Payson, Utah

Looking for the best hiking in Payson? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Payson. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Hiking Spots in and near Payson

  • Alta, Utah

    Pfeifferhorn via White Pine Lake

    5.0
    9.91 mi / 3684 ft gain
    Starting at the White Pine Trailhead in Little Cottonwood Canyon, UT, hike southwest until reaching the junction to Red Pine Canyon. Take the trail that crosses the stream and continues west around the ridge. The trail will quickly turn south and begin to gain elevation. Continue west as you pass...
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  • Alta, Utah

    Winter Hike the Pfeifferhorn

    5.0
    9.91 mi / 3684 ft gain
    Rising to a height of 11,326 feet, the Pfeifferhorn is one of the most majestic and iconic peaks in the Wasatch Mountains, and also one of the most popular mountains to hike. During the summer and fall, there is a well beaten trail all the way to the summit, but during the winter and spring, this...
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  • Sandy, Utah

    Photograph Little Cottonwood Creek at Snowbird

    2.0
    Little Cottonwood Creek flows right through Snowbird Ski Resort and there are a few beautiful locations to go shoot the river at. The best place to start hiking down the river is right by where the tram takes off. That is just below the Cliff Lodge and right by the Peruvian Lift. There's a res...
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  • Alta, Utah

    Cecret Lake

    4.4
    1.78 mi / 509 ft gain
    Cecret Lake is reached by driving up Little Cottonwood Canyon to Albion Basin above Alta Ski Resort. The hike is just under 1 mile to the lake and should take about 30 minutes. The hike goes through fields full of wildflowers and wildlife is abundant. Moose, deer, and various wildlife can be s...
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  • Sandy, Utah

    Backcountry Ski Suicide Chute on Mt. Superior

    5.0
    0.6 mi / 1245 ft gain
    First of all it's not as scary as it sounds, or as scary as it looks. That being said it's a steep chute in dangerous avalanche terrain so only experienced skiers with backcountry skiing knowledge/equipment should attempt this route.Suicide Chute is located on the South face of Mt. Superior in L...
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  • Sandy, Utah

    Hike and Climb the S. Ridge of Mt. Superior

    4.5
    4.5 mi / 1800 ft gain
    Approach: Start by parking on the side of the road just above the Snowbird Cliff Lodge. Then there will be some bushwhacking as you work your way up the southern slopes of Mount Superior following the path of least resistance until reaching the winter avalanche path under the south face and to th...
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  • Salt Lake City, Utah

    Hike Catherine Pass

    4 mi / 1115 ft gain
    Catherine Pass is a must do if you are in the Salt Lake vicinity in July. The wildflowers are mind-blowing. But it’s a great hike to do in the Spring, after Alta Ski Resort has closed, and the Fall as well.  It costs $6 per vehicle to drive to the trailhead, or $10 per person to ride the lift (if...
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  • Salt Lake City, Utah

    Lake Catherine and Sunset Peak

    3.5
    4.69 mi / 1407 ft gain
    Any chance to get into the backcountry of the Wasatch Mountains is worth it. Many people day hike in the area, but not very many backpack in. The trail meets up with the Great Western Trail and overlooks Lake Catherine. The best place to camp is in the woods next to the lake. Hike down to the lak...
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  • Salt Lake City, Utah

    Hike Mount Wolverine

    4 mi / 1425 ft gain
    This mountain can be conquered two ways and is a great after-work adventure to watch the sunset, an early morning trail run, or a fun family challenge. The trail is 4 miles and 1,425 feet elevation gain (from the Alta side) or 6 miles and 2,050 feet (from the Brighton side). Both routes converge ...
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  • Herriman, Utah

    Hike to Kennecott Copper Mine

    5.0
    4 mi
    From Salt Lake City go on UT-201W, then take Bacchus Highway all the way until the intersection with Butterfield Canyon Road. This is where you can park your car and follow the dirt road for roughly 2 miles until you come to a fork. One road from the fork leads to Middle Canyon and the other to t...
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  • Alta, Utah

    Stargazing and Night Photography at Hellgate Spring

    From the base of Little Cottonwood Canyon, follow the road approximately 7 miles until you reach the area between the Snowbird and Alta ski resorts. Looking north, several mountain peaks are visible, including both Mount Superior and Hellgate Spring. The mountain face of Hellgate Spring (GPS coor...
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  • Alta, Utah

    Hike Mt. Superior and Monte Cristo

    5.0
    6.25 mi / 2500 ft gain
    Mt. Superior, and its close neighbor, Monte Cristo, are two of the most iconic peaks in Little Cottonwood Canyon. Looming over Alta and Snowbird Ski resorts from the north side of the canyon, these two peaks dominate the Little Cottonwood skyline. Mt. Superior tops out at 11,132 feet, and Monte C...
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  • Alta, Utah

    Hike and Scramble Mount Superior

    5.0
    5 mi
    This is an intermediate to advanced hike. Scrambling up the ridge is more difficult but can be done by anyone with patience and a few maneuvering skills. It is best climbed in the summer months when the ridge is free of snow. However, it makes for a good winter climb for more technical experience...
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  • Alta, Utah

    Cecret Lake from Albion Basin

    4.9
    4.48 mi / 1214 ft gain
    The out-and-back trail from Albion Basin to Cecret Lake climbs a gentle slope and along the way there are interpretive signs with information about the basin, its plants, animals and geology. From the lake you can return the same way you came, or explore the area more. If you head there during t...
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  • Alta, Utah

    Albion Meadows Trail

    4.9
    2.86 mi / 696 ft gain
    At Albion Basin, wildflowers you will see include lupine, Indian paintbrush, American bistort, sunflowers, fireweed, and many more! Drive to the very top of Little Cottonwood Canyon and park at the Albion Grill. There is a trail just behind the Grill that takes you through a variety of wildflowe...
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  • Alta, Utah

    Backcountry Ski Grizzly Gulch

    1.5 mi / 1400 ft gain
    To get to the Grizzly Gulch trailhead, drive up Little Cottonwood until you reach Alta Ski Resort. Keep left along the road and park in the upper Alta parking lot. Head up the cat track with all the cats and snowmobiles parked to the side. About 100 yards up, you'll take a left and head up the st...
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