Emerald Pool

It is named for its deep green color, which is caused by algae living on the rocks at the bottom of the pool.

In the summertime during diminished water flow, the Silver Apron (a smooth granite slope over which the Merced River flows into the Emerald Pool) is frequently (albeit illegally) used by hikers as a water slide.

Swimming or wading in the Emerald Pool or entering the Silver Apron is prohibited by the National Park Service since waders or swimmers have been swept over Vernal Fall and killed, and people sliding down Silver Apron risk collision with hidden rocks at its lower end.

[4] 39°19′17″N 120°39′21″W / 39.3213°N 120.6558°W / 39.3213; -120.6558 The South Yuba River flows down a 60 feet (18 m) waterfall into a sheer rock canyon with two pools.

The crystal-clear water is deep, 27 feet (8.2 m) near the middle of the pool, and many people jump off the cliffs for enjoyment.

Emerald Pool in Yosemite National Park
Visitors slide down the granite into Emerald Pool in violation of park rules. [ 1 ]
One of the warning signs prohibiting swimming or wading in Emerald Pool
Emerald Pool at flood stage, May 2006
Silver Apron at flood stage, May 2006