Favorite local spring places in the mountains

Today is one of those "iffy" days when it comes to getting out. The temps are relatively warm, in the fifties, but the sky says the weather could go south on us fast. Of course, it is the Hari Krishna Color Festival in Spanish Fork  and they don't seem to be worried that their colors will blend and run and turn in to either a rainbow mudslide, or a gray sludge, so we won't either. 

And....I always felt like Saturday was too late to write about what to do on the weekend.  If people are going to do something they probably have plans by Thursday or at least Friday night.  That in mind, I will post some of  my favorite places to visit in spring.

Payson Canyon
Payson Canyon is the hidden gem of canyons in Utah County.  Well...it's not so "hidden."  There are many people who are aware of the aspen covered hills, green water lakes surrounded by tall trees; the chance of driving through a real cow or sheep herd with real cowboys on real horses driving the animals right past your car...it is a little taste of the old American west.  

First "up" Payson Canyon (that's how the locals say it) is Maple Lake.  Maple lake is a forest service campground and day use area that takes me back to the days we lived in Oregon. The road to the actual "lake" is narrow and not recommended for trailers.  Once there, and you have paid your seven dollar day use fee, you park and walk down a short but steep trail, through the oaks and aspen and pine to the tree rimmed pond (sorry locals, it's called a lake but it is smaller than Salem Pond but it is well worth the visit no matter the name.)   

We have made it a tradition to visit Maple Lake every Memorial Day for a picnic and fishing.  On Memorial Day we have never had a child go without catching a fish or two or three.  Steven spends most of his time baiting hooks and aiding casts. 

 I spend most of my time manning the fire and fixing the food.  When things slow down enough, it is always fun to take the kids, young and old, on the short walk around the pond.  We watch the fish jump, look at the expansive view of Utah Valley from the other end of the lake; and inevitably encounter a small water snake.  There are pit toilets and I don't think there is water there.  I will make sure and check on that before Memorial Day.  



Second stop, the Grotto trail.  As a teenager (I moved to Payson while in high school or I would probably have hiked this trail at least five times a year from age two on up)  this hike was one you might try to squeeze in during lunch at the high school, or a quick run up the canyon when you were going nuts with stress about boys.  

This trail is about 2/3 mile long, walks up a wide, rock strewn, tree lined creek bottom, and ends at a surprising water fall niche.  We have carried babes in arms on this trail, followed two year olds...and taken some much needed alone time as parents there.  One warning, there is a log over the creek and a couple of steepish areas of the trail where you could get nervous, but once you stand back and see that  you could just walk in the water and avoid all of that, all is well.  

It was while hiking this trail that, at age 21, I looked in my infant niece, Desiree's, eyes and had the epiphany that I needed to let go of a faltering relationship with a boy and serve a mission for my church.  Thanks, Grotto and Ree Ray for that huge blessing in my life!

Third and last for today, Payson Lakes. 
Payson Lakes is a well developed forest service campground and day use area.  ...and by well developed I mean there is a little booth with a guy in it that charges you money or chases you down in his golf cart to make sure you paid.  There are pit and flush toilets at various settings near each lake and in the campground.  There is water too. 

There are three lakes, Lower Box, Upper Box, and Payson Lake.  The lower lakes are small ponds and have fish in them at times.  Payson Lake is larger, almost worthy of the "lake" name.  There is a "paved" trail surrounding the lake that I always feel inclined to do at least twice while visiting.  It is flat and scenic, and there are fisherman "pullouts" all along the way.  We always have to inquire about how the fishing is as we take our stroll around the lake.  

There are picnic tables surrounding the lake, a swim beach entry; and canoes and kayaks are welcome...as well as float tubes, air mattresses, etc...but remember your life jacket!  

Rough Directions 
Take the Payson main street exit (the first one coming from the north) and turn left on to main street.  Go to the stop light (it was the only one when I was growing up...might be two or three now, but only one in this direction.)  Take a left at the stop light.  Drive to the top of the hill that Peteetneet School stands on and turn right.  I think there is a light there, and you will pass Peteetneet School on your way.  Stay on that road until you enter the canyon.  Once you get into the canyon, you would have to go off the paved road to get lost so just watch out for signs, except the grotto, it is at a hairpin turn across from the Benny Creek trail head. 

I will go up and check out the distances when the gate opens.  The canyon closes for winter and opens right before Memorial Day, or when the road is clear, whichever comes first.