Topaz Historical Landmark and the Nebo Scenic Byway

Start off your morning learning more about what it was like living in the Great Basin. At this museum, you'll explore the area's rocks and fossils, view exhibits about the American Indians from the Fremont culture, and see artifacts from the pioneers and early explorers of Millar County. The museum also houses several displays and antiques from the 18th and 19th centuries.

During World War II, tens of thousands of people of Japanese descent were forced into remote camps controlled by the War Relocation Administration (WRA). One of the camps was located just outside of Delta, called the Topaz Internment Camp. It processed more than 11,000 people during its operations, with a population high of 8,300 people.
In 2017, the Topaz Museum opened with interpretive exhibits, artifacts, documents and art from Topaz. You will learn about this unusual historical landmark, which also discusses the Constitutional violations of the internment camps.

It's time to eat before you head out to the Topaz Internment Camp Site. Order lunch at Gordo's Lotsa Motsa pizza in Delta. They have classics like a Margherita pizza, along with specialty items like buffalo chicken or chile verde pizza. You could also order a calzone, salad, pasta bowls, and smoothies. Gordo's sources their ingredients from local merchants, alongside premium vendors for specialty items.

Drive out of town to the Topaz Internment Camp Landmark. When the camp closed in 1945, the buildings were dismantled so you won't see much except some cindered roads, building foundations, and rock gardens. The vast and empty desert landscape of the camp provides a glimpse into what desolate daily life looked like for the internees.
The entire camp was 19,800 acres and more than 11,000 people were processed there over the years. None of the internees were ever charged with sabotage or espionage. Check out the monument near the site that was erected in 1976 by the Japanese American Citizen League.

You can leave your car here and go for a brief hike to Devil's Kitchen.

You'll start to drive back to Salt Lake City by taking the Nebo Scenic Byway to explore some stunning outdoor sites before the day is done. Your first stop on the scenic mountain highway is Devils Kitchen. The Devils Kitchen features red rock pillars and other rock formations that look similar to what you would see at the famous Bryce Canyon National Park. The trail is short to the overlook to see this red rock area in an unusual part of the state.

Continuing on the Nebo Scenic Byway, you will stop at The Grotto Falls to stretch out your legs and hike a short 0.6-mile out-and-back trail to a beautiful waterfall. The trail starts through shady woods with a few bridges that cross a stream. At the end, you'll come to the small cave that has been carved out by the waterfall.

Grab dinner at the Daley Freez in Payson, a local joint that has been family-owned for over 50 years. With a mid-century modern look, the Daley Freez feels like stepping into the past when you step up to the window to order your food. They serve burgers, sandwiches, fish and chips, chicken strips, and shrimp. You also can't go wrong with any of their tasty malts and shakes.