This week's Utah hiking adventure: Spring Canyon Trail - Utah County

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.

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