
How long is the Mount Nebo Scenic Byway?
Usa, north-america
56 km
2,851 m
moderate
Year-round
Cruising the Nebo Loop in Utah's Uinta National Forest is an absolute must-do! This 35-mile beauty winds through the southern Wasatch Range between Nephi and Payson, taking you up to a whopping 9,353 feet above sea level at the Monument trailhead.
Picture this: you're carving through a narrow canyon alongside a babbling trout stream before the road starts its ascent, treating you to killer views of the Wasatch. Keep your eyes peeled for cattle and other wildlife โ they love to wander onto the road!
Built back in the day by the Civilian Conservation Corps, the road is paved, but hold on tight! There are sections that get pretty narrow with steep drop-offs and no guardrails. Translation: sharp turns, switchbacks galore, and epic climbs that'll have your engine working hard.
Heads up โ this byway usually closes for the winter (late October to June/July) due to heavy snow. Even when it's open, mountain weather is unpredictable, so always check the forecast before you go, and watch out for icy patches.
Set aside at least 1.5 hours for the drive itself. But trust me, you'll want to stop! There are tons of overlooks with incredible vistas, especially of Mt. Nebo, the highest peak in the Wasatch Range. Wildflowers explode in color during the summer, and there are campgrounds and trailheads aplenty. Just try not to let the scenery distract you from the road!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 56 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,851 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
extremeSummit Pass
๐บ๐ธ Usa
Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! Summit Pass in Colorado's Rio Grande County is calling your name โ if you're brave enough! We're talking a lung-busting 11,801 feet above sea level, so be prepared for thin air. This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. The path to the top, nestled in the Rio Grande National Forest, is a gravelly, 4WD-only beast. Seriously, you'll need that four-wheel drive โ there are water crossings, and things get rocky and muddy. Mother Nature can be a real wildcard here, so keep an eye on the weather. Avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides are all potential party crashers, and icy patches can appear out of nowhere. This road demands respect. Scope out what's ahead before committing โ things can quickly go from "interesting" to "oh no!" You'll need some serious driving skills, patience for days, and a healthy dose of vertigo tolerance. The beginning's a breeze โ the Forest Service calls it East Fork Road โ but don't get cocky. It soon morphs into a rougher track with short, punchy climbs and one seriously steep ascent. But, oh, the views!
hardWhere is Mount Walker?
๐บ๐ธ Usa
Okay, buckle up for a wild ride up Mount Walker! This peak punches up to 2,769 feet in Washington's Jefferson County, nestled on the eastern side of the Olympic Peninsula inside the Olympic National Forest. Forget smooth pavement; you're tackling a 5.1-mile unpaved route (Mount Walker Road, also known as Forest Service Road 2730) built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. It's a steep one, folks! We're talking gradients hitting 25% in places! You'll climb a whopping 2,273 feet, so get ready for that average 8.45% grade. The road's narrow with a few pull-offs, and forget bringing your RV or trailer โ they're not allowed. Keep in mind the road typically closes during the winter months, aiming to reopen around May 1. Up top, you'll find killer views from where a fire lookout once stood before it was dismantled in 1967. The trailhead is found five miles south of Quilcene on U.S. Highway 101 (Olympic Highway).
hardLulu Pass in Montana is worth the white-knuckle drive
๐บ๐ธ Usa
Hey adventure seekers! Wanna tackle one of Montana's highest roads? Head to Park County and take on Lulu Pass, topping out at a cool 9,872 feet! You'll find it north of Cooke City, nestled in the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness in the southwestern part of the state. Fair warning: this ain't your Sunday drive. It's a 5.2-mile unpaved climb up an old mining road from Beartooth Highway (US-212). Think rough terrain and pretty steep inclines. You'll definitely want a high-clearance 4x4 to conquer this one. Keep in mind, Lulu Pass is typically snowed in from November to May. Even during the open season, the weather up here can be super unpredictable โ think sudden chills and surprise storms. Be prepared! Up top, youโll find some cool historic ruins from the old New World Mining District. But the real reward? The mind-blowing views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and those gorgeous alpine meadows. Trust me, the bragging rights are totally worth it!
moderateThe Wild Road to Onyx Peak
๐บ๐ธ Usa
Okay, so you're itching for an off-road adventure in SoCal? Check out Onyx Peak! This beast sits way up high in the San Bernardino Mountains, at over 9,100 feet! Forget pavement, the road (if you can call it that โ it's 1N01A) to the top is all dirt and rocks. Seriously, you're gonna need a 4x4 for this one. Keep an eye out for the gate at Onyx Summit; if it's open, you're golden to drive right to the peak. Once you're in San Bernardino National Forest and start the climb, you're looking at about 3 miles to the summit. Youโll be gaining around 660 feet in elevation along the way. And up top? Expect killer views and a bunch of radio towers. Just sayinโ.