Hiking the Camel’s Back: Springville’s Hidden High-Altitude Viewpoin

by Lori Collins

If you’ve ever looked east from Springville's Main Street toward the mouth of the canyons, you’ve likely noticed a peculiar shape on the skyline. Between the rugged cut of Spring Canyon and the rolling hills of Hobble Creek sits a rock slide and ridge that looks exactly like a kneeling camel.

To the locals, this is Camel’s Back. It’s not just a visual landmark; it’s one of the most rewarding—and challenging—summits in the South Utah County foothills.

A Bit of Pioneer History

The name is as old as the settlement itself. In the mid-1800s, pioneer families used the "Camel" as a natural compass. While other peaks like Spanish Fork Peak (Maple Mountain) dominated the skyline, the Camel’s Back was the "sentry" for those moving cattle or timber into the higher reaches of Pole Heaven. Legend has it that hunters would use the "hump" as a meeting point because it was one of the few spots with a 360-degree view of both the valley and the deep canyon interior.

Two Ways to the Top

How you get to the Camel’s Back depends entirely on your "trail personality."

1. The "Double Black Diamond" (From the Valley)

For the hardcore hikers and trail runners, the Camel Ridge Trail starts near the 970 East Trailhead.

The Stats: You’ll gain roughly 2,370 feet in just 1.4 miles.
The Vibe: This is a primitive singletrack that often feels like a vertical scramble. It’s lightly used, so don't be surprised if you have to navigate through scrub oak or share the path with a few mule deer. It is the ultimate "lungs-on-fire" workout.

2. The "Backdoor" Route (From the Top)

If you want the 8,000-foot views without the 2,000-foot climb, there’s a local secret.

The Route: During the summer, you can drive up Squaw Peak Road (via Provo Canyon).
The Hike: You can park on the peak above the formation and hike down the ridge to the Camel's Back. This turns a grueling mountaineering trip into a high-alpine stroll through wildflowers and mountain mahogany.

The View: Why It’s Worth It

Standing on the "hump" of the camel offers a perspective you can't get anywhere else. You are positioned perfectly to see:

The Art City Grid: Look straight down at the historic homes and tree-lined streets of Springville.
Utah Lake: On a clear day, the lake looks like a giant mirror reflecting the Oquirrh Mountains.
Mount Nebo: To the south, the highest peak in the Wasatch Range stands as a massive, snow-capped backdrop.

Pro-Tips for the Ridge

Watch for "False Trails": Because the ridge is active territory for elk and deer, there are dozens of "game trails" that look like the main path. Stay on the ridgeline to avoid getting cliffed out.
Mind the Exposure: There is almost zero shade on the lower Camel Ridge. If you’re hiking in the spring or summer, start at sunrise.
Footwear: The limestone "scree" near the summit can be slippery. This is a job for sturdy boots with aggressive lugs, not your everyday gym shoes.