Mount Nebo Scenic Byway

The Nebo Loop Scenic Byway skirts just below the summit. I parked on the south side where there is a large meadow with people usually camping. There is unavoidable brush on this side but it isn't too bad, near the top it goes away. This summit has a benchmark with the word Twin on it.

The Mount Nebo Loop Scenic Byway has many large and small peaks accessible from the drive. This page contains four of the lower, "dumpster diver" peaks. The first two I think have some redeeming qualities and are worth a visit if you are in the area. The second two are a bit boring and should probably be left to the obsessed peakbaggers.

Distance: 0.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 400 feet
Summit Elevation: 9,272 feet
Access Rating: Level 1

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Distance: 1.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 500 feet
Summit Elevation: 8,670 feet
Access Rating: Level 1

Distance: 0.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 200 feet
Summit Elevation: 8,777 feet
Access Rating: Level 1

Distance: 1 mile
Elevation Gain: 400 feet
Summit Elevation: 7,380 feet
Access Rating: Level 2-3 depending on conditions

Gentle Band Ridge has a trail to within a few feet of the summit. Park in the signed trailhead parking just south of the Beaver Dam Overlook. A short dirt road leads to the parking spots on the southeast side of the road. After walking through the gate, the trail splits, go right downhill. Follow the trail as it goes through meadows between the trees. When you climb up to a small saddle, look for a overgrowing trail to the left. The is a small trail marker on the main trail with a diamond on it. Going left on the overgrown trail will take you up to the summit. Although there is a bit of brush at times, the trail tread is there and makes walking easy enough. The summit ridge is quite long but I placed a register at the point I thought was the highest. Better views could be found by continuing on the trail past the highest point.

This forested summit is easy but lacks any qualities that might drive someone to pull over and hike up. For this reason, I placed a register to hopefully give you that extra push. I parked in a pullout on the north side of the highway northeast of the summit at the saddle and highest point for this peak by road. Crossed the road, walked through a small field and jumped a cattle fence. From here it is easy walking around trees and brush to the top.

This hidden highpoint is why I like to do dumpster diving peaks. You are forced into seeing interesting places you would otherwise skip. Visiting this peak will take you by two small scenic reservoirs with a interesting canal dug between the two. I climbed up from the first reservoir (Pete Winward Reservoir), but returned via Dry Lake Reservoir. As I approached the summit I noticed the area had been harvested of trees around 15 years before. I figured there must have been a road up and sure enough I found it, taking it down for a much more pleasant experience then the route up. The road has some trail tread most of the way as it switchbacks up the mountain. The road gets near the summit but a bit of cross country in easy terrain is required. From the fence below the Dry Lake earth dam, find your way to the north end of the dam. The road starts up the mountain here going away from the lake. You should see a trail that quickly hits the canal that must be jumped over. Follow the road up. No real views but your chances at wildlife are good, I saw deer and bear scat everywhere. Access to Dry Lake may require a 4WD if the roads are muddy in early season.

Twin Knolls from the parking area on the south side

Dry Mountain & South Dry Mountain from Twin Knolls

Mount Nebo & North Peak from Twin Knolls

Gentle Band Ridge from Gentle Band Ridge West Ridge

From the summit of Gentle Band Ridge looking south

Looking north from Gentle Band Ridge

Meadows on way up Gentle Band Ridge

Gentle Band West Ridge from the highway on the north side

A small meadow just before the top on the right

Start from the road here - Reservoir dam in distance

Dry Lake Reservoir (first switchback is right from here)

Views of the reservoir from the old logging road