Powerhouse Mountain

Powerhouse Mountain from Powerhouse Mountain TH (Hobble Creek canyon???)
 Hike Time (roundtrip): 2.5 to 3.5 hours
 Distance (roundtrip): 4.6 miles
 Elevation Gain: 1236 feet
Main Aspect: NorthWest
 Climb Rate: 537 feet per mile
 Average Grade: 10%
Notes: Half of the hike is climbing up to the ridge, and the other half is following it to the peak. There’s some cover on the lower portion.
Trailhead Elevation: 6750 ft
Trailhead Outhouse: No
Distance from Provo Canyon: 22.2 miles
Area: Squaw Peak Road
Area Location: 2 miles east of mouth of Provo Canyon. Turn right.
Area Fee: None
Dogs Allowed: Yes
Notes: Look for a dirt parking area when the road heads in an easterly direction. The trail leaves to the south.
Destination Elevation: 7986 Feature: Peak
Notes: Powerhouse Mountain is a highpoint above Hobble Creek to the north.

Find your way to Hobble Creek Canyon by taking the Springville/Mapleton (exit 260) off I-15. Drive east on 400 South through Springville. When you hit a fork, turn right onto a road that becomes Hobble Creek Canyon Road. Several miles into the canyon, passing the Hobble Creek golf course along the way, the road will reach another fork, take the left that heads north. The road you need is found off of this road (see map) find a wide but poorly signed dirt road to the left. This is the Squaw Peak Road. Follow this rough road 1.2 miles to a gate. Early in the season, this gate will most likely be closed. If so, you can park at the gate and hike two miles up the road to what will normally be the "summer" trailhead. The road leading to the gate is signed on both sides by many "no trespassing" signs. Be sure to keep to the road.

If the gate is open, then you can drive the two miles but be aware you will need high clearence. The road gets really rough and we saw a disabled passenger car the day we visited this mountain that tried to go up the road but did not have adequate clearence. The trailhead (not marked) is found just off the Squaw Peak road (GPS 40.1825 111.5403 nad 27 elev 6760') (See map)

From the "summer" trailhead, it is a two mile hike to the summit with 1300' of elevation gain.

The route starts out as a road going steeply up into the forest. Quickly, the road becomes more of an ATV route. After 500 feet of climbing, the ATV road then drops a bit into a nice meadow area, after which the road then starts a 400 foot climb to the ridgeline and views. At the ridge line, now out of the trees, take a left and continue on the ATV trail until it ends just up the ridgeline. A trail then continues on its way up the ridgeline but in a few places, it becomes possible to lose it in the brush. If you stay close to the ridgeline, you will most likely be able to find the trail again but in places you might encounter a bit of brush bashing.This rough trail will take you all the way to the summit where you will find a cairn and hopefully, a register that I placed (look for a red topped plastic container).

If you have to hike up from the gate, add an additional 4 miles to your roundtrip effort which would make it 8 miles in all.


Powerhouse Mountain Distance: 2.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,300 feet
Summit Elevation: 7,990
Kids difficulty rating: Difficult
Access rating: Level 3, maybe 4
The Route: From the parking area, the route starts out as a road going steeply up into the forest. Quickly, the road becomes more of an ATV route. After 500 feet of climbing, a short flat area is reached where everyone can take it easy. Then it’s up a 400 foot climb to the ridgeline and views. From the trailhead to the ridge is mostly a shaded hike in the trees. At the ridge, take a left and continue on the ATV trail until it ends just up the ridgeline. Depending on your interest in getting to the true summit, this might be the best spot to end the trip. If you are willing to continue, chances are you will do a bit of brush bashing. Even though a rough trail exists most of the way, it can easily be lost in sections. The highest point is brush free but little cacti are around so watch the little ones.


A hike to Heaven? It's not a easy hike, but the journey in elevation is exciting and beautiful. The hike starts at the end of Center Street in Springville, on the dead end road. The road takes you into the mouth of Spring Canyon and past the water tank. After the water tank, you will see a gated road. The trail isn't posted but starts on the left side of this gate. There is plenty of shade in the canyon with a variety of deciduous trees. Most of the way up the trail is loose gravel and small rocks with a continuous grade. At 2.5 miles you arrive at a grove of aspens and a spring. The spring runs along the trail and pours out from the junction. The trail opens to a big, flat meadow at the junction. You are now 3 miles into the hike. From the junction, look for forest road 759 and take it. The road climbs another 1.5 miles to the ridgeline, with the delightful smell of pine. I did this hike in the spring, and there was snow on the road. You arrive at the ridgeline of Powerhouse Mountain and Heaven. Heaven overlooks Hobble Creek Canyon, Utah Lake and the south end of Utah County. Kick back and take in your piece of Heaven.

Destination: Valley views

Difficulty: Strenuous

Round trip: 8.5 miles

Hiking time: 5 to 6 hours

Elevation gain: 2,600 ft.

Trailhead restrooms: No

Dogs allowed: Yes

Directions: From Interstate 15 in Springville, take Exit 261, which is state Route 75. Drive east for two miles to Highway 89 (Main Street). Turn south at Main Street and drive to Center Street. Turn left on Center Street and drive to the end. The trail starts at the end of Center Street on the dead end road.