Chicken Creek Canyon to Pine Valley — Tushar Mountains High Road
Utah's forgotten alpine spine above 12,000 feet.
Utah overlanders spend all their time in canyon country, but the Tushar Mountains west of Richfield top out above 12,000 feet on volcanic terrain that looks nothing like the rest of the state. The route up Chicken Creek Canyon off US-89 near Mayfield climbs through aspen-choked drainage before breaking onto the high plateau around Puffer Lake at 9,800 feet. From there the road tracks the ridgeline south toward Pine Valley, with a side push to Mount Belknap’s base at 12,139 feet if your rig is up to the rocky two-track. The views west into the Great Basin from up here are the kind that make you pull over and just stand there.
This is a genuine high-altitude route — the upper sections sit above 11,000 feet and the air is thin enough that turbocharged rigs do noticeably better than naturally aspirated. Stock 4WD gets you to Puffer Lake comfortably; the Belknap spur and the rough two-track connectors toward Pine Valley want a lifted rig with good tires and skid plates. Snow lingers well into June and returns by October — July through September is your window. No permit required. Water from Chicken Creek drainage is available but filter it. Dispersed camping is solid throughout the Fishlake National Forest sections.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, High Clearance, Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Rock |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 35 mi / 56.3 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 11600 ft |
| Best season | July-September |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 4WD high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Richfield, Utah |
| Land manager | Fishlake National Forest — Richfield Ranger District |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | fs.usda.gov |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock 4Runner or Tacoma handle this trail, or do I need a lift?
A stock 4WD high-clearance rig like a 4Runner or Tacoma can run this trail, but you'll earn it — rocky shelf sections and loose volcanic rock will test your skid plates and approach angles. A lift helps, but isn't required. Soft-roaders and anything 2WD have no business up here.
When does the Tushar High Road actually open, and is snow a real concern?
July through September is your window — July 4th is often still dicey near the 11,600-foot highpoints. Snow can fall any month at elevation, and the road closes without notice in early fall storms. Check with the Fishlake National Forest Richfield Ranger District before you go.
Do I need a permit to drive or camp on this route?
No permit required for vehicle travel or dispersed camping on Fishlake National Forest land. Standard Leave No Trace rules apply — camp 200 feet from water sources and existing roads. No fees as of current information, but verify with the Richfield Ranger District before your trip.
What's the hardest section of the route and what actually makes it technical?
The most committing sections sit on the upper ridge near the volcanic highpoints, where shelf road narrows, loose scree edges the trail, and off-camber rock moves require careful tire placement. There's no bailout once you're committed to the spine — if something breaks up top, you're solving it yourself, far from help.
Is there any reliable water on trail, and how much fuel do I need to carry?
There are water crossings on route but treat everything — giardia is real in alpine drainages. For fuel, plan on a 35-mile trail run plus drive time to and from Richfield, which is your closest full-service town; top off there and carry extra if your rig drinks heavy at elevation.
Trail track
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