Best waterfalls in Washington County are found within a diverse landscape featuring canyons, rivers, and natural monuments. This region offers various outdoor activities, including trails that lead to water features. The area's geography supports both accessible and more challenging routes to waterfalls. Washington County provides opportunities to explore natural water formations and scenic views.
Last updated: April 26, 2026
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Popular around Washington County
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A very crowded path. Since it's a relatively easy route, it's very busy.
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Great view from Emerald Pools Trail of the valley and the Virgin River. This is a great place along the trail to take a quick break to enjoy the peaceful setting.
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Path towards Emerald Pools. The part of the path towards Zions National Park Lodge may be closed in winter, so you have to return the same way you came. There is no shuttle service in winter. On weekends, the valley may be closed to car traffic from the lodge.
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The beautiful sunsets and mountains are here every day for you to enjoy. However, if you find yourself in the area when the water is high you must check out the waterfalls just down the road.
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The beautiful sunsets and mountains are here every day for you to enjoy. However, if you find yourself in the area when the water is high you must check out the waterfalls just down the road.
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Beautiful hiking scenery in the heart of Zion National Park.
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If you hike to Angels Landing you can definitely hike past there and stop at the lodge at the end. Great hiking lap :)
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There are three Emerald Pools. The lower one is almost accessible from Zion Lodge. To the other two lead demanding ways. At present (October 2019) it is not possible to move on from the lower lake to the others. The path ends behind the waterfalls. The upper lakes can be reached from Grotto via the Kayenta Trail.
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Yes, Washington County offers several family-friendly options. The Emerald Pools Trail provides a simple hiking experience with magnificent views and small waterfalls. The Kayenta Trail is also considered family-friendly, offering beautiful valley views. Additionally, Gunlock Reservoir State Park is a great spot for families, especially when water levels are high and the waterfalls are active.
The best time to see the waterfalls in Washington County can depend on water levels. For instance, the waterfalls at Gunlock Reservoir State Park are most prominent when water levels are high. It's also important to be aware that during heavy rainfall, flash floods can occur on trails like the Kayenta Trail, so checking local conditions is always recommended.
The Emerald Pools Trail offers sections that are more accessible. The lower Emerald Pool is almost directly accessible from Zion Lodge, providing an easier way to experience a waterfall and several small lakes.
Washington County's waterfalls are often nestled within diverse natural landscapes. Along the Emerald Pools Trail, you'll find canyons, rivers, and multiple pools. The Kayenta Trail offers stunning natural monuments and expansive valley viewpoints. At Gunlock Reservoir State Park, you can enjoy beautiful sunsets and mountain vistas alongside the lake and its seasonal waterfalls.
Beyond waterfall viewing, Washington County offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking opportunities, including easy trails, by exploring the Hiking in Washington County guide or the Easy Hikes in Washington County guide. For cyclists, there are also road cycling routes available, detailed in the Road Cycling Routes in Washington County guide.
Yes, several trails are suitable for beginners. The Emerald Pools Trail is described as a simple hiking trail that rewards visitors with magnificent views and small waterfalls. The Kayenta Trail is also a relatively short trip, offering an accessible way to experience the area's natural beauty. For more options, consult the Easy Hikes in Washington County guide.
Visitors frequently praise the stunning views and the unique natural formations. The Emerald Pools Trail is loved for its perfect valley views and multiple pools. The Kayenta Trail offers beautiful vistas of the valley. Many also appreciate the scenic sunsets and mountains visible from Gunlock Reservoir State Park, especially when the waterfalls are flowing.
While the guide highlights waterfalls, specific swimming holes are not explicitly mentioned as being directly adjacent to the waterfalls themselves. However, Gunlock Reservoir State Park features a large lake, which offers recreational water activities, including swimming, separate from the seasonal waterfalls.
For waterfall hikes in Washington County, it's advisable to wear comfortable hiking shoes with good grip, as trails can be uneven or wet. Layered clothing is often best to adapt to changing temperatures, especially if you're hiking in canyons or near water. Bringing water and sun protection is also recommended.
While the guide mentions individual highlights, the Easy Hikes in Washington County guide includes a route called "Emerald Pools and Kayenta Trail Loop," which combines two of the prominent waterfall-associated trails for a comprehensive experience.
The guide focuses on well-known and popular waterfalls. While specific 'hidden gems' aren't detailed, the seasonal nature of the waterfalls at Gunlock Reservoir State Park when water levels are high can feel like a special discovery for those visiting at the right time.
Trail lengths and elevation gains vary. For example, the Emerald Pools Trail offers both accessible sections and more demanding routes to its upper pools. The Kayenta Trail is generally considered a shorter trip. For specific details on various hiking routes, including their distances and difficulty, you can refer to the Hiking in Washington County guide.


Happy to travel a little further afield? Then browse these guides for the best waterfalls in Washington County: