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A nice hike up to a viewpoint, followed by a more adventurous ridge hike to the highpoint. This is a good low elevation hike when snow has fallen higher.
Access:
Powerhouse Mountain
Distance: 2.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,300 feet
Summit Elevation: 7,990
Kids difficulty rating: Difficult
Access: Rough Road
The Route:
Looking south to Grindstone Ridge, and Spanish Fork Peak
Looking north to the Provo Peaks
Looking east from Powerhouse up Hobble Creek
View of south Utah county and the ridgeline with faint trails
That is the true summit of Powerhouse Mountain
Hiking up the trail
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 is 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.
Find your way into 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, find a wide but poorly signed dirt road to the left. This is the Squaw Peak Road. Follow this very rough but well traveled road. You are on the right road if signs indicate "stay on the road, private property on both sides". A short spur road to the left takes you to the parking area.