Nebo Loop Scenic Byway

This byway crosses the Uinta National Forest between the cities of Nephi and Payson. It climbs to over 9,000 feet in elevation and provides breathtaking views of Utah valley, the Wasatch Mountains and 11,928-foot Mount Nebo, the tallest mountain in the Wasatch Range.

The Nebo Loop Byway is a motorcyclist's dream with many overlooks. The brilliant fall foliage of the Uinta National Forest is hard to match anywhere in the nation.

Along the byway, numerous campgrounds, trail systems and popular horseback riding areas are available for exploration. A unique scenic feature is the Devil’s Kitchen Geologic Interest Site with picnic facilities, a paved trail and observation deck. The spectacular red color of this amphitheater, with its many spires reminiscent of Bryce, is a brilliant contrast to the mountain greenery surrounding it. The eroded sandstone formation’s startling red color adds contrast to the mountain greenery found through the rest of the byway.

The Payson Lakes Recreation Area, 12 miles south of Payson, offers hiking on paved trails, improved picnic areas, camping and excellent fishing. This byway also provides backcountry trail access into the Mount Nebo Wilderness Area.

The 38-mile byway takes about 1½ hours to complete. It is closed in the winter. (Info taken from www.utah.com)

HOW TO FIND IT

From I-15, take the Nephi exit (exit 225) and go East on State Route 132. About 4.9 miles from I-15 turn left onto a conspicuously marked Nebo Loop road. Follow the main road until you come back down from the mountains into Payson on 600 East. Turn left onto 100 North.

If you are headed north, then turn right at the Main Street light and hit I-15 at exit 254.

If you are headed south, you can, of course, proceed as above and head south from exit 254 or go through the Main Street light and follow the street around to the left until you reach the Texaco and 800 North (which was not marked as such at this writing), at which point you can turn right onto 800 North and proceed to I-15 at exit 252.

MY OPINION:

On a scale of 1-10, I'd rate Nebo Loop an 8.5. It is great for an after-work leisure ride or for an intense, peg-scraping ride. A word of caution-- watch out for cows! This is a free-roaming area and often times they are on the road. Ride safe, have fun and keep the rubber side down!