
Carter Peak
Usa, north-america
2.24 km
2,036 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're anywhere near north-central Sevier County, Utah, and you've got a serious itch for a challenging off-road experience, Carter Peak is calling your name! This beast of a peak tops out at 6,679 feet, and let me tell you, getting there is no Sunday drive.
The road? Think gravel and demanding. You're going to need a high-clearance 4x4 to even think about tackling this one, and even then, prepare to park it for the last few hundred feet – it gets THAT gnarly. Starting from Sage Flat Road, it’s a mere 1.4 miles, BUT packed into that short distance are ten hairpin turns and a lung-busting 15% average grade. We're talking about a 1,100-foot climb!
The reward? Totally worth it. Once you conquer that final stretch, you're greeted with jaw-dropping 360-degree views of the entire Sevier Valley. Plus, there's a cool radio tower at the summit. Just remember, this climb is STEEP. So, gear up, get ready for a workout, and prepare to be amazed!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 2.24 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,036 m
- Difficulty
- hard
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