After two years of planning, design, and construction, the Emerald Pools Bridge in Zions National Park is once again open to park visitors, reestablishing a key link for hikers.
The historic pedestrian bridge, located at Shuttle Stop #5, was moved roughly 100 feet upstream from its original location after a 2023 landslide compromised the stability of its foundation. National Park Service engineers and contracted construction crews lifted the bridge from its original setting and installed it on new concrete abutments designed to withstand flash floods, landslides, and other natural forces common in the canyon.
“Reopening this bridge restores a critical connection to one of Zion’s most iconic trail systems,” said Zion National Park Superintendent Jeff Bradybaugh. “We appreciate our visitors’ patience and support as we worked to ensure this structure can safely serve future generations.”
The project was funded entirely through visitor entrance and recreation fees under the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (FLREA), which supports infrastructure and preservation efforts throughout the park.
Originally closed in May 2023, the bridge remained structurally intact, but shifting ground and damaged supports prompted engineers to relocate it out of the geologically unstable zone. The reopening now allows direct foot traffic between Zion Lodge and the Emerald Pools trails, a favorite route for those seeking scenic views and desert waterfalls just steps from the main canyon road.
