Mount Nebo (Utah) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mount Nebo |
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Mount Nebo, February 2005
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 11,933 ft (3,637 m) NAVD 88 |
| Prominence | 5,488 ft (1,673 m) |
| Isolation | 75.57 mi (121.62 km) |
| Listing |
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| Geography | |
 Mount Nebo
Location in Utah
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| Location | Juab / Utah counties, Utah, U.S. |
| Parent range | Wasatch Range |
| Topo map | USGS Mona |
| Climbing | |
| First ascent | 1869 |
| Easiest route | Hike |
Mount Nebo is a very tall and important mountain in Utah, United States. It is the highest peak in the southern part of the Wasatch Range. The mountain is named after a biblical mountain that is said to be where Moses passed away. Mount Nebo is the main feature of the Mount Nebo Wilderness, which is a special protected area inside the Uinta National Forest.
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Discover Mount Nebo
Mount Nebo is known for being the highest mountain in the southern part of Utah's Wasatch Range. It's a truly special place, named after a famous mountain mentioned in the Bible. This mountain is the heart of the Mount Nebo Wilderness, a protected area within the Uinta National Forest.
Two Peaks, One Mountain
Did you know Mount Nebo actually has two main tops, called summits? The northern summit is the highest, reaching about 11,933 feet (3,637 m) (3,637 meters) above sea level. The southern summit is a little bit lower, at 11,882 feet (3,622 m) (3,622 meters). For a while, people thought the southern peak was the tallest. But new surveys in the 1970s showed that the northern peak is actually higher. Mount Nebo is also the highest point in Utah County.
An Ultra-Prominent Peak
Mount Nebo is considered an "ultra" peak. This means it's one of 128 mountains in the United States that stand out a lot from the land around them. It has more than 1,500 metres (4,900 ft) of what's called topographic prominence. This just means it rises very high above the surrounding landscape. You can often see snow on Mount Nebo from mid-October all the way until July! Nearby towns include Payson, Nephi, and Provo.
Exploring Mount Nebo
Mount Nebo is a popular spot for outdoor adventures. There are many trails that let you explore this amazing mountain.
Hiking Trails
A good trail leads to the southern summit of Mount Nebo. You can start this hike from either the east or west side of the mountain. Another trail takes you to the northern summit, starting from the northeast. There's also a "bench trail" that runs along the east side of the mountain. This trail stays at about 9,000 feet (2,743 meters) high. All these trails are popular with hikers, but they can be quite challenging. Some parts are even tricky for horseback riders.
Mount Nebo Scenic Byway
The Mount Nebo Scenic Byway is a special road that lets you see incredible views. It's a federally recognized National Scenic Byway. This road starts near Payson off I-15 and travels south through the Mount Nebo Wilderness. It climbs to over 9,000 feet (2,743 meters) high before rejoining the interstate near Nephi. Along the way, you'll get amazing views of Mount Nebo itself, the Utah Valley, and Utah Lake far below. There are many places to stop and start hikes along this route. One short walk takes you to a cool spot called "Devil's Kitchen," which looks like a mini Bryce Canyon.
Images for kids
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Mount Nebo (left of center) from above, with Utah Lake and the rest of the Wasatch Range in the background.
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Mount Nebo's eastern side during winter.
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A wide view of Mount Nebo in 2007.
