Why is it called Tushar Mountains?

Why is it called Tushar Mountains?

Usa, north-america

Length

25.42 km

Elevation

2,600 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're craving a serious off-road experience in Utah, Forest Road 123—aka Big John Flat Road—is calling your name. This beauty is nestled in the Tushar Mountains (yep, "Tushar" means "snow," so you know it gets epic), within Fishlake National Forest.

Clocking in at just under 16 miles, this unpaved, winding road is a beast. We're talking steep climbs, especially past Big John Flat, so leave the travel trailers at home. And get this: you'll be cruising at serious altitude, topping out at almost 11,500 feet!

Heads up: this is remote territory. No cell service, so download those maps! You absolutely need a 4WD, high-clearance vehicle to tackle this. And keep an eye out for falling rocks – nature's little surprises.

The views? Insane. The solitude? Palpable. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife – you might spot turkeys, deer, elk, and all sorts of critters. Just remember to stay on the designated trail, as the surrounding areas are closed to motorized vehicles year-round. This road is typically closed in winter due to snow. Trust me, the Tushars are worth the trip for those incredible vistas and the chance to really get away from it all.

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Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Length
25.42 km
Max Elevation
2,600 m
Difficulty
hard

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