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PAYSON CANYON — During the scorching summer heat, sometimes you just need to find a cool canyon to escape to, complete with a refreshing waterfall at the end.
Grotto Falls is a popular hike located about 7 miles up Payson Canyon, off the scenic Nebo Loop Road in Utah County. Follow 600 East in Payson as it goes south into Payson Canyon and watch for the signs that mark the trailhead. Your GPS should also take you to the trailhead.
There is a small, limited parking area at the trailhead near a large loop along the road, so I’d recommend going either early in the morning or in the evening to avoid the crowds. It is also cooler during those times, which is a bonus when hiking in the summer.
The dirt trail goes up a slight incline for the majority of the way to the falls, but there are some built-in stairs at one point that make the short climb easier.
The hike eventually levels out and hikers cross a river several times, but small bridges are provided so you don’t have to worry about getting wet.
The hike is very short, only 0.6 miles round trip, and as a result is perfect for families with young children. It only takes about 35 minutes to reach the falls (and that’s stopping for lots of breaks) and it isn’t strenuous, even though the first half is uphill.
The falls are located at the end of a small cove that is filled with water. Hikers can cross the small river using stones and the riverbank to get a little closer to the waterfall, but you have to walk through the water to get really close to the falls. The walls of the cove are covered with moss and the whole area is nice and cool.
Enjoy a picnic on the bank or take a short break enjoying the beauty before heading back to the parking lot.
Distance: 0.6 miles round trip
Difficulty: Easy
