Hike To A Waterfall Then Visit An Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Shop On This Delightful Adventure In Utah
By Courtnie Erickson|Published May 04, 2023
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Courtnie Erickson
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From Southern Utah to the Panhandle in Idaho, Courtnie Erickson has lived in what she believes are the best (and the most beautiful!) areas in the country. She graduated with a journalism degree from Utah State University and has more than 15 years of professional writing experience. You’ll likely see her with a Dr. Pepper in her hand and a pair of running shoes on her feet. Courtnie is a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState.
If you have a day where you want to get outdoors, explore, and enjoy a delicious sweet treat, we have just the adventure for you! Payson is a small city in Utah County with much to offer no matter what your interests may be. But, for this particular day trip in Utah, we are going to hop on a gorgeous scenic byway, hike to a waterfall, and end the day with some ice cream and old-fashioned sodas — all near the town of Payson. Sounds pretty remarkable, right? Check out the itinerary below.
The beginning of our day trip in Utah starts along the Nebo Loop Byway. This is one of my favorite scenic drives in Utah and it’s only 38 miles one-way. But, you won’t travel this scenic drive in its entirety. Rather, you’ll follow this drive until you reach the Grotto Falls Trailhead, approximately seven miles from Payson.
The hiking trail may be short but it sure is beautiful. With every step, you will get to enjoy some of Mother Nature’s greatest creations.
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When you reach Grotto Falls, you’ll be surrounded by pure natural beauty. This waterfall is accompanied by a grotto and during certain times of the year, you’ll even see a small shallow pool at the base of the falls.
Give yourself some time to just sit and admire the falls once you arrive. However, be aware that this is a popular trail so you will likely encounter many other hikers along the way.
Once your hike is complete, you can complete your drive on the Nebo Loop Byway or head back to Payson for a visit to The Vault. Here, you’ll find axe throwing, ice cream, and old-fashioned soda in a historical bank.
Located right on Main Street in Payson, this unique destination is easy to find and the historical vibe is worth a visit itself. While you can always let out your competitive side axe throwing, I strongly recommend ordering some ice cream. With multiple ice cream flavors to choose from, you’ll easily find something to cool you off and satisfy your sweet tooth.
While you can enjoy your ice cream in a cone or cup, don’t overlook the sundaes! These treats are large, feature all types of toppings, and are packed with deliciousness!
