Sunday, October 16, 2011

Grotto Trail

We found a new favorite hike! This week we went for our annual autumn drive up the Nebo Loop (Payson Canyon). The leaves were beautiful, but we also stopped because Dad wanted to try a new trail. I wasn't prepared with good hiking shoes, just some old slip on shoes, but it proved to be a very easy trail. The hike was beautiful, through the woods and next to the stream. My boys loved that there were little bridges to walk across. There were at least 7, and they insisted on crossing with no assistance. These bridges are nothing more than some boards that someone has laid down, so if you aren't up for balancing across them, this trail might not be for you. See the pictures below to decide.

The best part, of course, is the end--you come to a little waterfall. For those of you who don't know (like I didn't before Dad explained), a grotto is a cave formed by water. That is exactly what you come across at the end of this hike--a small cave that has been carved out by a waterfall. The boys had fun throwing rocks in the water, and exploring the little cave, and they only got slightly wet. It only took us about 20 minutes to hike to the falls, probably about 1/4 mile each way.

If you get a chance, head on up and give it a try. We lucked out and arrived when everyone was leaving, so we had the cave to ourselves, but we passed quite a few people on the way down. I think it is a popular attraction, and probably pretty high traffic in the summer. But it is worth it, especially for young hikers. This is a great beginning hike!

The sign at the trailhead.


My boys loved these stairs built into the trail.

The bridges--there are 4 in a row right here.

Grotto Falls

It's not really a cave-- but you can't tell him that.

Enjoying the beautiful scenery.

4 comments:

  1. How do you get to the nebo loop coming from Tooele County?

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  2. Get on I-15 going south. Get off the Payson exit (#250). Go under the freeway (south) and go about 1 mile to the stop light. Turn left on 100 North Main (it's a major road) and go up the hill to Peteetneet, the old school house. Turn right onto Peteetneet Blvd (on the east side of the school) and follow that road (south) directly into the Canyon. Grotto Trail is not far up the canyon, and it's a gorgeous drive!

    ~R

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  3. I dont know if you will see this in time, but I was wondering how to get there if I am coming from northern utah (ogden).

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Easy. Take I-15 south and follow the instructions given in the comment section above:
      Get on I-15 going south. Get off the Payson exit (#250). Go under the freeway (south) and go about 1 mile to the stop light. Turn left on 100 North Main (it's a major road) and go up the hill to Peteetneet, the old school house. Turn right onto Peteetneet Blvd (on the east side of the school) and follow that road (south) directly into the Canyon.

      Delete