Zion National Park, UT Emerald Pools

We had a great adventure in Zion National Park. There is an easy way to visit Emerald Pools and there is a hard way…

You better believe we did it the hard way.

Are the Emerald Pools Wheelchair Accessible?

Yes. The lower pool with its cool waterfall is very accessible. There is a paved path to the lower pool. A wheelchair user will likely need a spotter to help them a bit on this trail as there are some steep ups and downs along the way. But it certainly could be visited in a standard wheelchair. You can briefly see this paved path in the video above at the 0:25 mark when I take over pushing in the easy parts. But we didn’t drive all this way to do it the easy way.

The Hard Way

The day we visited Zion the hard was sort of chosen for us. The bridge that crossed the Virgin River to the trail head of the paved sidewalk was closed. I never found out why, maybe it’s a seasonal thing or maybe it was damaged. Either way we had to cross the bridge further up the road and take a trail that a lot of stairs.

Using the stairs with the Extreme Motus all-terrain wheelchair is a bit of a workout. The easiest way to do it is by turning the wheelchair around and pulling it up backward.

Teamwork is important on these more difficult hikes. It’s a good idea to have a few extra guys along to help lift and pull the chair up difficult sections of a trail. It’s safer for Sam and a lot more fun. You can see in the video how much we tease and joke with each other. I don’t know if this was a hike with laughs or a laugh with a hike but we had a great time.

We filmed this adventure on Dec 17th 2024. This is the off-season for Zion and absolutely the best time to go. There are parking spaces, you don’t have to ride the shuttle, it isn’t burning hot on your hike, and the trails aren’t crowded. I love hiking Zion in the winter with a light jacket. It’s the best time to go unless you want to hike The Narrows because it needs to be warm outside for that adventure.

What is Zion National Park?

Zion National Park, located in southwestern Utah, is renowned for its stunning red rock landscapes, towering sandstone cliffs, and diverse ecosystems. Established in 1919, the park covers over 229 square miles and features highlights such as the Zion Canyon, the Narrows, and Angels Landing. It is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities like hiking, rock climbing, and wildlife observation, set against breathtaking desert scenery.

What Is It Like To Hike The Emerald Pools?

The Emerald Pools Trail in Zion National Park is one of the park’s most popular hikes, offering picturesque views and a range of experiences. The hike features three levels of pools: Lower, Middle, and Upper Emerald Pools, each with cascading waterfalls and tranquil surroundings. The trail is moderately challenging, with options for shorter, family-friendly walks to the Lower Pools or more strenuous climbs to the Upper Pools. Along the way, hikers enjoy lush vegetation, stunning canyon walls, and a peaceful desert oasis.

What Is The Extreme Motus All-Terrain Wheelchair?

The Extreme Motus all-terrain wheelchair is a specialized mobility device designed for individuals with mobility challenges seeking access to rugged outdoor environments. Built with durable materials and innovative engineering, it features large wheels low-pressure wheels that act as suspension, and a lightweight frame, to handle challenging terrains like dirt trails, rocky paths, and sand. The wheelchair enables users and their families to explore areas that might otherwise be inaccessible, empowering greater independence and adventure for outdoor enthusiasts with mobility limitations.