---
name: "Payson Grotto"
subtitle: "A short hike ends at a hidden, swimmable pool inside a rock enclosure"
date: 2026-07-11
link: "https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/payson-grotto"
linkText: "atlasobscura.com"
source: "Atlas Obscura"
topics: [travel]
tags: [hiking, swimming, utah, grotto]
description: "A short Utah hike ends at a hidden rock enclosure holding a swimmable pool fed by a small waterfall, largely unmarked and easy to miss."
---

A short, unassuming trail near Payson, Utah dead-ends at a rock alcove holding a small waterfall and a pool deep enough to actually swim in — the kind of spot that has no sign, no parking lot fanfare, and would be easy to walk past if you didn't know it was there. You remember it precisely because finding it feels like your own discovery, even though plenty of locals already know.
