Granite Dells

Located a few miles southeast of the center of Payson is an area known locally as the Granite Dells, featuring the Stewart Pocket geological structure at the heart of this picturesque site. This is a great hike for spring, fall or early winter, but may be too hot during the summer months, unless taken early in the morning.

The Dells themselves are part of a high ridge directly west of the pocket. They alone are worth the short drive to the area. Steep, rocky buttresses provide a prominent backdrop to the pocket and are surrounded by outcroppings of various unusual formations of natural design. These outcroppings jut out above stands of juniper, pine, fir and a variety of ground cover common to the Payson area. Elk, deer, wild boar and many smaller species of animals can be found here.

For more information, visit the Granite Dells Wilderness website.