This is one of my favorite hikes. It's a long one, but extremely rewarding once you reach to the…read morefinal point. I enjoyed it because of the surrounding nature. I took my time doing the hike--listened to some music; noticed the different plants; took breaks; and then, took my headphones off to really soak in nature. It was so therapeutic. Once I reached the final point, I noticed it was quite packed when I went around fall season; and I'm not surprised. The weather was perfect to dip in the hot springs; and the colorful fall leaves made my experience extra vibrant. The water was clean; temperature of water varies depending on where you're sitting; and each area vary in size. As for someone who enjoys exploring and all the adventures, I decided to take my time to sit in each hot springs. Honestly, my favorite is the first one as the hiker approaches the start of hot springs. It's not big, but it's more secluded. It has a nice balance of shade and sunlight; little waterfalls; and some rocks to hop over and/or sit on. I felt as if it was part of my backyard, lol. I couldn't help but to take so much pictures. I'm definitely coming back again during the spring or summer to experience it differently.

The concept of a natural hot springs is to go during colder months and expect to walk a lot to get…read morethere since it is natural and secluded. We didn't want to pay for a hot spring since the other ones were busy and the "natural" element is no longer there. However, we weren't as prepared as we thought we were. We visited this hot spring in late December which meant a lot of the roads leading there were closed due to the snow. We walked about 1 mile before reaching the trailhead. Once you reach a sign that points straight and right, take the right to cross the small bridge towards the side of the mountain. Our saving grace was google maps but it wasn't fully accurate at times. Remember that once you cross that bridge, the river should stay on your right until you reach the springs. This trek was TOUGH and feels like 10 miles (when it's only about 5) because of the hills and thick snow/ice. We did not have spikes or sticks to help so we had to rely on each other and our surroundings. It took about 2.5 hours going since we didn't stop and were going fairly quickly and this is coming from someone who does not hike regularly. There was a portion of the hike that was a uphill climb using a rope which was probably the scariest part for me because it was icy and not stable (hence why spikes would help). Once you near the springs, the smell of sulfur becomes strong and the river begins changing color from clear to blue. There are 2 spots that is on google maps, the first one was very busy but it was not the main attraction. We kept walking and got to the actual fifth water hot springs which was still kind of busy but enjoyable. We got into both the hot springs and the cold springs and it was a very cool experience. The hike back was much faster since we knew where we were going but still hard. If you want to challenge yourself to a hike with a cool and relaxing reward of being in the hot springs, I would recommend this hike! I'm sure it's easier when it's not snowy/icy but being in naturally hot pools while your surroundings are covered in snow is beautiful and I would do this again. Tips: -We forgot towels which was a rookie mistake so make sure to take some! -Remember to take off any jewelry prior to going/getting in the hot springs because the sulfur will tarnish it. -Wear thick socks to avoid frozen toes. -The hike itself was beautiful so remember to look up and enjoy the scenery instead of always looking down at the trail. -Start EARLY because it will take at least half a day to complete

