Many Pools Hike, Zion National Park

Potholes! Past the tunnel on the East Side of Zion, the "many pools" hike offers a short, fun off-trail hike for those looking to get off the beaten path. "Many Pools" (aka The Twins or The Root Canals) refers to the many interesting pothole formations along the open wash. This hike is at its best during Spring runoff or after a recent rainstorm, when the pools swirl and flow with water and the cascades between them add to the magic.

  • Profile
  • The Hike
LOGISTICS
  Rating Mild to moderate hiking
  Preferred Season Year-round
  Length About two miles, round-trip
  Time Commitment
 1 to 3 hours
  Altitude Gain
 Minimal
  Shade
 The hike has a strong southern exposure, but there is usually canyon shade available, if needed.
  Access
 Starts and finishes at an unmarked pullout 0.9 miles east (uphill) of the second tunnel (the short one)
EQUIPMENT
  Essentials Sturdy hiking shoes, ample water, perhaps a snack
  Drinking Water None available. Bring plenty.


SEASONAL ADJUSTMENTS
Spring - Expect higher and colder water flowing due to springtime runoff. North Creek might be too high to cross at times in April and May.  Neoprene socks are nice if getting feet wet.

Summer - HOT!  Leave early to avoid the heat and be aware the hike out is in the full sun.

Fall - the BEST time to hike this route, with great fall photography along the creek bed.

Winter - Possible snowpack and ice along the waterfalls, thought this area is relatively low and gets a lot of sun.

Getting There

From Springdale, drive into the Park, past the Canyon Junction turnoff, up the switchbacks, and through the Hwy 9 Tunnel to Zion's "East Side". About 0.9 east of the SHORT tunnel (not the long, 1-mile tunnel), park in a the large parking pull-off on the south side of the road.

The Hike

Walk along the road and look for a social trail into the "Many Pools" drainage. Head up the drainage. The hiking is fairly easy. Make sure to admire the many pothole formations and interesting hoodoos.

The hiking is primarily on easy slickrock ramps and the wide, sandy wash. About one mile in, you hit a narrow head of the canyon. For a short hike, turn around here. If you're feeling adventurous, you can continue to explore and scramble up the canyon.

If you scramble all the way up and out of the drainage, you'll join up with the Deertrap Mountain Trail on the plateau above. This is quite strenuous and requires some formidable bushwhacking.