Devil’s Kitchen

Devil’s Kitchen is located off the southern end of the Nebo Loop Road. It is also called Little Bryce Canyon as it resembles the formations found in that national park.

Devil’s Kitchen Hike Details

Distance – 0.25 miles roundtrip
Approximate hiking time – 15 to 30 minutes
Elevation at trailhead – 7805 feet
Elevation at Devil’s Kitchen Overlook – 7802 feet
Difficulty – Easy
Trail – Paved
Amount of water recommended – 1 liter
Bathrooms – None
Seasons to hike – mid April to late November
Permits: None needed

How to get there:

Follow Interstate 15 south from downtown Salt Lake for approximately 58 miles to the town of Payson. Take Exit 250, and head south (under the overpass) on UT-115, which is also Payson Main Street. Follow Main Street south to the stoplight at 100 North. Turn left at the stoplight, and head east for six blocks, where you will turn right (south) onto 600 East. Before you make the turn, you’ll see a brown street sign that reads Nebo Loop road with an arrow to help point you in the right direction. You will pass the old renovated Peteetneet building on your right on 600 East. You’ll continue through neighborhoods for several blocks, and be sure to watch your speed. Even though it’s tempting to go faster, the limit is 25 mph. This road will turn into the Nebo Loop Road. From the mouth of the canyon, follow the road for a little over 27 miles. You’ll pass a sign the reads “Devil’s Garden” and see parking on the right side of the road.

To reach the trailhead from the south, get off I-15 at Exit 225 in Nephi. Once on the off-ramp, turn left and go under I-15. This is 100 N/UT-132. Stay on UT-132 for almost five miles. As the road gently curves to the right, you’ll see a road coming from the left, and a sign the says Nebo Loop. Get in the turn lane and turn left. From here, travel northeast on Salt Creek Canyon Road for 3.3 miles, and the main road will curve to the right, while another road comes in on the left. Stay on the main road, as this road is now the Nebo Scenic Loop Road. Stay on this road for about 5.5 miles, and you’ll see a sign that reads “Devil’s Kitchen” with parking on the left side of the road.

Hitting the Trail!

As you leave the parking area, you’ll follow the wide paved trail south for about 200 meters. Along the trail there are some little interpretive signs that identify some trees and shrubs native to the area. Looking to the west (right) you’ll see Mount Nebo, the highest point in Utah County. Not to be confused, but there are actually three places in Utah called Devil’s Kitchen, the others are located in Canyonlands National Park, and in Millard C0unty, about 30 miles south of this Devil’s Kitchen.

After a leisurely 5 to 10 minute walk along the trail, you’ll arrive at the overlook of Devil’s Garden. It’s quite a sight to see such red rock considering that you are so far from the typical red rock county in southern Utah. You’ll see why it’s called Little Bryce, as it resembles a miniature Bryce Canyon. Devil’s Kitchen is relatively small, about 700 feet at its widest point.

There is a narrow trail that leaves the paved trail near the overlook and descends steadily for a bit before it fades out. This short hike is very suitable for children or the elderly, as the paved trail is flat the whole way. This hike is best as a small side trip while driving the Nebo Loop Road, or after hitting the trails of other destinations along the loop. Fall colors are especially impressive during early October as the leaves change.