Beat the Heat Camping and Backpacking in the Tushar Mountains in Central Utah

 
The Tushar mountain range of central Utah offers a great escape to summer time heat at lower elevations. The peaks rise over 12,000 feet with temps 15-30 degrees lower.

From the north, south and west the area may be accessed through Beaver, UT on I15 traveling on a paved route to higher elevation. From the   east, the Tushars may be accessed via I70 and Hwy 89. Marysvale is the jump off spot. 4x4 not required but high clearance vehicle is recommended for traveling the mountain route from Beaver to Marysvale.

Primitive camping is allow throughout much of the area and camping styles include RV's, trailers, tents, etc. Taking a Grub Hub camp kitchen makes setting up camp in primitive areas a non-event and makes it easy to cook at night. More often than not we find ourselves arriving about dark when traveling after work on a Friday. 

Nighttime means cool clear air and millions of stars popping out of the mountain sky. High altitude flowers such as sweet smelling phlox and purple silky phacelias are typically in full bloom during the summer months.

In addition to abundant wildflowers, the observant will spot plenty of wildlife in the area including deer, elk and mountain goats.



Water may be found at small creeks and natural springs at lower elevations but be sure to use your purifier no matter how clear the water appears. Up higher, there is little water to be found so be sure to fill your bottles. Remember to drink extra water while hiking in the mountains. Even though it may seem relatively cool the combination of high elevation and dry southwest air will quickly dehydrate you. 

Summiting a peak like Mount Holly at 11,999 feet is a great goal for a day hike. During generally clear weather the mornings are usually calm and the temperatures mild. Beware of thunderstorms in the afternoon however with quickly changing temperatures, winds, rain, hail and lighting common. Expect to cross small snow fields at higher elevations. Beware of terrain below the snowfield in the event you slide down the snow.


On our last trip we crossed snowfields remaining well into the summer and scrambled up the northeast ridge onto the rounded crest that rolled upward with multiple false summits. Gaining the top and strolling along the summit ridge, the views were spectacular with the far distant mountains including Boulder Mountain to the east and the high peaks of Great Basin National Park just visible to the west.




 

This was a backpack trip and we spent the night at a high camp of about 11,100 feet melting snow for water and enjoying spectacular views in all directions while the sun set on a perfect day. 

 The sun rose on another calm clear  day in the Utah mountains and we spotted a young buck deer in velvet near our camp during an early morning walk. Later we  heading down the mountain and into the green valley below arriving at the trail head just before noon. 

The Tushars offer a great escape from the sweltering valleys below and make a great place to camp and backpack. Enjoy!