Dry Lake Reservoir and Windward Reservoir are definitely not dry this year, following fantastic winter precipitation in Payson Canyon. As snow quickly disappears, the road to these quiet and peaceful destinations presents hikers, bikers and horseback riders with excellent views to enjoy in the quiet sunshine. On a recent visit I crossed paths with only three other trail users. Trembling aspen leaves shudder as a cool gentle breeze puffs through stately groves, which stand watch over these two destination waters.
This trail is actually a wide dirt road, sharing access to a variety of trail users and high clearance vehicles. Although automobiles can easily get to Windward Reservoir, motorists would miss the quiet solitude of a nonmotorized visit to this area.
Visitors will enjoy brightly lit open meadows and shaded sections offering cool refuge from the summer sun. Just beyond Dry Lake Reservoir awaits a spectacular view overlooking Maple Lake and Utah Valley.
Finding the trailhead: Take Payson Exit 254 from I-15 and east until you reach 100 North (next to Payson Sports and Trophy), where you turn left. Turn right once you reach 600 East (Peteetneet Blvd.) and continue through Payson Canyon. The trailhead awaits on the right side of the road approximately 3.95 miles beyond the Maple Dell Scout Camp parking lot. Turn just before the cattle grate in the road to enter the large parking area.
Trail description: Trail users will find this gentle trail easy to navigate and appropriate for almost all members of the family. Bright open skies contrast with ancient dark evergreens. Your journey begins at a metal gate and cattle guard, passing by a small bog to the north. A sparkling stream adorned with bluebells can be seen to the south.
This main road guides you southeast past lush green vegetation, fresh from winter's sleep. Travelers will pass numerous evergreen stumps and then shortly see the Shram Creek Trail 124 to the left. The main road climbs gently past a parking area and turns northwest. Crossing over, a small brook refreshes the ears.
After crossing over a larger milky-colored stream and several wet meadows, you'll see Windward Reservoir glistening through quaking aspens, and a pipeline is visible to the north. A short break refreshes travelers as they enjoy the scenery. Beyond here, the route becomes much more rutted and less accessible to low-clearance vehicles. Sections are still muddy from recent snows but are dry enough for nonmotorized trail users to navigate.
Shortly after passing Windward, a Forest Service Plantation sign can be seen on the left. Mountain views are spectacular, and large broken tree trunks leave one to wonder about storms that snapped them over.
This dirt road leads directly to Dry Lake Reservoir and actually passes through the green water. Looking northwest, the trail re-emerges from the depths and continues for a short distance beyond the lake. Following the shoreline to meet the road on the other side will take you a short distance farther as the jeep trail ends. A small footpath branching to the north offers views of Maple Lake and Utah Valley below.
Recommended season: Spring, summer, fall
Cautions: Although traffic on this road is not heavy, there can be some fast-moving vehicles on the road. The U.S. Forest Service does not recommend low-clearance vehicles and prohibits all-terrain vehicles on the road. Children should be watched as vehicles pass by.
Vegetation: Oak, maple, aspen, fir, penstemon, elderberry, chokecherry, forget-me-not, bluebells, sagebrush, skunk cabbage.
Wildlife: Robins, woodpeckers, insects, swallows, yellow chickadees, eagles, deer, elk, squirrels.
Length: 2.1 miles to overlook beyond Dry Lake Reservoir (one hour 15 minutes).
Elevation: 6,811 feet at trailhead. 7,037 feet at the reservoir.
Brian Brinkerhoff hosts "Backcountry Utah: Utah's Outdoor Radio Magazine," which airs 9-11 a.m. Saturdays on AM 630 KTKK. He is author of "Best Easy Day Hikes: Salt Lake City," published by Falcon Press. For more information, visit his Web site at www.backcountry-magazine.com.