The Grotto Trail

The Grotto Trail in Payson Canyon is a very popular trail through a beautiful forest that leads to a somewhat unique waterfall set back in a deep rock alcove, hence: The Grotto. It’s super short, and very pretty so there are usually quite a few people, however it is definitely worth the visit. Particularly if you are doing the Nebo Loop Scenic Byway (as we were today) it’s a great way to add a hike to your scenic drive.

Quick Details:

Length: .6 mile out and back.
Difficulty: DR3. There is some up, but it’s not bad. Thin bridges with no hand rails and some boulder scrambling.
Elevation Gain: About 315 feet.
Restroom: No. Nearest one is probably the Maple Dell Trailhead a little down canyon.
Dogs? Yes, leashed.

To Get Here:

Drive about 6.7 miles up Payson Canyon. There will be 3 parking lots, the highest one is where the trailhead is.

The Trail:

The trailhead.

This late in the day you will be in the shadow of the mountain the entire way.

A couple steep parts, but nothing too bad.

Very pretty trail.

A little bit of fall color.

The creek.

A little bit of fall color.

Little stair case.

Cool boulder.

What? Actual bridges! Last time we were here there were a couple 2x4’s.

Deer!

A little bit more fall color.

Chipmunk!

Pretty forest.

The last bridge is a flattened log. Oh, and this means you are almost there.

The creek.

Little scramble over some rocks, and just around this bend.

We’re here! And, oddly enough, we have it to ourselves!

A picture from last time we were here for comparison.

It’s a small waterfall at maybe 20 feet high, but it’s the alcove it is set in that makes it unique.

From the side.

A little reflection.

With the view above.

From the other side.

It’s pretty during end of the season water flow, but I need to come back and check it out during runoff one day,

Some of the rock walls above.

Wasp nest. Not as gnarly as the one we saw on the Wheeler Creek trail, but pretty sizable.

Last parting shot. We had amazing timing today and got a good amount of time alone with the waterfall. And of course as soon as we left a large group was making their way up. So, don’t plan on getting it to yourself, but if you do, it is kind of magical.

Looking down canyon.

A little more color.

Pretty forest.

Back down to the lower bridges.

Green and lush up here.

Little patch of color.

Really super short trail system, but really great end prize. Of course that is what makes it so enticing to everybody including families with children. But, even with the crowds it is absolutely worth it. Of course I say this after having amazing luck and getting the waterfall to myself today. I’m going to remove 1 squirrel just for the crows. Otherwise the trail is exceptional.

As for difficulty, I mean this is about as easy as it gets. Short, mild elevation gain. They have improved the bridges, but still no hand rails so some people might have trouble with that. Otherwise, easy peasy. DR3.

Dogs are allowed, leashed.