MY PHOTOGRAPHS. Attached are photos showing panoramic views of Maple Canyon, where I took these…read morephotos from either Vista Peak Loop Trail (located on southern slope of Maple Canyon) or from Ziele Creek Trail (located on northern slope of Maple Canyon). Also attached are photos of trees covered with an awesome evening gown consisting of bright green moss. In addition, attached is a photograph of my assistant, Strawberry Shortcake, standing next to a little waterfall in Ziele Creek. NAMES OF THE TRAILS AND THE CREEK. For orientation, I first describe the trail that runs from east-to-west and resides on the slope to the NORTH of Ziele Creek, and regarding the trail that runs from east-to-west and resides on the slope to the SOUTH of Ziele Creek. The trail to the north is Ziele Creek Trail, and the trail to the south is Garin Woods Trail. These two trails form a stringed bean-shaped loop trail with Ziele Creek running through the center of the stringed bean. I walked in dry parts of the streambed of Ziele Creek and, in this way, explored all of the areas within the stringed bean loop trail. A bridge is easy to find at the eastern tip of the stringed bean loop trail, but I was not able to find any bridge at the western tip of the stringed bean loop trail. STARTING YOUR HIKE. The views of Maple Canyon from trailhead (located at the end of Calhoun Street) and from the nearby parts of Vista Peak Loop Trail are magnificent. Part of my day's hike was also along Ziele Creek Trail, which is located on the northern slope above the creek. In some parts, Ziele Creek Trail is forty meters above the creek, and this provides a splendid view of the tree-covered center of Maple Canyon and of the little groves of deciduous trees that find a home in isolated spots of Maple Canyon. The lowest parts of the canyon takes the form of a shady forest, and the surrounding areas take the form of a vast field of light-colored dried grasses. For starting my hike, I used the trailhead located at the eastern terminus of Calhoun Road. I parked in the dirt at the side of the road. Starting from the trailhead at the end of Calhoun Road, after a couple of minutes hiking to the southeast on Vista Peak Loop Trail, I arrived at a fork in the trail, and I took the downhill fork. After a minute on this downhill path, there is another fork in the trail, where there is a choice between taking a higher elevation trail called Garin Woods Trail and a lower elevation trail, also called Garin Woods Trail. The lower elevation trail is located deep in the canyon, and about thirty feet above Ziele Creek. SCENERY IN THE SHADE. Ziele Creek resides at the lowest point in Maple Canyon. Ziele Creek flows from east to west. Garin Woods Trail provides a view of many ferns and of trees covered with bright green moss and, here and there, you can see Ziele Creek between the trees, where the creek is about thirty feet below Garin Woods Trail. After hiking eastwards for 30 minutes on Garin Woods Trail, I decided to go off-trail and hike down the slope, and then hike westwards in the stoney stream bed for about 30 minutes, taking photographs of parts of the creek that contained pools of water, and that contained a tiny waterfall. The map on mapcarta.com shows the part of Garin Woods Trail that is near the stream, and it also shows the part of Garin Woods Trail that is higher up on Vista Peak. Google maps completely disregards Garin Woods Trail, and it gives you the false impression that the only trail near Ziele Creek is the one called, Ziele Creek Trail. Google maps shows only the half of the stringed bean-shaped loop trail that runs parallel to and is close to the north bank of Ziele Creek. PARKING AREA WITH MANY MORE PARKING SPOTS. Park on Thorup Lane or on Ziele Creek Drive. Trailhead is where these two small streets meet each other. COMPLETING THE STRINGED-BEAN SHAPED LOOP TRAIL. On two occasions in January 2021, I hiked the entire stringed bean-shaped loop trail (described above). The following problem applies to the western end of the stringed bean-shaped loop trail. On both occasions, I was not able to find any bridge that allows you to get from the northern slope of Maple Canyon, and then over the creek, and to the southern slope of Maple Canyon. Instead of taking any trail that crossed the creek with a bridge, I hiked down the northern slope of Maple Canyon, jumped over a shallow part of the creek, and then left the creek area by crawling up the southern slope of Maple Canyon. Because the southern slope that rises above the creek is steep, I crawled up using an improvised zig-zag path. Actually, I walked up (I didn't crawl up) and I grabbed any available roots and nearby branches in order to pull myself up the steep slope. In this way, I easily got back to Garin Woods Trail, and from there returned to my parking spot at the end of Calhoun Street. I hope some that that I can find a bridge across this part of the creek.

A few months ago we were looking for a location for our daughter to play in the water, and we…read morestumbled upon this place. Parking is very easy and is located across the street from the golf course. You will hike on a paved road for about 15-20 minutes, and then on your left there will be a dirt path to get to the Dripping Rock Falls. It is perfect on a hot summer day to do some rock hunting or to wade, The dripping waterfall is also a very nice site. Excellent spot for the kids to hike and enjoy some fun in the water.

The road has been close last several visits South end is…read moreclosed about 1 mile in and north entrance closed at turn off to maple lake When open it's awesome Last date attempted June 10th 2023

A great alternative to Alpine loop in October to experience the multiplicity of colors that autumn…read morehas to offer. The first half is not as colorful but you get some excellent peak views, and you'll likely see some wildlife on the way. The beauty of Nebo loop, however, does not really begin to reveal itself until you past Mount Nebo heading North and right after Payson lake. Wow! You'll see all the red, orange, yellow and brown hues that are just absolutely stunning. Unfortunately we had a late start so the sun was pretty low when we got to this part. This time of the year I don't recommend visiting after 2 pm, because it will take about 3-4 hours to finish the loop if you make all the stops. But you can easily get through the loop in a lower time if you just cruise through. Definitely recommended if the crowds of alpine loop seem unattractive to you. It offers great views and some nice stops.

