After ten years of storms, and slides, and restoration work, the Emerald Pools trail network at Zion National Park reopened Friday/Michael Andrew

After more than a decade, despite storms, landslides, and government shutdowns, the Emerald Pools Trail network at Zion National Park in Utah finally has been restored and was reopening to park visitors Friday.

It was heavy rainstorms and slides that closed the iconic trail system back in 2010. A $1 million grant from the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation, which also funded youth programs for up to 20,000 schoolchildren in Utah’s national parks, led the public-private funding partnership for the three-year, $1.2 million restoration project. Additional funds came from the National Park Foundation, the S.L. Gimbel Foundation, and contributors to the Zion Forever Project. The effort was launched as part of the National Park Service Centennial Challenge Grant Program provided by Congress in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the National Parks in 2016. 

“This major reconstruction and restoration project, bringing back to life one of the park’s most iconic trail networks, would have been impossible without the generous support of our partners from the private sector,” said Zion Superintendent Jeff Bradybaugh in advance of a ribbon cutting Friday afternoon. “Now, for the first time in more than a decade, park visitors can once again experience some of Zion’s most spectacular natural features through this restored trail complex. These kinds of partnerships are vital in caring for all our national parks for the benefit of the American people. Thanks to supporters nationwide, we’ll continue to get things done in Zion in the seasons ahead.”

Since 2010 landslides have taken out sections of trail/NPS

Recognized on the National Register of Historic Places, the Middle Emerald Pools Trail was originally constructed more than 85 years ago, in 1932. Becoming impassible in 2010 due to storm damage, the trail was further decimated by storms in 2016. Work began that same year to restore the entire trail network, matching the historic architecture and design techniques used during its original construction. With entire sections of the trail sunken and lost, its restoration required the expertise of engineers, geologists, and skilled masons who carefully restored the trails, using mostly hand tools and traditional, rustic craftsmanship under rugged conditions. 

“At the Eccles Foundation, we take special pride in the five national parks that call Utah home, knowing they are not only beloved by millions worldwide, but also contribute significantly to our state’s outdoor industry and rural economy," said Eccles Foundation President & COO Lisa Eccles, who sits on the National Park Foundation board. “Zion is truly a national treasure, deserving of our careful attention and stewardship. It’s been a privilege for our Foundation to lead the effort to restore this important, historic trail system, which will ensure that millions more – now and for generations to come – can be enriched and inspired by Zion." 

Will Shafroth, CEO and president of the Park Foundation, said his organization's "core mission is to foster the success of these vital park improvements through public-private partnerships, ensuring the preservation of our national parks now and in the future. We appreciate the extraordinary generosity of contributors such as the Eccles Foundation and the S.L. Gimbel Foundation, and the work of our partners such as the Zion Forever Project, which enable us to see that projects of this scale and importance come to fruition.” 

According to Lyman Hafen, executive director of the Zion Forever Project, “As we work to address some of the Park’s largest challenges, it’s heartening to make connections with area businesses and communities to bring the best people and ideas to the partnership. Their enthusiastic involvement will enable us to continue to succeed as we move into the future.” 

A stretch of repaired trail along the Emerald Pools trail network/Wade Wixom