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Loafer Mountain Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 39 Google reviews · Running trail in Payson, Utah · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Loafer Mountain 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.
What runners say about Loafer Mountain Trailhead
“Fantastic mountain biking trail with beautiful fall foliage.”
“We started early and had shade until we were halfway up, but it was full sun on the way down, so start early and take plenty of water.”
Beautiful, moderately easy hike with lots of shade. Multi-use trail for hiker, bikes, ATVs, and horses. Notes: Kid-friendly: I did it with 4 kids, the oldest, 7yrs, and one a baby in a backpack Non-flat trail: the inclined areas are mild to moderate, but even the steepest is probably only 100ft.
There are a few trails to choose from here: Bennie Creek (downhill biking), Black Hawk --out and back as long long as you want, of you go 1 mile up Blackhawk, you will cross two hide meadows of wildflowers. You can also do Mount Loafer from here, but it's much longer and pretty strenuous.
Loafer Mountain trail (Santaquin Peak) is great, there's a mile or two where you gotta watch out for dirt bikes at the beginning. They come around the corners with reckless abandon and will take you out if you don't jump off the trail. They disappear when you really start heading up.
This is a harder hike than I expected. You have to go pretty early to hike in shade since most of the trail is exposed to full sun after 9 am or so. It's pretty steep with little relief after the first mile. I wish I'd taken two walking sticks - especially for the downhill parts after a day of hiking.
Trail conditions & character
“I personally prefer the Blackhawk Trail that goes off to the right after about a quarter mile from the trailhead.”
“We started early and had shade until we were halfway up, but it was full sun on the way down, so start early and take plenty of water.”
“Fantastic mountain biking trail with beautiful fall foliage.”
“Santaquin Peak summit can get somewhat technical and is a more advanced hike.”
“It's pretty steep with little relief after the first mile.”
Plan your run at Loafer Mountain Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- 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 — reported by runners
Running trails near Payson
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Forebay Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 61 reviews
Local hiking destination with rocky paths, a reservoir and a small stream, plus mountain biking trails.
Mt. Nebo Loop
4.9 ★★★★★ 76 reviews
Scenic spot with a campground, picnic areas, frisbee golf course, and stream.
