Lower Emerald Pool Trail Closed on Thursday, May 22, for Trail Repairs

News Release Date: May 15, 2014

Contact: Aly Baltrus, 435-772-0164

Springdale, Utah: Zion National Park will be closing the Lower Emerald Pool Trail on Thursday, May 22, 2014, at 8:00 a.m.to make necessary trail repairs. Visitors will still be able reach the Lower Emerald Pool by hiking the Kayenta Trail. The Lower Emerald Pool Trail will reopen Friday, May 23 at 7:00 a.m.

The trail crew will repair a culvert under the trail and fix a tripping hazard nearby. Forty feet of concrete will need to be removed and re-laid. Crews will use motorized carts to haul the concrete in and out of the area. The overnight closure is required to ensure the concrete is cured properly and is not damaged.

Visitors who would like to see the Emerald Pools will be able to visit them via the Kayenta Trail. The Kayenta Trailhead is located at the Grotto Shuttle Stop. The trail is unpaved, moderately strenuous, and approximately two miles round trip. At its furthest point, the Kayenta Trail intersects with both the Lower and Upper Emerald Pool Trails.

Zion National Park also wants to remind visitors about additional trail work and closures that they might experience later this summer. From mid-June through the end of September, the Hidden Canyon Trail and portions of the East Rim and Observation Point Trails will be closed most weekdays as large sections of the trail will be rehabilitated. Hidden Canyon Trail will be completely closed from early July to late August to repair retaining walls compromised in a flash flood.

Please note that dates may change as the project gets closer and progresses. Please check www.nps.gov/zion for updated information.

This project is funded by the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act Funding Program, which uses funds collected from the park entrance and use fees to complete park maintenance projects and public service programs.