The Emerald Pools hike is fairly short and not very steep, so it was a logical place to start. These pools are formed by waterfalls that come directly out of the sheer redrock cliffs. Cole is a geology buff and used to be a tour guide in Zion, and he told me all sorts of interesting things about this. For example, the water in this waterfall is likely thousands of years old. In ancient times (you know, those mythical ancient times) water fell on the top of the plateau and was absorbed by the soft red sandstone…and as it seeped through the rock it eventually came to a layer of harder, less pourus stone and the water had no where to go but out. As a result – there are these “weeping rocks” and small waterfalls all over the place. It’s possible for hanging gardens to form from this unsual water source and I bet during the summer months these area is even more gorgeous, if that is possible.
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cool photos! I’d love to go there someday. When I was little we went to the Canyonlands…is that close?
Comment by janet 2007 March 27 @ 4:58 pmSort of, all the red-rock stuff is in the same general area: Good ‘ole Southern Utah. Home of funny little towns like Tocquerville, Hurricane (pronounced Hurri-CUN), Parowan and Panguitch, some of the most redneck individuals and some of the most gorgeous scenery in the world!
Comment by heidikins 2007 March 28 @ 8:49 am