Autumn Along the Mount Nebo Scenic Loop Byway

The Loop is one of the most beautiful scenic drives in America for Fall colors. As you climb the Loop, maple trees in the valley give way to aspens, and they finally give way to the conifers.

This scenic byway goes from Payson, Utah in the north, to Nephi in the south. You can return the same way you came, or if you're in a hurry, you can drive home via I-15 (at 75 mph). If you enter the Loop via Payson, you'll quickly be greeted by arching groves of Bigtooth Maple trees (Acer grandidentatum) ablaze with autumn colors.


Within a few miles, the Quaking Aspens (Populus tremuloides) will begin to appear. This photo was taken at about the 6,000 feet level, and includes a rustic fence make from older aspens.


Forest Ecology: At about 7,000 feet the conifers begin to crowd in. Aspens are the "nursing mothers" for conifers -- they actually allow conifers to take hold in an area. Sometimes the conifers will eventually push out most of the aspen and become the dominant species!

Wilderness Area: The above photo is actually within the Mount Nebo Wilderness Area. Elevations in the Wilderness range from 5,000 feet to 11,928 feet atop of Mount Nebo, the highest peak in the Wasatch Mountain Range. This wilderness area is located about 2 1/2 hours south of Salt Lake City.

From Film to Digital: These are "resurrected" images -- scanned from older film transparencies. They were photographed on Fujichrome 50 with the Mamya RB67 (6cm x 7cm) camera. (Scanned with the Imacon FlexTight Precision II.)

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