WALKING THE WILDERNESS - PART I

 EXPLORING WASATCH WILDERNESS - PART ONE OF A TEN PART SERIES

Full disclosure - we are not wilderness experts! Part of our mission as volunteer GOBFW leaders is to educate ourselves and others about wilderness, wild places and public lands. Our 2023 theme is Walking the Wilderness and we encourage all Broads and Bros to get to know your Utah (and especially Wasatch Front and Back) wilderness areas better. The more educated we are about these wild places, the better prepared we will be to rally against wilderness mistreatment.  Many of us are probably not going to hoist our ancient, heavy backpack onto our broken and creaky backs anymore, but we can get a peak at these special places and learn more about their unique features.

MOUNT NEBO WILDERNESS AREA

The Mt. Nebo Scenic Byway (located between Payson and Nephi) is the primary access to Mount Nebo Wilderness Area, which was designated by the United States Congress in 1984. The wilderness area encompasses 28,022 acres and is managed by the U.S. Forest Service. The centerpiece of the southern portion of the wilderness is Mount Nebo, which looms above the wilderness area between Interstate 15 on the west side of the area, and the Byway to the east. Wilderness elevation begins at approximately 5,400 feet elevation, climbing through mountain valleys and meadows broken by moderate to steep ridges. The Wilderness Area encompasses four USFS maintained trails, totaling approximately 21 miles within the wilderness area. The trail system provides access to sites and is linked with other trails that border the wilderness area.

Twenty-seven trails are located along the Byway, seven of which lead into the Mount Nebo Wilderness Area. Mount Nebo is the highest peak of the Wasatch Mountain range. The mountain is crowned by three peaks, with the northern peak reaching 11,928 feet . Parts of the mountain are covered in snow from mid-October until July and it is a popular, although strenuous, destination for hikers and equestrians.

The extensive winter snow melt caused damage along the Byway as well as Santaquin Canyon Road. Make sure to check road conditions before exploring the area. Some areas are expected to open by June 16, others not until the end of July.

Sources: Nebo Loop Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan Update, Wilderness Connect, USFS Spanish Fork District