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
hardWhere is Trail Peak?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Deep in Idaho's Lemhi County, waiting to test your mettle, is Trail Peak. This bad boy climbs way up there, making it one of the highest drives in Idaho. Forget manicured highways—this is a rugged, unpaved mining road from a bygone era, about 7.8 miles of pure, unadulterated challenge. Think rocky terrain, and almost no smooth patches at all. We're talking steep drops, no maintenance, and zero cell service. A tow truck bill would probably bankrupt you. Seriously, a lapse in concentration could have serious consequences. But oh, the views! As you grind your way up 3,560 vertical feet (with an average gradient of 8.64%), you'll be following in the footsteps of prospectors. The summit area was a hive of mining activity from the 1880s to the 1920s, yielding gold, silver, copper and lead. You'll spot remnants of Idaho's mining history all around you. To conquer Trail Peak, you absolutely NEED a 4x4, beefy all-terrain tires, and skid plates are highly recommended. And one more thing: this road is totally snowed under in the winter, so plan your trip for the warmer months!
moderateWhere is Big Lake Knoll?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Big Lake Knoll in Arizona's Apache County is calling your name. We're talking serious elevation here – 9,415 feet! This bad boy is nestled in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests and used to boast a fire lookout tower with killer views (RIP, tower, lost to flames in 2011). The road itself? Pure off-road bliss (if you're into that sort of thing). It's unpaved from the starting point and clocks in at just under 2 miles. You'll gain about 426 feet of elevation, so expect a steady climb. A 4x4 isn't just recommended, it's practically essential! Word to the wise: this road is usually open from April to November, conditions permitting. Always scope out the weather forecast before you head out – you don't want to get caught in a snowstorm up there! Get ready for some unforgettable scenery and a taste of Arizona's wild side.
hardSilver Pass
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're looking for a real adventure? Then Silver Pass in Colorado's La Plata County needs to be on your radar. We're talking a lung-busting 9,855 feet above sea level! Forget smooth asphalt, this is County Road 253 (aka Missionary Ridge Road) and it’s all about the gravel and rocks. Winter? Forget about it, this road laughs in the face of snowplows. Seriously, if you're not comfortable tackling unpaved mountain roads, maybe skip this one. A proper 4x4 is a MUST, and a head for heights is pretty essential. Prepare for some seriously steep sections that will test your nerve, but reward you with incredible views.
moderateWhere is Cerro Vista?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're in northern New Mexico, right on the edge of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, deep in the Carson National Forest. You're about to tackle Cerro Vista, a seriously high peak! The road? Oh, it's a total dirt track. 4x4 is a must, trust me. It's about 14.3 miles from start to finish, climbing over 3,458 feet. That's a pretty consistent climb, with an average gradient of around 4.6%. And heads up, usually, this road is not accessible during winter. But the views? Totally worth the bumpy ride!