Hiking Mt.Nebo – Tallest Peak in the Wasatch

Mt. Nebo (11,929 ft) is the highest peak in the Wasatch Mountains. and Utah County. Mt. Nebo actually has two summits, the north and south, with the North being the higher of the two.

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About

Mt.Nebo is a popular hike, so the trail is well maintained and easy to follow. Around 9,000 ft a bench trail runs level North to South, as it reaches Wolf Pass. From there, the trail steadily climbs to a false summit, before reaching the ridge that leads to the true summit. This is a strenuous, yet very rewarding hike, as you can see for several miles around.

The main reason I’ve been wanting to do Nebo is the fact that it is the tallest peak in the Wasatch Mountains, at 11,929 ft. It beats out Mt. Timpanogos by about 200 ft, yet it is way more popular than Nebo. Why? Not sure. It’s a shorter distance than Timp (as the locals call it), but could be that it is a further drive for most, and steeper compared to Timp. I’ve heard people proudly announce they’ve hiked Timp 10 times! And, I’m like “why?”. Enough with my rant on Timp vs Nebo. Let’s move on.

Directions

From SLC, drive south on I-15 towards Payson, UT, and take exit 250 for Main St. At the first light, turn Left onto E 100 N. At the next light, turn right onto the Nebo Loop Road. There are brown signs pointing you in the right direction. Once you turn onto the Nebo Loop Road, drive about 25 miles to the signed, Monument Trail head parking area. As soon as you turn into the lot, turn right onto Mona Drive, and park at the end of this road. Here is a driving map. You can also type in “Mount Nebo / North Peak Trailhead” into Google Maps and it should pop up.

Trail Info

Distance: 9 miles round trip

Elevation gain: 3,000 ft

Time: 5-8 hours

Dog friendly? Yes, off leash

Kid friendly? No

The Mt.Nebo trailhead/parking lot is always full by 6am on weekends. Some people even start super early, like 4am.

Keep walking along the cattle fence. This 1st mile is the easiest, and very gradual.

In July the trail is very green! I started hiking at 5:40am to beat the heat (and people!).

Such pretty morning light. You will hike through a forested area for a few minutes.

Work your way up, and through this meadow. This is where the trail really starts to get hard, once you reach the ridge where the bunch of trees are in the upper right corner of this photo.

As you get close to the first low saddle, you will work up a few short but steep switchbacks. Once on the saddle, turn left.

As you make your way towards Wolf Pass, you will have a great view of the false summit – I was surprised to see people on their way down already.

Approaching Wolf Pass. This is a great spot to take a snack break, and prepare yourself for climbing to the false peak.

This is how steep hiking up to the false peak it was. I’m not gonna lie – this part of the trail was super challenging! Take your time, and you can do it.

On the false peak, I took a short 5 minute break to enjoy the view of what is to come – the best part! Mt.Nebo here I come.

The photos make it look worse than it really is. I highly recommend to stay high on the ridge – don’t be fooled by the trails that drop down. You’ll expend all your energy climbing right back up to the ridge.