Zion National Park reopens Emerald Pools bridge after major reconstruction; bridge relocated 100 feet upstream after engineers detected shifting at its original foundation

After two years of planning, design and construction, the bridge connecting Zion Lodge (Shuttle Stop #5) to the Emerald Pools Trail system is once again open to visitors.

Construction crews and park rangers stand on the Emerald Pools Bridge after it was moved onto its new foundation. NPS Image / Ally O’Rullian.

The project, led by National Park Service engineers and con­tracted construction teams, involved lifting the historic bridge off its original, unstable foundation and re­locating it approxi­mately 100 feet up­stream. New concrete abutments were built to provide a stable, resilient base capable of withstanding Zion’s dynamic environmen­tal conditions, includ­ing flash floods and landslides.

“Reopening this bridge restores a criti­cal connection to one of Zion’s most iconic trail systems,” said Jeff Bradybaugh, Su­perintendent of Zion National Park. “We appreciate our visi­tors’ patience and sup­port as we worked to ensure this structure can safely serve future generations.”

The entire project was funded through entrance and recreation fees, made ­pos­sible by the Federal Lands Recreation En­hancement Act (FL­REA). This is one of many examples of how visitor fees directly support infrastructure and preservation work across the park.

Why the bridge was moved:

The bridge closed in May 2023 after a near­by landslide destabi­lized its attachment to both its concrete abutments and the ground underneath. While the bridge itself remained safe for the time being, park engineers deter­mined that relocating it upstream, outside of the geologically active zone, would provide a longer-lasting solution.

Visitors can now once again enjoy direct access from the Lodge area to the Emerald Pools trails, offering spectacular views and unique desert landscapes just steps away from the main canyon road.