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
moderateWhere is Wise Mountain?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! I've got the inside scoop on Wise Mountain in the heart of Colorado. We're talking seriously high altitude here, with the road topping out at a whopping 12,644 feet! Nestled in eastern Colorado, near a historic mountain cabin (built way back in 1878!), Wise Mountain Road #356 takes you right up to the peak. That cabin, by the way, is still maintained and stocked – pretty cool, right? Now, this isn’t your average Sunday drive. This is an unpaved road that’s roughly 4 miles long, and you're gonna need a vehicle that can handle it. Seriously, make sure you have the right gear and are prepared for anything – you don't want to get stuck! Oh, and a word to the wise: this road is a no-go in winter. Heavy snow makes it completely impassable. But, if you're visiting in the summer, it is very scenic, so get ready for some serious views!
hardA Comprehensive Travel Guide to Hailstone Butte in Alberta
🇨🇦 Canada
Okay, buckle up for a trip to Hailstone Butte, a real hidden gem way up in Alberta, Canada! This peak soars to 2,326m (7,631ft), making it one of the highest drives you can find in the country. Locals just call it "the hump," and you'll find it nestled in the Highwood region of Kananaskis, right inside the Plateau Mountain Ecological Reserve. The summit's home to a fire lookout tower — apparently, the most southern one in Kananaskis Country! They've had a few iterations up there, and let's just say the wind is no joke. Trust me, you'll want to dress in layers because things can change fast at that altitude. Oh, and a word to the wise: keep your furry friends away from the lakes up there, as they might have some algae that's not good for them. The drive itself? You'll hop off Highway 22 and onto a well-maintained gravel road that twists and turns its way to the top. Get ready for some steep switchbacks, but the views? Totally worth it! Just a heads up, the road gets a little rougher as you climb, with some washboard sections and rocks to dodge. Watch out for logging trucks, mountain sheep, and blind corners! The road is typically closed from December to the end of April due to snow, and keep in mind that the weather can change in a heartbeat, and afternoons can get super windy!
moderateGrand View Point
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Canyonlands National Park in southeastern Utah, right? You're on Grand View Point Road, a smooth asphalt ribbon stretching for 19 miles. This isn't just any drive; it's a scenic feast for the eyes! Seriously, the views are incredible the entire time. As you climb, you'll hit an elevation of 6,282 feet (1,915m) at Grand View Point. Just a heads up, though: Utah weather can be wild, so watch out for snow or ice that can make the road slippery. But with a little caution, you're in for an unforgettable ride with views that will blow your mind!
hardIs Forest Road 98 to Blue Bird Mesa in New Mexico unpaved?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so picture this: you're cruising through the Jemez Mountains of New Mexico, somewhere in Sandoval County, headed up to Blue Bird Mesa. This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about a proper mountain pass topping out at 9,265 feet! The road in is Forest Road 98, and it's a beauty, but heads up – it's all unpaved. You'll want a 4x4 for sure, though if the weather's been kind, a high-clearance vehicle *might* just make it. This little adventure is only about 5.5 miles long, winding north-south through the Santa Fe National Forest until you hit Forest Road 20 again. The views? Unreal. You're headed to Blue Bird Overlook, after all. Keep your eyes peeled too because you might spot deer, elk, turkeys, or some other awesome wildlife hanging out along the way. Get ready for an unforgettable off-road experience!