Well, we actually took this drive along the Nebo Loop Scenic Byway over a month ago. I have several trips I still need to post about, so I’m hoping to catch up and add a few over the weekend. After seeing how beautiful this drive was, I definitely want to go back soon! Especially now that the leaves are starting to change colors.
Before we started, I found a helpful map on HowStuffWorks.com and saved a screenshot of it on my phone. I’m really glad I did because I lost all cell reception during most of the drive. If you’re planning on doing the Nebo Loop, I would definitely recommend saving a map beforehand. It came in very handy!
We started our drive in Payson and followed the loop south toward Nephi. Be prepared for narrow mountain roads and plenty of sharp turns, but the views along the way make it completely worth it.
The entire drive was full of incredible scenery and endless photo opportunities. At times it honestly felt like we were driving through something straight out of The Sound of Music.
One of the things I loved most about the Nebo Loop was how many pull-off areas there were along the road. It made it easy to stop, stretch your legs, and take in the views whenever something caught your eye.
At one point we could even see Utah Lake way off in the distance and somewhere down there is where we now call home.
The moon decided to join us for part of the drive as well, hanging in the sky over the mountains and making the views even more dramatic.
Of course, we also had to stop and admire the rock formations along the way. We tend to look at rocks everywhere we go, but when you see formations like these it’s easy to understand why.
One thing that surprised me was how much the landscape changed throughout the drive. Some areas almost reminded me of southern Utah, even though we were much farther north.
And of course, it wouldn’t be a Utah road trip without a few cows… and even a cowboy or two along the way.
Overall, the Nebo Loop Scenic Byway is an amazing drive and something I would absolutely recommend if you’re in the area. Next time, we’ll definitely be coming back in the fall when the mountains are covered in color.
