2023 Map of Payson Lakes

About this map

Uinta National Forest dominates this mountain landscape south of Payson, where high ridges and deep canyons define the transition from the valley floor to the Mount Nebo Wilderness. The map documents a complex network of canyons, including Santaquin Canyon and Loafer Canyon, which serve as primary drainages for the surrounding peaks. Water management and recreational sites are central to the area's layout, evidenced by high-elevation water bodies like Big East Reservoir, Pete Winward Reservoir, and Maple Lake. Cultural and residential expansion is visible at the northern margin in Elk Ridge and Woodland Hills, while the southern reaches remain largely primitive, characterized by named cattle-grazing and sheep-herding landmarks like Kuntz Flat and the Sheepherder Hill Trl. A legacy of pioneer-era named springs, such as Minnie Simmons Spring and Dipping Corral Spring, highlights the historical importance of water sources in this high-desert environment.