Some random information about hiking the summit.
1. Take Nebo loop from Payson.
2. Go past Payson Lakes. Pull off the loop at the Nebo bench trail head. This is just before the road starts its major descent towards Nephi. Instead of pulling into the parking lot for the bench trail follow a dirt road that goes off to the right. I think this is called the pole cat canyon road. Follow this for about .5 miles and park in the pull out just before the road starts to descend down to Mona. Any 2wd vehicle can do this drive.
3. Hike the obvious trail along the ridge towards the west. North peak (not to be confused with the North summit of Nebo) should be right in front of you. You are headed for the large cirque to the north (right) of North peak.
4. The trail goes slightly up and down and wanders through some beautiful woods with views of Utah Valley poking through occasionally. (Fine camping spots along the trail.) Eventually you will hit the base of the large cirque. There is a ton of avalanche damage here and probably some snow at all times of the year. If you lose the trail in the damage, know that it goes straight up the cirque for about 200 yards and then cuts to the North (right) side and follows switch backs on the right ridge of the cirque. DO NOT waste energy taking the direct route up the left side. It is NOT faster unless you are an iron-man.
5. You exit the cirque on the ridge and now you will be able to see Mona lake. Follow the ridge trail for about 300 yards until it begins to go up North Peak. There will be a fork trail that traverses along the west face of the peak. Watch for and take that fork. Otherwise you will ascend North Peak and then have to descend it to get to the summit. Big waste of energy. The fork trail keeps you at the right altitude to get to the pass at the base of the summit. This pass is called Wolf pass.
6. Once at Wolf pass (fine camping spot). You then ascend up a sub peak and then a straight shot to the summit. The final summit hike will force you to scramble over 3rd class loose rock, but nothing that an 8 year old couldn't do.
Estimated total mileage: 10 miles.
Estimated round trip time: 5 hours.
Estimated elevation gain: 3,500'.