Finding Nebo

The Mount Nebo Scenic Byway, also called the Nebo Loop, runs through Utah's Wasatch Mountains from Payson to Nephi. Or Nephi to Payson.

The road chugs up steep grades and switchbacks. It wasn't easy or cheap to build. But its main purpose, besides access for firefighters, is recreation. Hiking, camping, trail riding, nature watching, hunting, photography... There was a time when someone asked, "Build a road all the way up there and down the other side just because it's a nice place to go?" And enough people answered, "Hell yeah!"

There's lots of dispersed camping along the Loop. And there are a few campgounds, some at about 5,500 feet elevation and some at about 8,000 feet. The Loop summits at about 9,000, and Mount Nebo is just shy of 12,000 feet high.

It was a beautiful day up there. As you can see, the oaks have started to change colors. Aspens around here grow above 7,000 feet. Right now they're still green. But when they turn yellow, POW!