Many Pools Hike

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Geological Significance · Views · Wildlife

This is a moderately difficult and very fun romp that tends to be quieter and less trafficked than other trails in Zion. You'll hike up and across colorful sandstone formations, finding increasingly large natural pools in the rock along the way. Aside from the all-around astonishing Zion scenery with lighter crowds, these water-carved bowls are a big highlight of this adventure. Though sometimes dry, the pools often hold water (not for swimming or drinking), and after recent rain flowing streams will connect them. When they have enough water the pools with thrive with life including tadpoles, frogs, diving beetles and more.

Be aware that there is not much shade on this hike, and no drinking water. Be prepared by packing plenty of water, an extra layer, and sun protection. Also be aware that the trail is not well marked, and is mostly over slickrock and in sandy washes. Do not attempt this hike in the rain or if heavy rain is forecasted - it's a narrow canyon that can flash flood.

This trail is located on the East side of Zion National Park, and parking is at a pull-out rather than at an official trailhead. This spot is 2.3 miles from the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel if you are coming from the main entrance, or 3.1 miles from the East entrance station if you are coming in that way. If coming from the East entrance then the pull-out will be on your left, and if coming from the tunnel then it will be on your right. There is a pit toilet near the parking pull-out.

The start of this hike is not signed, but there are two access points. Either walk about 150 yards along the road toward the East entrance (with the tunnel behind you), cross the road, and find the beginning of the trail leading down into the wash. You can also access the trailhead from the same side of the road as the parking area. From the pull out you can find several social trails that take you down about 30 feet into a sandy wash. Follow the wash left, eventually hugging the canyon wall until you reach a small underpass that tunnels under the road above. Walk through the tunnel and continue in the wash until quickly reaching the base of a sandstone slab. Now begin your ascent up the slickrock.

The terrain alternates between solid rock and sandy washes, finding several natural pools along the way. The pools vary in size, but tend to increase in width and depth the further you go. You can use the pools to navigate your way across the slickrock by following the grooves in between them.

The hike becomes steeper towards the end, and a small amount of easy scrambling is required to reach the highest pools (these are located leftward and behind an alcove, which can be accessed via natural steps in the stone ledges). If you are not comfortable scrambling, you can safely turn around at any point. The trail ends after the pools behind the alcove. It is possible to continue further, but this is the end of the Many Pools Trail as its typically known. Turn around and retrace your steps carefully, but remember to occasionally look up and take in the canyon scenery splayed out in front of you.

Tadpoles, frogs and other creatures live in the pools when they are filled with water. The East side of Zion is also home to a population of Desert Bighorn Sheep, which are a treat to see. Please give all wildlife plenty of space and admire them quietly.

Beautiful desert plants thrive in this area, such as sage, prickly pear and yucca. There are also ponderosa pines and juniper trees scattered about the canyon and in the base of the wash. Avoid stepping on any cryptobiotic soil, which is the natural crust that grows among the rocks, helping to keep fragile soil in place.