Through the Mountain Tops
October 19, 2006
On the Saturday of General Conference my roommates and I decided to take a little drive during the afternoon session. You might be thinking, “Well what about conference?”. We did not forget about this and made arrangements to listen to it in the car over the radio. My comrades and I set off on this beautiful autumn day towards Payson, UT where we would find the start of the Mt. Nebo Scenic Byway. This mountain road winds its way back into the Wasatch Mountains, rounds Mt. Nebo, and meets back to highway 15 near Nephi, UT.
The experience turned out to be rather spectacular. I have oft found it difficult to stay awake during General Conference. While I feel bad about this, few things short of putting on my Sunday dress and heading to the nearest stake center help the problem. To my delight I found it quite easy to stay alert during our trip. With my ears attuned the speakers’ messages and my eyes fixed on the beauty of the Almighty’s creations, I felt very fulfilled and edified. I thought it was particularly inspiring to be driving over a pass at just over 9,000 feet and gazing at the near 12,000 foot Mt. Nebo while listening to the choir sing “High On a Mountain Top”.
The scenery did not disappoint. The fall colors were abundant and bright, reminiscent of the pictures of New England I have seen in books. Maybe someday I will be able to compare it to the real thing! The soft lines of the vibrant trees, backdropped by the snow dusted crags of the nearby peaks were truly a sight. I have hiked to the top of Mt. Nebo and it looked even taller than I remembered. This place is a must see that is as accessible as the grocery store and offers so much without even leaving the car.
I think that I might make this a tradition for the future. A scenic drive while listening to General Conference is a perfect match. You will have to be in Utah though, unless Conference is broadcast in your area over the radio.
If you go…
Directions: From Nephi, follow Utah 132 east for about five miles and turn north at the Scenic Loop sign. Or, access the north end of the Loop from Utah 91 in Payson, following the signs.
