Paiute Trail — Fish Lake Plateau to Beaver via Tushar Mountains High Route
Utah's high-plateau backbone route.
The Paiute Trail is the backbone of Utah’s high-plateau ATV country, but the Tushar segment from Fish Lake Plateau down to Beaver is where it earns its reputation. You’re threading through subalpine meadows above 11,000 feet, crossing the flanks of Delano Peak — Utah’s third highest — before dropping through aspen-choked drainages into the Beaver River valley. The route links Forest Road 123 out of Richfield with the Tushar Mountains spine, passing through historic mining country where old tailings piles dot the ridgelines and the views west to the Nevada desert are genuinely staggering.
This is rated moderate to difficult depending on the loop you commit to — the main corridor is manageable in a stock high-clearance 4WD but the side spurs up toward Mount Holly demand real ground clearance and a locker helps. Best window is July through September; snow closes the high passes well into June and again by October. Fremont Indian State Park manages portions, and the Fishlake and Dixie national forests oversee most of the route. Beaver or Richfield are your fuel stops — don’t push into the plateau on a half tank. Dispersed camping is everywhere up top.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, High Clearance, Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Mixed |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 54 mi / 86.9 km |
| Duration | 2-3 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 11500 ft |
| Best season | July-September |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 4WD high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Beaver, UT |
| Land manager | Fishlake National Forest / Dixie National Forest |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | Fishlake National Forest Paiute ATV Trail official site |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock 4Runner or Wrangler handle this without a lift?
Yes. A stock high-clearance 4WD with a low-range transfer case is the minimum requirement. The route is rated moderate, but some rocky shelf sections in the Tushar Mountains above 11,000 feet want at least 8.5 inches of ground clearance — lifted rigs have more margin for error.
When does snow clear enough to run the full Fish Lake to Beaver route?
July through September is the reliable window. The Tushar Mountains section tops out near 11,500 feet and holds snow well into June — some years early July still has drifts blocking the high route. Check with Fishlake National Forest before committing to a pre-July run.
Do you need a permit or pay any fees to drive this route?
No permit required for the drive itself. Dispersed camping on Fishlake and Dixie National Forest land is free. If you're using developed campgrounds along the way, standard USFS fees apply — typically $15-$20/night.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually expect?
The Tushar Mountains high route between Elk Meadows and the ridgeline is the crux — narrow shelf road, loose rock, and steep drop-offs with minimal room to pass oncoming traffic. It's not technical crawling, but it demands focus and isn't the place to find out your brakes are soft.
Is there anywhere to resupply fuel or water along the 54-mile route?
No fuel stops exist on route — Beaver is your last fill-up before heading out and your first option at the end. There are seasonal water sources and streams along the plateau, but treat everything before drinking. Plan on carrying at least 5 gallons extra water for the rig, especially if running in July or August heat.
Trail track
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