begins behind the northeast end of the lodge parking area (0.0; 4280), where a sign indicates GROTTO PICNIC AREA. The trail, nearly level throughout, parallels the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, passing through grassy openings and groves of Gambel oak, Fremont cottonwood, and boxelder, beneath the abrupt cliffs of Red Arch and Deertrap mountains. Views extend westward into the cliffbound amphitheater below Heaps Canyon, in which the Emerald Pools rest. Approaching the tree-shaded flat of the Grotto, the trail passes a ranger’s cabin, then quickly reaches the loop road in the picnic area (0.6; 4290). Opposite the picnic area, trails lead to Emerald Pools, Angels Landing, and the West Rim Trail.
Trip 7
Kayenta Trail: Grotto Picnic Area to Emerald Pools
Distance: 1.6 miles, round trip
Low/High elevations: 4290’/4480’
Suited for: Walk
Difficulty: Easy
Best season: All year
Map/Trailhead: 3/6
Hazards: Avoid when ice- or snow-covered.
Introduction: This trail offers an alternate, less used means of access to the Emerald Pools trail system (see Trip 5), and it can be combined with Trip 6 to form a pleasant, scenic half-day loop. The trail ascends an open, rocky slope from which views of central Zion Canyon are superb.
Description: From the Grotto trailhead parking area (0.0; 4290), cross North Fork Virgin River via a sturdy bridge and immediately turn left onto the Kayenta Trail, parting company with hikers beginning Trip 8 and those finishing Trip 20. Our trail climbs easily up the rocky slope above the noisy river, passing beneath the broken, red east face of The Spearhead. Soon the trail rises moderately along the boulder-littered slope, passing vegetation typical of the dry lower slopes of the canyon, including singleleaf pinyon, Utah juniper, and shrub live oak. Enroute we enjoy fine views across the canyon to Observation Point, The Great White Throne, and Angels Landing.
Eventually, the trail curves west, continuing the traverse into the Emerald Pools amphitheater. Where the trail forks (0.7; 4420), we have the option of turning left and descending 70 feet in 0.1 mile to the lower Emerald Pool or staying to the right and traversing 0.1 mile to the middle pool. To complete the hike to Emerald Pools, see Trip 5.
Trip 8
West Rim Trail: Grotto Picnic Area to Scout Lookout and Angels Landing
Distance: 3.8 miles, round trip, to Scout Lookout; 4.8 miles round trip to Angels Landing
Low/High elevations: 4290’/5350’; 5790’ at Angels Landing
Suited for: Dayhike
Difficulty: Moderate to Scout Lookout; moderately strenuous to Angels Landing.
Best season: March through November
Map/Trailhead: 3/6
Hazards: Steep dropoffs; avoid when snow- or ice-covered and when a thunderstorm is threatening.
Introduction: The highly scenic trail to Scout Lookout, built in 1926, was among the first to be constructed in Zion. One section of the trail, a series of switchbacks called Walter’s Wiggles, is an engineering marvel, spanning an otherwise impassable cliff to allow access to a memorable viewpoint 1000 feet above the floor of Zion Canyon.
The route to Angels Landing is rigorous and exposed, in places requiring the use of both hands and feet. Faint-hearted hikers and small children should not attempt this steep trail. It’s a dangerous route even during fair weather, and only the foolhardy will attempt it when it is snow- or ice-covered, or when a thunderstorm is threatening. Both trails receive moderate use, and backpackers hiking the West Rim Trail should remember that camping is permitted only in designated campsites (see Trip 20).
Sheer face of the Great White Throne
Description: From the Grotto trailhead parking area (0.0; 4290) we immediately cross the river via a bridge and part company with hikers taking Trip 7. A pleasant riverside stroll ensues, leading to a moderate ascent upon brushy slopes, amid a jumble of boulders from a Cathedral Mountain rockslide.
Paved
