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Forebay Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 61 Google reviews · Running trail in Payson, Utah · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Forebay Trailhead's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Local hiking destination with rocky paths, a reservoir and a small stream, plus mountain biking trails.
What runners say about Forebay Trailhead
“It is beautiful all year long:snow in the winter, leaves in the fall and beauty in the spring and summer.”
“There's a few areas that are exposed, a glen with a creek running through it, but mostly a lot of modest shade due to the scrub oaks.”
“Well marked from the signage.”
“Scenery is ok, nothing super spectacular but fun to get into the outdoors with all ages.”
Top notch beginner/ intermediate mountain bike trails! You can also hike or run here. It is beautiful all year long:snow in the winter, leaves in the fall and beauty in the spring and summer. This is a jewel in Payson Canyon's crown.
Some lake. Beautiful mountains nonetheless. Fantastic trail maintenance, great for trail running.
For hiking, walking your dog, and beginner mtn bikers, this place is great. HIKERS: Bring rugged hiking boots, water, and snacks. You’ll see a variety of wild flowers and terrain such as fields, trees, a rushing river, tiny streams, and mountains.
Brand new parking lot with plenty of space. Dog friendly. It can be a short easy hike or long and hard depending how you like it. Not very far up the canyon. Beautiful river and lots of thin trees. Not good area for hammocks. I tried and couldn't find many trees that could support weight.
Trail conditions & character
“It is beautiful all year long:snow in the winter, leaves in the fall and beauty in the spring and summer.”
“I didn't get to do all of them, but at least the ones within a couple miles of the parking lot we're easy enough for small children to hike up.”
“For hiking, walking your dog, and beginner mtn bikers, this place is great.”
“We were able to find a few trails that had snow, but since the elevation is not too high, it won't be good for snow shoeing until next winter - then I'll give it 5 stars.”
“When I went, it must have rained before because the trail was slightly muddy and slick.”
“There's a few areas that are exposed, a glen with a creek running through it, but mostly a lot of modest shade due to the scrub oaks.”
Plan your run at Forebay Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
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