101 THINGS TO DO

Join Cert 42

Mount Nebo Scenic Byway 40

Beginning at the edge of Payson, the Mount Nebo Scenic Byway answers every nature lover’s dreams. It’s filled with wildlife, valley vistas and wrap-around views of majestic Mt. Nebo. This route passes through flat bottomlands, gray sandstone cliffs, high-alpine conifers, red rock formations and salt flats. There are multiple scenic view pullouts. The 35-mile road crosses through the Uinta National Forest and continues to UT-132, where one can either turn west and head to Nephi or east and drive into Sanpete County. Plan on about 90 minutes of travel time without stops.

Utah Lake 41

There are multiple public access points to Utah Lake located a short drive from the Payson/Santaquin area. They include:

Sandy Beach: This is a popular area for fishing, birding, swimming, waterfowl hunting and launching small craft like kayaks or canoes (small enough to be carried by hand, no trailers allowed). During lower water elevation years, there is good beach access; if the water is high, the road dead ends into the lake.

Rock Island Waterfowl Management Area: This area is popular for waterfowl and upland game hunting, angling, wading and birding.

Lincoln Point: This is a popular shore fishing location. Mulberry Beach: This beach is a spectacular spot to watch the sun set over Utah Lake, especially in fall and winter. It’s popular for shore fishing and small watercraft can be launched here.

Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) are made up of trained volunteers who provide assistance during and following a disaster when first responders’ efforts may be exhausted or delayed. CERT training provides citizens with the basic skills they will need to handle their own needs and then to respond to their community needs in the aftermath of a disaster. The training addresses topics including medical operations, disaster psychology, fire safety, light search and rescue, terrorism and utility control. The training concludes with a mock disaster. CERT training is provided in both Payson and Santaquin. In Payson, contact Payson Fire & Rescue at 801-465-5252 for more Information. In Santaquin, contact Chris Lindquist at 801-319-6439.

Payson Scottish Festival 43

JULY 7 & 8

The annual Payson Scottish Festival and Highland Games event celebrates Scottish traditions in all forms: dance, music, food, competition and entertainment. The first festival was organized nearly 40 years ago as part of Payson’s Golden Onion Days, but today the festival is held for two days in early July. Events during the festival include a strongman competition, a bagpipe parade and competition, folk music and dancing performances, and a highland dance competition. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of craft and food booths.

At approximately 1150 South and 600 East in Payson, as one leaves the city and begins driving up the Nebo Loop Road through Payson Canyon, is a turnoff that leads to the trailhead for the Payson “P” hike. This trail is approximately 1 mile (in and out) and takes hikers to the large “P” on Little Mountain above the city. The view from the “P” is spectacular. The hike is generally considered easy, but there is little shade, so you may want to explore it at a cooler time of day.