Nebo Loop is 15 miles south of Provo in central Utah. It begins in Payson and travels south to the intersection with UT 132. Nebo Loop is 38 miles long and follows Nebo Loop Road (FSR 015), a two-lane paved road suitable for all vehicles. Nebo Loop is usually open May through November.
The Nebo Loop scenic drive climbs over 9,000 feet in elevation through beautiful mountain scenery. Scenic overlooks along the byway provide vistas of 11,877-foot Mount Nebo and 10,931-foot Bald Mountain. Colorful canyons lined with maples, oaks, and stands of aspen are passed, beseeching the hiker to come and explore. These trees provide beautiful fall colors and stand out among the spruce, fir, and pine. Displaying its own brilliant color of red is the sandstone rock formation known as the Devil’s Kitchen. An overlook constructed along the byway provides visitors the chance to photograph this ruggedly beautiful work of nature.
Mount Nebo Wilderness lies to the west of this scenic route. Hikers, backpackers, and horseback riders will find hundreds of miles of trails running through the 28,170-acre area. Trailheads can be found at various points along the byway that lead you into the wilderness. Some guide you to the top of Mount Nebo. Shorter trails can also be found for those interested in just taking a stroll. As you walk the trails, be sure to look for mule deer, elk, or moose grazing around lakes.
There are several campgrounds along the byway. Payson Lakes is the largest with 100 units available. The campground has barrier-free facilities for the handicapped. All the sites have picnic tables, grills, and access to drinking water. Blackhawk Campground is the next largest with 38 sites. Ponderosa Campground has 22 sites; Maple Bench offers ten sites set among Rocky Mountain maples.