Nephi Car Rental

Guide to Nephi

Geography

The city of Nephi is found within - and is the county seat of - Juab County within the U.S. state of Utah. Juab Valley is an important agricultural area serving the state as well as the wider nation, and Nephi is the principal center of commerce for the Valley. It also makes up a part of the Provo-Orem metropolitan area. Nephi can be found in central Utah, about 84 miles south of Salt Lake City, the state capital. The city is nestled within at the base of Mount Nebo, within a stunning high desert valley, which also happens to be Utah’s highest point in the Wasatch Range.

Climate in Nephi

If you’re visiting during the summer, you can expect clear and hot days. Winters, on the other hand, tend to be cloudy and dry. The temperatures range from 19°F to 89°F year-round and rarely drop below 6°F or go above 97°F. The best time to visit would be between late June and early September as this is when Utah comes alive with sublime fall colors, making outdoor activities a real pleasure.

Culture

The town of Nephi gets its name from Nephi, the son of Lehi, from the book of Mormon. Mormonism (also known as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) is prevalent in Nephi, and in Utah in general. In 1851, Mormon pioneers settled in the area occupied by present-day Nephi. It was called Salt Creek at the time and was a stopover along the Old Mormon Road that led to Southern California. In 1882, the town officially became Nephi.

Things to do in Nephi

Swim in crystal clear waters

Just a few minutes’ drive north of Nephi is Burraston Ponds, boasting stunning, azure waters that are perfect for swimming, fishing, scuba diving, or enjoying a leisurely picnic with friends. The highlight at this attraction is undoubtedly the Mona Rope Swings, dubbed the best rope swings in Utah Valley. You can find these rope swings all over the shore, encouraging you to swing Tarzan-like into the paradisical waters. These wetlands are fed by warm springs and they make for a relaxing soak after a long day of hiking or mountain climbing in the national parks nearby.

Ride an ATV on little sand dunes

A 30-minute drive west of Nephi is the Little Sahara Recreation Center, a part of the beguiling Sevier Desert that spreads through the middle of the state. Attracting thrill-seekers from all over the state, the Center boasts spectacular dune fields that are ideal for riding an ATV on, sandboarding or sand-skiing. Some of the dunes reach up to 700 feet in height. An interesting fact about the Little Sahara sand dunes is that they’re moving in the north and eastwards direction at the rate of 5 to 9 feet annually. This 124-square-mile mini-desert made up of giant, free-moving, sand-dunes is a must-see spectacle while in Nephi.

Visiting an intriguing ghost mining town

Once a booming mining town and the 9th-largest city in Utah, Eureka was producing millions of dollars in profits at one point, thanks to its silver and other ores. But since then, it has become a ghost town and got placed on the National Register of Historic Places in an attempt to rekindle interest in this abandoned yet heritage-filled town. Today, most people come to visit the Tintic Mining Museum, which displays artifacts from the town’s more prosperous times; or attend the annual Tintic Silver Festival, which wakes up with sleepy little down with a flurry of activity as craft stalls, food booths, and car shows are set up for a few days. Eureka is just 23 kilometers northeast of Nephi.

Eating out in Nephi

One of the most popular eateries in town, One Man Band Diner serves up classic American dishes like burgers, milkshakes, and onion rings. The mushroom burger and mesquite burgers are especially tasty. Try the country-fried steak at Lisa’s Country Kitchen. The full-fat lard used makes all the difference. Lotsa Motsa Pizza is the local equivalent of the nation-famous Caesar’s Pizza, which is to say that it’s quick, cheap, and satisfying. They also do take-aways and delivery.

Nephi Transport

Airport

The closest airport to Nephi is Provo Municipal Airport (PVU). If you come from abroad, you can fly into Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC).

Getting around

To get to Salt Lake City, the state capital and the largest urban center in Utah, take a Salt Lake Express bus. To reach other nearby cities and states, Greyhound coaches are your best option. The public transit options within Nephi are quite limited as almost all residents have their own vehicles.

For this reason, most visitors to Nephi also opt to rent a car for maximum comfort and flexibility. Some of the most popular car rental agencies in Nephi are Enterprise and Avis.