Location: Payson
Top Things to do in Payson
Top 8 Things to do in Payson, United States
Payson is a city in Utah County, Utah, United States. It is part of the Provo–Orem Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 18,294 at the 2010 census. The current mayor is Rick Moore, who in the 2009 election was the first write-in candidate to defeat an incumbent mayor in the state of Utah.
Restaurants in Payson
1. Nebo Scenic Loop Byway
Overall Ratings
5 based on 48 reviews
Reviewed By Joan W - Green Valley, Arizona
This paved roughly 50 mile high alpine drive between Payson and Nephi takes you past 10,913' Bald Mountain and 11,877' Mt. Nebo (named "Sentinal of God" by Mormons) and is open roughly Memorial Day to late November depending on snowfall. By mid June the wildflowers are out (bluebells, larkspur, lupine, Indian paintbush and coral bells to name a few) and provide an array of color. This year I was there the end of September and the leaves at the higher elevations were already at their peak with patches of color at lower elevations. The brilliant red, oranges, and yellow provide spectacular color particularly at Bald Mointain and Monument Trail Overlooks.
I always try to go midweek when there are few cars. Personally I prefer driving north to south because once you start your descent the panaromic views are greater. Along the way there are cutoffs for campgrounds where you can reserve a site and many overlooks and trailheads (pit toilets are provided at some sites but no water). If you want a short hike, there is an unpaved 1/4 mile trail (wheelchair accessible with help) at Devil's Kitchen Geologic Area (about 28 miles south of Payson) that leads to an over look that looks like a "mini Bryce Canyon" with colorful hoodoos, spires, and columns. The actual driving time is about two hours but allow more time so you can get out and enjoy the scenery.
You never know what animals you might see. I have always seen deer. The most unusual encounter I have experienced was on June 20th a couple years ago when a short distance out of Payson I came upon local ranchers on horseback on the roadway driving a herd of over 200 cattle up to their summer home in the forest.
2. Rowley's Red Barn
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 35 reviews
Reviewed By BrooksHaines - Palmer, Alaska
Great place for ice cream and snack. Also small store with local farm products. Steaks are really good and fresh pressed apple cider brings back childhood memories. Best of all and my favorite is the apple cider slushy al-a-mode. So refreshing good on a hot day.
3. Segway of Utah
Overall Ratings
5 based on 10 reviews
Segway of Utah offers TWO great tours! Our one-hour CITY TOUR Tour takes you through a small section of Spanish Fork City then connects with the Spanish Fork River Trail where we spend most of the tour on the shady and paved trail that runs beside the river and throughout the city. Listen with the attached radios as our marvelous Tour Guide gives you some interesting facts and little known knowledge about local history and the Segway PT. Our two-hour COUNTRY TOUR takes you down Main Street a few blocks until we merge with the new trail that ends up at Canyon View Park. Its 4.5 miles each way of secluded beautiful riding. Once we arrive at the park, we take a brief restroom and water break then head on back to Segway of Utah. If you want to bring a snack and eat it on the break, each Segway PT has a front bag big enough to hold an average size brown lunch sack. If everyone in the tour belongs to the same group and you want to add in a picnic-at-the-park, we’ll stay up to 30 minutes.
Reviewed By mattk_97 - Orem, Utah
My wife and I have always wanted to ride a Segway, what a great opportunity to ride one with Segway of Utah. The trip started with some safety guidelines, they want to make sure you know how to ride. Stephanie was an awesome instructor. The...MoreThank you for the great feedback! We think Stephanie is a wonderful Tour Guide too and we're so glad you enjoyed your tour in our city.
4. Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple
Overall Ratings
4 based on 26 reviews
South of Spanish Fork, Utah, in a semi rural environment, we have 15 acres (5.85 Hectares) upon which sit a gorgeous temple, a 6,000 sq foot residential facility with comfortable double rooms, two outdoor stages, a large covered pavilion, and amenities for parrots, peacocks, llamas and 3 small cows. There is a 200,000 gallon lake with waterfall from which we gravity feed one acre under cultivation. The acreage produces chemical free tomatoes, eggplants, varieties of chilis, squash, melons, corn, cabbage, broccoli, zucchini, cucumbers, spinach, radishes, green peppers, potatoes and flowers for worship. We sponsor lots of festivals and twice or thrice yearly yoga retreats. Other annual events are the Llama Fest in July, Krishna Janmastami in August, Festival of India in September, & Diwali, Festival of Lights in October. We teach yoga five days a week and have classes on the Bhagavad Gita 6am and 6pm as well as daily kirtans. These programs are optional for the guests, though the more they attend, the more they will be informed about the 5,000 year old spiritual culture and practices of "Bhakti Yoga". There are a gift store on the property and salad bar with hot buffet open (12 pm - 5 pm) 7 days a week. We do a lot of cooking for those interested to learn. Local sights are Sundance Resort, Bridal Veil Falls, the Alpine Loop, hiking trails in Hobble Creek, Diamond Fork Hot Springs, Provo Canyon etc. Llamas are available for some treks in summer. We are the number one llama rental facility in Utah with 35 animals on the property.
Reviewed By Sheldon S
We visited the Krishna Temple outside of Spanish Fork, Utah primarily to take photos and learn what goes on there. We arrived mid afternoon; several what appeared to be staff/employee vehicles parked behind the temple and a large motor-home plugged into the temple outlets. No people in sight. Frankly, the area immediately around the temple was dirty and uninviting. Six peacocks were roosting on the patio tables and bird poop all over. The windows into the lower level were so dirty that you could hardly see in. My wife was so turned-off that she wanted to leave. I took a few photos of the temple and drove out.
5. Peteetneet Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By Kerry M - Utah
Guided tour of various theme rooms is mandatory. It is an old school building, but has woodcarving and train displays during the year, in addition to pioneer and tack rooms. Many items are on loan from private citizens, and are top quality. Some of the oldes thuman artifacts in the world are on display. Pioneer crafts are also for sale.
6. Spanish Fork River Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By Tage H
Went on a drive up the Canyon and found this gem. Playground for our 2yr old which she loved. It was updated and in the shade (very important for little ones). New mulch in the play area. Very clean campsites and all were very close to the river. Perfect for a day trip away from the city or for a weekend with family. Some campsites could fit a couple vehicles or a long camper. Good fire pits and charcoal grills at each site.
7. Grotto Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By Cindy C
This is a nice hike that has a little waterfall at the end of it that is pretty and feels good on a hot day. It stays pretty crowded when it is the warmer months, but in the spring before everyone heads up there, it can be quite peaceful and nice to spend time alone. The hike is easy and is good for kids or those who can't get around for a longer hike.
8. Fifth Water Hot Springs
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 28 reviews
Reviewed By Jeff B - Salt Lake City, Utah
One thing to be mindful of here is there will almost always be people here (even in the winter when the hike is longer. In the summer when the road to the trailhead is open the hike is about 2.5 miles each way. In the winter the road to the trailhead is closed and this can add about 4-5 miles onto the hike (making it a total of 8 miles each way, see below re: road closure).
The Crowds
I've been here multiple times and the only time I remember it being empty was one evening mid week in late Oct or early Nov. If you go on the weekend, lots of people. Sundays if you want peace and quiet, maybe try and hit it in the early morning (before people get out of Church), but you may encounter campers who have slept there over night (as there are a few campsites along the way).
The Pools
There are many pools for soaking here. If you go above the waterfall, you will find the hottest pools, some were too hot for me. The hottest pools could of been somewhere between 115 and 120 degrees.
The Road Closure in Winter
If you plan to come here nov-through mid-spring, check the local ranger district re: road closures. If the road is closed (due to snow), this can add an additional 5 miles onto the hike (making it a total of 8 miles each way). I have never been here in the winter, and to be honest I wouldn't want to hike 8 miles each way to this spring, but I'd cross country ski it, or I could ride it on my mountain bike (with really low pressure in my tires).
Spanish Fork Ranger District at 801-798-3571
Hands down one of my favorite springs to visit! A must if you are in the area. As a reminder, leave no trace, please pack out what you bring in, and there is usually some trash there, so I might recommend bringing a bag to help pickup trash that have been left behind by others.
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