Have you ever considered driving from Payson, Utah, to Nephi, Utah, but seeing some great views instead of the freeway? Well, I have the route for you.

What Route

This is probably one of the most kept secret routes. We’ll probably not be a secret, but this 38-mile route has everything. I am talking about views and more views as you wind through the mountains of the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, wrapping at Mt. Nebo. This is the beauty of Utah. This route is called the Nebo Loop.

Mount Nebo Loop

It is named after the mountain you will see on your drive: Mount Nebo, which stands at 11,928 feet. You can hike to the top if you would like, but it isn’t easy. If you do hike it, remember the buddy system.

Some things you will see on this drive

• Devil’s Kitchen
  • This red rock formation looks like something went wrong with a pottery project—in a terrific way. If you want to get closer to it, there is a short trail.
• Ponderosa and Payson Lakes
  • If you are looking for a great spot to have a picnic, this is it. You can also sit there and take in nature.
• Aspens
  • Yes, you will see a lot of Aspens on this drive. If you like Aspens, then this is for you. If you don’t like Aspens… Then get over it.

Some Tips

Here are some tips that I have found. These aren’t my tips, but they could be helpful.

• Start Early
  • You can start at dawn. I know it is early morning, but seeing the sunrise along this loop is great.
• Bring snacks and water.
  • Along this 38-mile loop, there is nothing to stop at for snacks or water. Just come prepared. You might have a hangover-induced episode and ruin the drive.
• Offline Maps
  • You might want to get some offline or paper maps, as cell phone coverage might not be available.
• Time
  • If you think this will only take about 45 minutes to complete, think again. It is a loop, so you need to take it slow and enjoy the view. It could take 3 hours at minimum.
• Wildlife
  • You must pay attention to what is around you, like the deer, elk, moose, and other animals. They don’t like to look as they cross the road.

Planing

If you are a planner, then you will need the following information:

• Length
  • 38 Miles
• Drive Time
  • Depending on stops, 1+ hours.
• Best time
  • September to early October
• Season
  • Late May through October, this all depends on the weather.
• Fee
  • There is no fee to drive this loop
    • You can donate to the TWJ fund.
• Difficulty
  • It’s easy. You could bring your old Pinto, and it could make it. This is a paved road.
• Gas
  • Make sure you have gas, since there is nowhere to fill up.

To get there is pretty simple,

If you come from Salt Lake City, Provo, or anywhere North of Payson, enter Payson.

If you are coming from the South, like anywhere south of Nephi, Utah, then get on the loop in Nephi.

Photos

Here are some photos

Thoughts

This is a beautiful drive. You can see so much nature and enjoy the beauty around you. Grab your camera and go forth. However, Saturdays in October might be busy.

It is a must-do drive if you are in Utah. However, it is not open in the winter, as there is too much snow.

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