Nebo Loop Scenic Byway

This well-signed Byway is a winding drive between cities of Payson and Nephi. The road climbs 9,000 feet and crosses the Uinta National Forest providing stunning views of Utah Valley, the surrounding Wasatch, and dramatic wrap-around vistas of 11,877-foot Mt. Nebo, the highest peak in the rugged and beautiful Wasatch Range.

Location

Uinta National Forest (Between Payson and Nephi), Payson, UT 84651
801-377-5780
Accessibility: Directions from Salt Lake City: Take Interstate 15 south toward Provo. Continue south past Provo until you reach Payson Exit 250. (1st Payson Exit). Exit and turn left onto Payson Main Street (State Route 77). Travel south until Main Street intersects with 100 North (State Route 198). Turn left and travel east to 600 East, then turn right on 600 East. Continue south to the entrance of Payson Canyon and the beginning of the National Scenic Byway. Heavy snow closes the road in winter.
Driving time: The 32-mile Byway takes about one and one-half hours to complete.

Description

Nebo Loop is designated a National Scenic Byway by the Federal Highway Administration, recognizing it as one of the premiere driving roads in America. The Byway has many photo opportunities with beautiful mountain greenery and wildlife viewing. The brilliant fall foliage of the Uinta National Forest is hard to match anywhere in the nation. September 14-24 is expected to feature the height of this season’s fall colors. However, there are still plenty of beautiful colors in October.

Along the way, there are numerous campgrounds, trails, and horseback riding areas. There are six overlooks to view some unique features such as the sandstone formation of Devil’s Kitchen Geologic Interest Site or take time to read about the unique history, geology and recreation.