Mt. Nebo

Stats

Length:	4.10 miles
Difficulty:	Moderately Strenuous
Estimated Hike Time:	4-6 Hours
Trail Type:	Out and Back
Elevation Low:	9,268 feet
Elevation High:	11,905 feet
Total Elevation Gain:	2,637 feet
Optimal Season:	Late Summer to Late Fall
Best Access Point:	Payson

Summary

This trail offers some beautiful views of the Nebo Basin, and leads to the highest peak in the Wasatch Range.

Hike Images

Overview

Summiting the highest point in the Wasatch mountain range will leave you with quite a sense of accomplishment, and maybe some sore limbs. And although this challenge sounds intimidating, this trail is actually shorter, and gains less elevation than the hike to Mt. Timpanogos via Timpooneke. That said, this hike is still not for the faint of heart, as there are some seriously steep inclines, and areas of razor sharp shale, especially along the ridge. In addition, as you near the summit, the fierce winds can be very cold, especially to the ears and nose. Another thing that makes this trail unique for a mountain summit trail is the fact that there are so many ups and downs along the way to the top, that the trek back from the summit is not significantly faster as it usually is, and you can get just as good of a workout on the way back. All in all, you'll gain approximately 3800 feet along this trail.

Note: There are other trails to get to Mt. Nebo - mostly from the south. When Mt. Nebo was first scouted and surveyed, it was believed that the south summit was the highest point, hence the other trails to the south summit. It wasn't until recently that the north summit was found to be higher, so this trail takes you there.

Directions

gps coordinates of trailhead:

39.8482, -111.722

Trail Information

This trail doesn't beat around the bush, or ease you into the steepness in any way. Right off the bat you're heading up a steep incline along a cattle fence. However, the views and scenery along this trail are unprecedented in beauty. I did this hike in late September when the fall colors were out in full force; the yellow of the aspens, and the reds of the maples created a very colorful panorama. The first portion of this trail leads up and down some hills along this fence taking you closer to the ridge of Mt. Nebo.

As the trail leads through some patches of evergreens and conifers, it heads along the first of three ridges. From this ridge, you encounter some very intimate and stunning views of the mountain you are about to ascend. Soon, the vegetation clears out revealing a very steep mountain face, which you must cross to make it to the second ridge, a mini-ridge of sorts.

The trail veers to the left, pointing you directly up this mini-ridge. Forget about switchbacks - this portion of the trail doesn't bother with them. Just head straight up the steep ridge with the forest on your right and the steep mountain meadow on your left.

Eventually, this will veer left again, and the trail leads you along the east face of the mountain, granting some grand views of Nephi. The general direction of this slope is downwards, resulting in a loss of the altitude you just gained along the mini-ridge. Although there are still several places where this portion of the trail undulates, it is the most level portion relative to the rest of the hike, which makes it a good place to step up the pace if your party is falling behind schedule.

Soon you'll come to the saddle where a monstrous false summit looms ahead. The trek up along this ridge to the false summit is the steepest part of the hike, and here begins the razor sharp shale as the vegetation slowly begins to recede. Once you reach the false summit (and breathe a sigh of relief), the ridge continues down, losing about a hundred feet of elevation again before taking a steep upward turn towards the north summit, the highest of the 3 summits of Mt. Nebo. Make it across this ridge and you'll arrive at the summit.

Download KMZ File

Posted By: James Meyer

Comments

blog comments powered by Disqus