The Grotto (Payson Canyon)

Stats

Length:	0.62 miles
Difficulty:	Kid Friendly
Estimated Hike Time:	15-30 Minutes
Trail Type:	Out and Back
Elevation Low:	6,340 feet
Elevation High:	6,498 feet
Total Elevation Gain:	158 feet
Optimal Season:	Late Spring to Mid Fall
Best Access Point:	Payson

Summary

Easy kid friendly hike leading to a beautiful rock grotto pool and a waterfall. This hike is a great way to introduce kids to hiking!

Hike Images

Overview

After hiking for only one third of a mile through a thick green forest, you'll arrive at a pleasant waterfall. This is an excellent hike for kids since it is so short, there is a bubbling stream next to the trail, and there is a fun pool to play in at the Grotto itself.

Directions

gps coordinates of trailhead:

39.951531, -111.675642

Trail Information

The trailhead is located on a big switchback on the Payson Canyon highway. There are places to park on both sides of the road but can quickly fill up with cars and horse trailers going on both this trail and the Benny Creek Trail. From the Trailhead, the trail follows the Grotto Creek the whole way to the Grotto. At first the trail goes up hill for a hundred yards or so but quickly evens out after that. The trail spits here, one goes up the side of the draw and the other crosses the creek on a homemade looking bridge (a few small logs cut into a stump. I would suggest using the bridge since it is more fun. The trail winds around and crosses the creek a few more times and a wooden bridge will let you across the rest of them (each one slightly more professional than the first one consisting of a large rough cut wooden beam). As you get closer you will notice that the dirt on the sides of the canyon will turn to rock. As you round the last bridge you hear the waterfall. Rounding the corner you will see the Grotto with the Waterfall splashing happily to the pool below. Most likely you will see some kids or dogs jumping around in the pool.

Download KMZ File

Posted By: James Meyer

Comments

blog comments powered by Disqus