Payson Guide
Historic Downtown Payson
History The Latter-day Saints first settled in Payson in 1850.
The Payson Tabernacle of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was dedicated by Wilford Woodruff in 1872.
In 1873 a High School was established in Payson, the first such institution in Utah south of Salt Lake City. It closed down in 1876 due to the rise of Brigham Young Academy.
An opera house was built in Payson in 1883.
In the late 19th Century a factory making horse collars operated in Payson.
 
Payson Lakes
11 miles up Payson Canyon well known as the Mount Nebo Scenic Loop, you will come to Payson Lakes. These lakes offer an abundance of outdoor activities, including fishing, swimming, picnicking, camping, wildlife viewing and more. There are three lakes.
Fishing action is usually fast, so this is a great place to take the kids. Big East Lake is the largest of the three lakes. It offers more improvements such as a walking, biking, or jogging path around the lake. Picnic tables, swim beach and more. This lake is closest to the campground. Fishing on the lake is also pretty good, but it is more crowded than the other two. This lake has a very large day use area that can be accessed through the campground. The day use area is by the swim beach and it offers a large grassy area to set up blankets for sun bathing or picnicking
Directions - To get to Payson Lakes take the Payson exit off of I-15. Head straight down main street until you reach 100 N. Turn left on 100 N. Stay on 100 N until you reach 600 E. You will see a sign that says Mount Nebo Scenic Loop. Turn right on 600 E. This will take you up the canyon. From the mouth of the canyon the day use area for the lakes is 11 miles and the campground is 11.6 miles.
Big East Lake is the largest and most popular of the Payson Lakes. Payson Lakes are located at the south end of Utah Valley in Payson Canyon. Payson Lakes are set in a beautiful area between Mt. Loafer and Mt. Nebo. The shoreline is owned 100% by the Uinta National Forest, and public accessibility is unrestricted. Payson Lakes are very popular summer destinations for swimming, canoeing, fishing and camping. There is a campground right on one of the lakes, and only a couple miles away is the Blackhawk Campground as well. Access is usually closed until around Memorial Day every year due to the snowpack that usually doesn't melt until then. Payson Lakes include many facilities, including improved campgrounds. There is also a beach area on the lake where kids can swim and play in shallow water with a sandy bottom. There is a pier where wheelchair access is available to fish from. However, at times, kids like to use the peer as a diving board to jump into the water and swim.
To see a beautiful panoramic view of Maple lake visit http://www.utah3d.net/PaysonC_swf.html. This picture was taken by Martin van Hermert. To see other 3D photos of his of Utah sites visit http://www.utah3d.net
Nebo Loop Scenic Byway
|
This byway allows you to see not only that tallest of Wasatch Mountains, Mount Nebo, but long stretches of Uinta National Forest. |
|
