Nebo Loop Scenic Byway

Details

  • DesignationNational Scenic Byway (1998)
  • Intrinsic QualitiesScenic
  • LocationUT
  • Length37 miles
Byway Visitor Information
USDA Forest Service
Website 801-999-2103
Statewide Byway Partners
Utah Department of Transportation
Website 801-965-4000
Utah Office of Tourism
Website 801-538-1394
Part of Nebo Loop is surrounded by the fiery red rocks Utah is so famous for.
Utah Geological Survey Photo

Overview

From Nephi to Payson, this route has breathtaking views of the Wasatch Range and 11,929-foot Mt. Nebo, its tallest mountain. See flat bottomlands, high-alpine conifers, red rock formations, gray sandstone cliffs and salt flats all in the same day. Sights include Devil's Kitchen, Walker Flat and Mt. Nebo Wilderness.

Local Byway Partners

Story of the Byway

Hikes range from the family-friendly stroll to Devils Kitchen Geologic Site to the very strenuous journey to the summit of Mt. Nebo. Beyond hiking, the byway offers stunning scenery the whole route, ideal for photography, fishing, auto touring and horseback riding. The byway has numerous overlooks and wildlife viewing opportunities. Nearby cities of Nephi, Payson, Santaquin and Spanish Fork offer opportunities to stock up on supplies or shop locally.

Driving Directions

Access the byway in the city of Payson. Take 7th South (Payson Canyon Road) east to the beginning of the byway (CR-015) in Payson Canyon. Stay on this road for the duration of the byway, which ends just east of Nephi at UT-132 (Nephi's 1st Street).

Points of Interest

  • Devils Kitchen Geologic Site

    Red rock and red dirt atop a mountain in the middle of a forest.

    Directions
  • Mt. Nebo

    Highest peak in the Wasatch Range.

    Directions
  • Uinta National Forest

    Created in 1897, name derived from Ute word meaning "pine forest."

    Directions

Itinerary

  • Cycling the Loop

    Starting in Nephi, cycle east on State Route 132 for five miles. Look for a left turn onto Forest Road 15. Travel north on the byway, following the signs at junctions. Along the loop, stop at the Devils Kitchen Geologic Site, then witness the scenic change—from valley to scrub oak, maples to aspens, and finally confir forests of fir, spruce and pine. Follow the peak down for a total of 38 miles, stopping to camp along a lake or meadow at your discretion. The byway ends just outside Payson, where you can access I-15 again.

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