Hiking Round Top: The Quickest Vertical Burn in Springville, Utah

by Lori Collins

If you have exactly one hour to get a workout in and want a view that makes you feel like you’re on top of the world, Round Top is your destination. Known officially on many trail maps as Round Peak, this "mini-mountain" is the perfect introductory challenge for those looking to move beyond the flat segments of the Bonneville Shoreline Trail.

The Ascent: Short, Steep, and Satisfying

The trail to Round Top is essentially a vertical straight-line from the bench to the summit.

The Route: Most people start at the 970 East Trailhead. You’ll follow the double-track Bonneville Shoreline Trail for a few hundred yards before banking a sharp left onto the single-track ridge trail.
The Difficulty: It is rated as a Black Diamond for trail runners and hikers alike. You aren't covering many miles, but you are gaining elevation rapidly over loose rock and dirt.
The "Summit": Once you reach the top of the "dome," the trail levels out onto a beautiful grassy saddle that connects further east toward Camel’s Back and Powerhouse Mountain.

The Reward: 360-Degree "Art City" Views

The magic of Round Top is its position. Because it sits slightly forward from the main mountain mass, the views are panoramic:

West: You get a perfect "aerial" view of Springville’s grid, the high school, and the shimmering blue of Utah Lake.
South: The massive, rugged face of Spanish Fork Peak (Maple Mountain) looms over the landscape.
East: You can look directly into the mouth of Hobble Creek Canyon and see the winding road leading toward the golf course.

The History of the Ridge

For early Springville settlers, this ridge was more than a scenic spot; it was a vantage point for monitoring livestock and checking the weather coming in over the lake. Today, it serves as a critical buffer zone for local wildlife. It is very common to see mule deer bedding down in the scrub oak near the summit, especially in the early spring months of March and April.

Pro-Tips for Your Hike

Sunset is the Secret: Because the trail faces west, it catches the full "Golden Hour" glow. There is no better spot in town to watch the sun dip behind the Oquirrh Mountains.
Traction Matters: The descent can be slippery due to the steep grade and loose limestone "marbles." Trekking poles or shoes with aggressive lugs are highly recommended.
Stay on the Path: This area is part of a delicate foothill ecosystem. Avoid creating "social trails" to prevent erosion on the steep face of the peak.