Big East Lake is a 1 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Santaquin, Utah that features beautiful wild flowers and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for walking, nature trips, bird watching, and fishing and is best used from May until October. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
A beautiful, gentle paved trail around the lake - a great place for a picnic and to take in the fall colors. Please note, there is a $10 day-use fee. Accessibility: The trail surface is paved asphalt and typically at least four feet wide. The grade is mostly gentle (all estimated under 5%) so most wheelchair and stroller users will likely be able to traverse the trail.
Parking, restrooms and picnic tables
Spanish Fork Ranger District 44 West 400 North Spanish Fork, UT 84660 (801) 798-3571
From Nephi, Utah travel east on 100 North to Forest Road 015 (Nebo Loop Road) and turn left. Travel on Nebo Loop for approximately 24.5 miles and turn left on Forest Road 018. Travel into the campground on Forest Road 018. From the intersection of Center Street and Main Street in Santaquin travel on Center Street South. Continue on Center street which becomes Canyon Road and then Forest Road 014. Travel on this road approximately 9.1 miles. Turn left to stay on Forest Road 014 and travel 2.1 miles. Turn left onto Forest Road 015/Nebo Loop Road and travel 4.7 miles. Turn left onto Forest Road 018 and follow to the campground.
October 10, 2020Drive out to the lake was beautiful! The fall colors everywhere. The water level at the lake was low but it made for a perfect picnic and walk with the family. Highly recommend!
September 6, 2020Loved this path. It’s paved and perfect for a stroller. There is a $10 day-use fee.
September 5, 2020September 3, 2020easy paved trail, our chihuahuas loved walking around it! lots of chipmunks everywhere
August 16, 2020Quaint quality trail around the lake. It’s paved and about a mile in length. Perfect for a family afternoon stroll.
August 15, 2020The perfect one-mile hike with my beautiful wife. Paved all the way with views of the mountains and the crystal clean lake. Once in awhile we all need a relaxing walk without the increased heart rate.
August 10, 2020Pretty view. Very easy paved walking trail that wraps around the lake. Went on a Monday morning around 10:30 and it wasn’t crowded. Quite a few bugs on some parts of the trail. Has some good shade mixed with sun. Probably a good walk for those just getting into exercising and looking for something simple. I probably would have planned to walk and then go swim and kayak in the lake to make it worth the drive.
July 6, 2020path around payson lake.
May 27, 2020Nice paved path, Beautiful tree lined lake where you can swim and fish with Mountain views. What more is there to ask for
May 8, 2020Road to lake is currently closed
June 23, 2019Beautiful walk around the lake!! Excellent views of the mountains and easy for a toddler to walk on.
March 24, 2019Paved trail that encircles the lake. Great way to get some altitude walking in with the family as the paved trail allows for use of a stroller and great for all ages. I have done this “trail” each year that I have lived in Utah as it is so peaceful, unfortunately, I have not been there since the fires last year tore through this area so it’s possible that some of its beauty is no more.
September 3, 2018We “hiked” the paved one mile loop around the lake and then fished. Really beautiful and not that busy, even for Labor Day. I personally think Tibble Fork Resevoir is more beautiful, but it’s also windy and sand gets blown everywhere up there. Big East Lake was quiet and not windy. Really loved it, as did my three kids!
September 2, 2018Easy stroll, very scenic. Didn’t get a chance to explore as much as I’d like to, so will probably return again later
August 2, 2018This was a nice, easy, and beautiful paved trail. It’s less of a hike and more of a leisure walk for the whole family to take in the sights and enjoy. Plenty of benches and picnic tables, so be sure to pack a lunch!
July 6, 2018A very well maintained paved walking path around the lake. The best time to be up there is in the fall. The colors are incredible. We were there on a weekday and had the lake to ourselves. The path is pretty much flat and can be done with a stroller or wheelchair.
June 17, 2018beautiful. we camped at one the campsites nearby and strolled the lake during the evening. it was a lovely weekend. bugs weren't too bad, thankfully, and it was nice to get away from the hubbub of the city... will definitely consider going back!!
July 28, 2017Easy and stunning.
July 23, 2017Super easy, lots of people but a nice getaway. Bring mosquito spray!
July 3, 2017We really enjoyed the trail around the lake. Very kid friendly.
July 3, 2017Went on a walk around the lake today (Sunday) and it was filled with people hiking, boating, skipping rocks, fishing, and just relaxing. And it was wonderful. The weather was fantastic, it was cloudy and only a little sunny. There was a breeze and it felt great. Highly recommend for leisure activity.
July 1, 2017The walk around Big East Lake is gorgeous! We brought the fishing poles and fished until 10pm when the day-use area closes. We'll definitely be back.
June 12, 2017Beautiful, easy , relaxing.. makes a for a perfect day away.
June 7, 2017Great 'hike' (walk) for kids - nice scenery and paved path you can drive right up to. Grotto Falls is only 5-10 minutes down the road and is similarly simple/beautiful, so they're a good combo in a single day, even with kids!
October 2, 2016Walked around the lake and took some pictures. I was planning on getting the geocaches around the lake, but was talking too much and was only able to get one geocache at the very end. It’s a nice easy walk. The fall leaves looked colorful.
June 4, 2016
First to ReviewThis paved walkway goes around the lake. fun easy hike for children
October 3, 2020August 13, 2020August 2, 2020