My favorite getaway in all of Utah. The 46 plus mile drive provides natural beauty, stark cliffs,…read moreand incredible native petroglyphs and carvings. On one trip we came across a herd of over 100 deer grazing. Bring plenty of water, some snacks, good shoes, and allow yourself enough time to explore all the nooks and crannies along the way.

This place is a little out of the way, with some traveling on dirt roads (take into account any…read more"traffic" such as a sheep crossing on the road), but well worth it. There's no cell service either. At the end of the road, there's a parking lot with a small visitor center containing a gift shop and exhibits. A short paved walk outside leads to a covered quarry where fossils are being excavated. There are a few hikes to do here. There were plenty of white-tailed antelope squirrels running round to watch, cute! In all, I would say this is worth the drive if you're a huge fossil or dinosaur nerd.

The Cleveland-Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry showcases wonders of the prehistoric world! To the uneducated,…read morethe quarry itself may not seem spectacular. That is until you realize this area of Utah used to similar to the African savannah with wet and dry seasons. Now the site is a dry and barren desert with sparse plant life. There's a lot that can change in 150 million years! The dinosaur bones amassed at the quarry are from dinosaurs that died and were floating around in a lake. The bones were mixed up and layered upon each other as sediment in the lake bed built up over time. The scope of geological time is challenging for human beings to comprehend. Considering the changes over 100 years is challenging for us, let alone 100+ million years. Visiting the Cleveland-Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry provides an opportunity to look back in time and consider how much our world has changed. During our visit, a ranger showed us the second building, where they are currently excavating, and explained a lot about the area's history and their findings. It was fascinating to talk with an expert about what they've uncovered and learn more about this important site.

Payson Lakes Campground is beautiful! It is a short drive from SLC, but it feels like a different…read moreworld! This is a popular campground, so you will need to make your reservation well in advance, especially for the nicer/more private sites. I visited on Labor Day weekend, and the campground was full. Lots of kids running around. But our campsite (B20) was very secluded and private, and we had a wonderful stay! The location was close to the bathroom but not too close to our neighbors, which is our favorite combination. The lake was extremely low.. seeing the boat dock was almost comical, as it looked like a high dive over a long stretch of rocks! But it was also sad to see this, as I'm sure the lake was even more beautiful when full. My picture makes the lake look like a tiny swamp, but there was actually room for paddle boarding/kayaking. I didn't go in, as walking through muck to get to the actual water isn't really my thing. But I can see how it would be a fun day for a family with kids. Many of the campsites didn't have a private feel to them, so I would recommend browsing pictures online before choosing your site if you're picky like me. I did an inventory of the most private sites, so few free to msg me for more info. I will be back here for sure!

My review is centered just on the Payson Lake beach site. We had a WONDERFUL day here…read more First thing to note- it is a LONG, windy road in with no cell service! I had no idea it would be that way, but it was a gorgeous drive. It's $10 for the day, on your honor since there was no guard in the booth. Be sure to grab an envelope to stick in your dashboard! The lake and beach area is BEAUTIFUL! Bring your own life jacket, paddle boards, rafts, and kayaks out and enjoy the sunshine. The lake doesn't seem to have much of a current, so it's a great place to float and row around! I believe you can fish as well. You may be able to find a picnic bench or two, but plan on bringing your own seating and overhead coverings, because it is HOT in August! This is definitely a hidden gem in the Uinta National Forest, and we will be back! Enjoy!

TOILET LEAKS: Water leaks out of toilet all over floor. If staff were cleaning the bathrooms...at…read moreany point, they would have certainly noticed the toilet leaking water all over the floors after every flush. Bathroom hasn't been cleaned in three days we've been here. Extremely dirty. No shower curtain so water floods the whole bathroom leaving floor ready to slip and fall on. I cannot recommend this facility. Drive somewhere else. Poorly managed park that could be amazing. ADDITIONALLY: My water line for the RV is 100+ feet from RV parking spot. I don't know of any RV'er who carries a 150' hose.

Beautiful sunrises and sunsets and starry nights. Water is nice for swimming and has floating docksread more

This is an easy hike for little ones to climb up the canyon if they want to see an actual…read morewaterfall. As far as the waterfall goes, it's on the small side, but it is a nice little hike at Corner Canyon in Draper. The trail does have some sunny areas, but mostly it's covered buy foliage and it's quite shady on the higher end of the trail.