By Patrick Perkins

In the Middle Eastern nation of Jordan, few places are considered more holy than Mount Nebo. It is thought to be the place where Moses saw the Promised Land and where he was later buried by the hand of God.

Utah's own Mount Nebo can also be considered a holy place to many hikers. As the highest peak in the Wasatch Range, Nebo is considered by many the most difficult of all the hikes in the valley.

With the mountain's highest peak reaching an elevation of 11,928 feet, a hiker will scale 3,800 feet of elevation in only 3.5 miles of trail.

"Mount Nebo is probably the toughest of all the hikes in the valley," local hiking enthusiast Nathan Thomson said. "Nothing compares to the view at the top, though - simply spectacular."

While Mount Nebo may not be able to rival Mount Timpanogos in terms of popularity, the view from the top is no less spectacular.

From the top, there is a wide view of Utah Lake and the surrounding valley. To the north, Provo is visible as well as many other peaks along the Wasatch Range.

Because the mountain is covered by snow most of the year, the best time to make an ascent to the summit is during the summer months, starting in June or July.

There are three separate peaks of Mount Nebo, the north one being the highest. However, most hikers only make it to the south peak because a dangerous mile-long hike along a rocky ridge is required to reach the north.

Like most mountains, Nebo also holds several legends and myths.

Only 10 states have more reported sightings of Bigfoot than Utah. Many hikers have claimed to see the oversized Sasquatch while climbing Nebo.

As far as LDS folklore goes, Brigham Young said in a talk in 1861, that Gadianton robbers used to inhabit these mountains and that their spirits still linger here today.

"There are millions of these spirits [the Gadianton robbers] in the mountains, and they are ready to make us covetous if they can," President Young said. "They are ready to lead astray every man and woman that wishes to be a Latter-day Saint."

For both the avid hiker or for the superstitious, as the tallest of the seven peaks, Mount Nebo has many attractions to offer.



Copyright Brigham Young University 26 Jun 2008