Tag: 2013

Payson Lakes Campground, Nebo Loop Scenic Byway, Utah

Payson Lakes Campground is situated on the Nebo Loop Scenic Byway near Payson, Utah. Payson Lakes is known as a fisherman’s getaway since the series of three alpine lakes are a great place to paddle, fish or swim. But what was it like camping there?
Payson Lakes Campground boasts three loops with about twenty campsites each. At our site (B5) Big E quickly conquered this fallen giant and spent hours with his cousin walking back and forth across the log that was as tall as he was. When I finally got them focused on putting up our tent, as usual my tots had more fun playing with the tent poles than actually being helpful.

We enjoyed a canopy of tall pines for our home away from home. The bathrooms were pit toilets, not too smelly except when in use, and water was readily available. The best part of the campsite for me was its access via a tree lined trail to the largest of the Payson Lakes. Little g and I meandered this trail for almost an hour while I walked at her short legged speed to our beach site. At the end of the campground a fisherman’s parking area provided access for day use fishing, but a separate entrance before the campground also provided this.

Staying at Payson Lakes Campground made lounging by the lake an easy activity, even for my perpetually moving tots. It was a relaxing place to play and camp, and I loved the secluded feel of it all.

Payson Lakes, Nebo Loop Scenic Byway, Payson, Utah

Payson Lakes, a camping, swimming, fishing spot located off the Nebo Loop Scenic Byway near Payson, Utah is a well known locals getaway. The high mountain scenery complete with three fish filled lakes, makes for a beautiful and exciting place to play.

On our recent camp out there, we spent most of our time enjoying the largest of the lakes. As you can see, Big E and little g thought my relaxing on the raft looked too chill and they came to make my relaxing float in the lake more like a piggy back attack.

We swam, picnicked and chased a family of ducks around the pond. Big E especially enjoyed playing with his cousins and friends on the inflatables, something little g could only manage when safely on land.

We went to Payson Lakes with Big E and little g’s cousins. The older ones spent their time lashing together logs for a Huck Finn like raft that was more than a little unruly. Let’s just say it wasn’t designed with steering in mind.

 Now, swimming alongside fish and other pond animals can be a little yucky for me, so most of the time I just enjoyed the beautiful scenery and made sure the tots didn’t drown. But for a fun place to splash and play in the outdoors, Payson Lakes can’t be beat.

Stewart Falls Hike, Sundance Utah


When my niece came in town for a visit, I couldn’t help but take the tots on a hike in the mountains. We live near Sundance Mountain Resort and enjoy beautiful hiking trails nearby. One of my favorites is the Stewart Falls trail. We have yet to actually reach the falls, but the stream along the trail and the lush forest surrounding us makes this a favorite every year.

Little g is at the age where she wants to walk, but her tiny legs keep her pace excruciatingly slow. To remedy this I have to force her into the hiking pack. Wrestling her in is always a pain but once she’s strapped and we’re moving she’s happy enough.

On this hike we stopped for a bit to play by the stream. Just when I stopped to take a photo, little g stopped to have a snack. I hope it wasn’t anything toxic.

Big E was a big help carrying his own backpack and leading the way. We all stopped at the Deli at Sundance for some suckers and sodas at the end of the trail. It was a great day all around.

TRAIL INFO:
Length: 2 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Tips: Stewart Falls has several trailheads. My favorite is to take Ray’s lift to the upper stop and hike from there.

Black Ridge Reservoir, Herriman Utah

The tots and I recently spent the day at the beach at Black Ridge Reservoir in Herriman, Utah. This little swimming hole was built by the city of Herriman as an outdoor recreation area and I have to say we really enjoyed it.

There’s not many places in landlocked Utah to dig in the sand and play in the water. The location of Black Ridge Reservoir, 15000 South Ashland Ridge Drive in Herriman, is so close to homes, shops and towns, it makes a great outdoor play place.

Little g and Big E loved digging in the sand along with our friends from the Rocky Mountain Mammas meetup group. Our group of kids dug, dumped, swam and squirted each other for hours, even when overcast skies and raindrops threatened to end their fun.

I brought along an inflatable river kayak and along with the help of some sturdy seven year olds, we pumped it up by hand and floated around the pond. It made a great flotation toy when kept in the shallow part, and an even better boat to take us out to the deeper section. 

Other than the awkwardness of hauling beach chairs, a cooler, towels, toys and life vests to and from the car, the whole day was a great adventure. The tots and I enjoyed it and I’m sure you will too.

You know it’s been a great day when the back seat looks like this:

SITE INFO:
Address: 15000 South Ashland Ridge Drive, Herriman UT
Activities: Swimming, Boating (no motors), Digging in the Sand, Plus a playground was under construction and should be open soon
Tips: Change the tots out of their swimwear in the public bathrooms. That way you can avoid the awkward back seat of the car dressing room that I endured.