TUSHAR MOUNTAINS – Here is more of a day adventure in Southern Utah. This is not really a hike, but a day-trip – or a couple of days if you choose to really enjoy one of Southern Utah’s best kept secrets.
The Tushar Mountain range is a very beautiful range of high altitude peaks right here in Southern Utah. It is very similar to those famous mountains in Northern Utah and Colorado, yet these mountains do not draw the crowds and attention. This makes it a very secluded get away.
There are several mountain lakes, all stocked with Trout. There are several campgrounds and a paved road that you can take almost to the top. f you choose to go all the way up on the flats you may need a higher clearance vehicle and, if the weather is bad, you could be in for an interesting time.
One side of the mountain range to the north has several Mountain Goats living up around the 11,000′ elevation mark. The entire mountain range is known for it’s Black Bears, large elk herds and large mule deer populations. The famous Piute Trail four wheeler trail travels all over this mountain range.
If you like high mountain peaks, wildlife sightings, fishing, hiking, camping, fresh air, and so much more, this is a trip you may want to take. I really like taking a trip over this mountain this time of year because the leaves start to change and it makes for a very breathtaking trip.
Take a fishing pole, a cooler with your lunch and go enjoy.
Directions: You will take I-15 north approx 120 miles to Beaver, UT. Take the first exit and go right on Main Street. Travel north on Main Street until you reach 200 North. Take a right. This turns into Highway 153. This highway goes all the way up Beaver Mountain and is paved all the pay past the private ski resort Elk Meadows and the pavement ends at Puffer Lake. Then you can continue on the dirt and go up on top if you prefer.
For a first-timer, I would say going to Puffer Lake was probably good. After you get used to this mountain a little, you start to learn about all the other lakes. One of my favorite is Labaron Reservoir. It sits at about 10,000′ in elevation and is 11 miles in on a dirt road. There is a slightly maintained campground and it is a very nice place to tent camp.
Watch for bears and enjoy the sights.
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