Nebo Loop Scenic Byway
A 37-mile mountain road between Payson and Nephi on the east face of Mount Nebo, past Payson Lakes and the red hoodoos of Devils Kitchen.
Also known as Nebo Loop National Scenic Byway; Mount Nebo Scenic Loop
Photo: U.S. Department of Transportation, America's Byways collection (National Archives), Public domain, source
- Length37 miles[1]Visit Utah and Nephi City give 38 miles.
- Drive timeAbout an hour one way, or a day to enjoy it[1]FHWA's "time to allow"
- RoadsNebo Loop Road (Forest Road 15), between 600 East in Payson and state Route 132 near Nephi[3]
- Start and endPayson Canyon on the edge of Payson to UT-132 just east of Nephi[2]
- Fees and passesNo fees along the byway itself[1]
- Best seasonSummer and fall, with autumn color; the road is closed in winter[3]
- SurfacePaved[3]
- Vehicle notesWinding mountain road that climbs to over 9,000 feet[4]
- Seasonal closuresClosed in winter because of heavy snow, from late October through June or July[4]Sanpete County notes the closed road is a groomed snowmobile trail in winter.
Before you go
Road status and weather can change quickly. Check the official road-conditions link before you go.
Facts last checked against the sources on October 29, 2026.
About the drive
The Nebo Loop runs through the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest between Payson and Nephi, climbing to over 9,000 feet with views of Utah Valley and Mount Nebo, the highest peak in the Wasatch Range.
The road climbs from scrub oak through maple, aspen and conifer forest. Payson Lakes has paved trails, picnic areas and camping, overlooks look out over Utah Valley, and Devils Kitchen is a short walk to red sandstone hoodoos with an observation deck.
The byway closes in winter because of heavy snow, so plan for summer or fall. Fall color is the big draw. It takes about an hour to drive one way.
Stops along the way
-
Payson
North gateway town; the byway starts in Payson Canyon.
Official information · 40.0444, -111.73216 · about 1.0 mi from the route line
-
Payson Lakes Recreation Area
Lakes with paved trails, picnic areas and camping, 12 miles south of Payson.
Official information · 39.9249, -111.63322 · about 0.1 mi from the route line
-
Devils Kitchen
Red sandstone hoodoos with a paved trail and observation deck.
Official information · 39.80246, -111.68772 · about 0.1 mi from the route line
-
Nephi
South gateway town, where the byway meets SR-132.
Official information · 39.71024, -111.83633 · about 5.6 mi from the route line
Stops are listed in order along the route; the numbers match the map. Stop locations come from the National Park Service, the U.S. Geological Survey place-names database, the stop's own official page or, where noted in the data, OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors).
Food along the way
Farmers markets within about 25 miles
- Mapleton Farmers' MarketMapleton, UT · about 10.4 mi from the route
- Provo Farmers MarketProvo, UT · about 14.3 mi from the route
- Happy Valley Farmers Market4801 N University Ave Provo, UT · about 18.8 mi from the route
- Happy Valley Farmers' MarketAmerican Fork, UT · about 24.2 mi from the route
- Thanksgiving Point Farmers MarketLehi, UT · about 24.6 mi from the route
Markets keep their own seasons and hours, so check with the market before you go. Find more in the Farmers Market Finder.
In season during the best months to drive
The drive's best months are Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct. Typical U.S. seasons from our Fresh Market Guide; local harvests vary.
- AlmondsAug, Sep, Oct
- Asian pearsAug, Sep, Oct
- FigsJul, Aug, Sep, Oct
- GrapesAug, Sep, Oct
Keep exploring
Scenic drives nearby
- The Energy Loop: Huntington/Eccles Canyons Scenic BywayUT · about 36 mi away
- Dinosaur Diamond Prehistoric HighwayCO, UT
- Flaming Gorge-Uintas National Scenic BywayUT
- Logan Canyon Scenic BywayUT
- Scenic Byway 12UT
- Scenic Byway 143 - Utah's Patchwork ParkwayUT
More scenic drives in Utah
Food and farms in the area
Sources
- America's Byways: Nebo Loop Scenic Byway (FHWA) (checked 2026-10-29)
- Nebo Loop Scenic Byway (Recreation.gov) (checked 2026-10-29)
- Nebo Loop National Scenic Byway (Visit Utah, Utah Office of Tourism) (checked 2026-10-29)
- Mount Nebo Scenic Loop (Nephi City) (checked 2026-10-29)
- Nebo Loop National Scenic Byway (Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, USDA Forest Service) (checked 2026-10-29)
- Route line: U.S. DOT scenic byways map service (geo.dot.gov), retrieved 2026-10-22.
Written by VanillaGoods from the cited official sources. This is a drive to know, not a ranking. Road status and weather can change quickly; check the official road-conditions link before you go.
Spot something out of date? Email help@vanillagoods.com (help@vanillagoods.com).