Trail Overview
Mona Pole Road is an exceptionally scenic mountain trail ideal for intermediate offroaders looking to experience dramatic elevation shifts and stunning alpine vistas between the Nebo Loop and the town of Mona, Utah. Spanning nearly 15 miles, this route climbs to a maximum elevation of 9,932 feet, passing through beautiful high-altitude meadows and dense pine forests. Traveling from the Nebo Scenic Loop down to Mona offers a net elevation loss of over 4,200 feet, providing breathtaking views of the valley below. While the trail is not overly technical, the western approach from Mona presents a steep, rocky climb covered in loose scree and fist-sized stones, requiring a high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicle or capable SxS.
Airing down tires is highly recommended to smooth out the rocky sections, and starting from the top allows drivers to easily refill at the gas station in Mona. An adventurous, narrower side spur leads to an old privateer mine site, which increases the technical difficulty and requires a high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicle due to tight squeezes and obstacles. The route is best traveled from mid-July through October, as snow drifts can linger and block the upper passes well into June or early July. Carrying a chainsaw is advised to clear any fallen trees along the forested sections, ensuring a safe and successful journey through this historic mining region.
History
This was originally a mine road leading to the old privateer mines.