FR123 is a wild road in the Tushar Mountains of Utah
Usa, north-america
25.42 km
2,600 m
hard
Year-round
# Forest Road 123: Utah's Alpine Adventure
Looking to test your driving skills? Forest Road 123 in Piute County, Utah, is calling your name—if you're brave enough to answer. This beast of a road climbs to a jaw-dropping 3,503 meters (11,492 feet) above sea level, making it one of Utah's highest drives.
Also known as Big John Flat Road, this 25.42-kilometer (15.8-mile) stretch winds through the heart of Fishlake National Forest in the Tushar Mountains, Utah's third-highest range. The name "Tushar" comes from an ancient word meaning "snow"—and yeah, these mountains live up to that reputation.
Here's the real talk: this isn't your typical leisurely Sunday drive. The unpaved road gets seriously narrow and steep past Big John Flat, which means trailers are absolutely off the table. You'll need a 4WD vehicle with high clearance, and honestly, you should probably bring a good sense of humor because there's zero cell reception out here. Oh, and watch out for rockfall—nature's way of keeping things exciting.
The entire route sits above 2,600 meters, running north-south from North Beaver Creek Road to SR-173 near Elk Meadows Ski Resort and Puffer Lake. Winter? Forget about it—this road doesn't get plowed, and both sides of the summit are closed year-round to motorized vehicles anyway. Stay on the actual trail.
But here's what makes it worth it: stunning mountain vistas, genuine solitude, and incredible wildlife spotting. Turkey, elk, deer, chipmunks, ground squirrels—they're all hanging out in these mountains. The Tushars deliver that rare combo of adrenaline and serenity that keeps adventurers coming back.
Where is it?
FR123 is a wild road in the Tushar Mountains of Utah is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 46.7811, -95.1876
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 25.42 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,600 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 46.7811, -95.1876
Related Roads in north-america
easyDriving the road to Mesa del Nayar with spectacular views
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Mexico, leaving the charming town of Jesús María (a cool 1,400 feet above sea level) behind you, headed towards the coast at Ruiz, Nayarit. This isn't just any drive; it's a 87-mile (140 km) adventure on highway 44 through the heart of the Sierra Madre mountains. Get ready for some serious eye candy because the views of the Mesa del Nayar mountain mesa and its canyons are unreal. The road itself? It's a smooth, paved beauty built in 2013. But hold on, this isn't a straight shot; it's a winding path that climbs up to a mountain pass (almost 6,000 feet!) near Mesa del Nayar, treating you to even more breathtaking vistas of coastal mountains and dramatic canyons. The curves are nicely graded, but be warned: there are *a lot* of them. And when you're heading downhill, engine braking is your best friend; there are even two braking ramps along the way just in case. Don't miss the T-junction where Mexico 23 meets Mexico 44 just past Jesús María, opening up even more stunning Sierra Madre Mountain views towards Camino a Canoas or Ruta Tepehuana. Trust me, this drive is all about the journey, not just the destination.
hardWhere is California Route 36?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because Route 36 in California is a ride you won't soon forget! This epic stretch winds its way for 248 miles across Northern California, snaking through six different counties. Tracing its roots back to the Gold Rush era, this road is basically a history lesson with a serious side of hairpin turns. We're talking around 1,811 curves in just 140 miles! Seriously, this road is a twisty-turny paradise, a rollercoaster carved into the landscape that seems custom-made for motorcycles. Give yourself about six hours to soak it all in, because you'll be traversing a crazy diverse range of landscapes and climates. The road peaks at 5,764 feet above sea level, so expect some elevation changes. This isn't a Sunday drive; it demands your full attention. Watch out for logging trucks. While the pavement is generally smooth, it can get a bit rougher in the western sections, and the centerline occasionally vanishes. And heads up: there are plenty of spots with serious drop-offs and no guardrails, so keep your eyes peeled. Make sure you're gassed up and that someone knows your route, because cell service is spotty at best. And maybe skip this one at night or in iffy weather. But if you're looking for a scenic and challenging ride, Route 36 is a total legend. Get ready for some serious white-knuckle fun!
hardWhere is Yvonne Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Yvonne Pass! This beast of a road sits way up high in southwestern Colorado, straddling the border between Hinsdale and San Juan counties, south of the legendary US 550. We're talking serious altitude here! Views from the top? Absolutely mind-blowing! Now, let's be real: this isn't your Sunday drive. The whole thing is unpaved and seriously rugged. You'll NEED a high-clearance 4x4 with a short wheelbase to even think about tackling this. We're talking crazy steep sections, with grades hitting a wild 20% in places. The pass stretches for about 4.2 miles, climbing over 2,200 feet. That gives you an average gradient of around 10%, but those steeper pitches will have you gripping the wheel! And a heads up: like many of Colorado's high-altitude roads, Yvonne Pass is typically closed from late October until late June or early July, thanks to the snow. Plan your trip accordingly!
hardWhere is Sardine Peak?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk Sardine Peak in sunny California! About 20 miles north of Truckee, nestled in the Tahoe National Forest, you'll find this gem. Apparently, it gets its name from the valley below. What awaits you at the top? A super cool, historic fire lookout tower, built way back in 1935. Picture this: a three-story tower with stairs on the outside, offering incredible panoramic views. We're talking Stampede Reservoir, Boca Reservoir, Sardine Valley, and even Independence Lake! Now, here's the deal: the road to the top is all dirt. It's pretty wide but can be rutted and a little bumpy. A four-wheel drive isn't a necessity, but I wouldn't recommend taking your sedan. It's a 5.9-mile climb from the pavement to the peak. Keep in mind that this road is in the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains, so it's generally snowed in during the winter. Get ready for an unforgettable experience!