As Utah County is gorging itself at the trough of consumerism, the oozing urban sprawl can almost suffocate true wilderness lovers. Required as we are to prostitute ourselves to the system, it can be difficult to find the time and energy for that constitutional activity which defines us at wildernessutah.com: outdoor adventure.

Hobble Creek Canyon is less than a 20 minute drive from Beto's, big-box stores, and row upon row of mortgage monuments. The canyon is one of the last-best-close places around Provo that offers a condensed, convenient version of Utah's best outdoor experiences. When you can't spend a week in the Uintas, why not spend a Wednesday evening in Hobble Creek?

Hobble Creek is divided into a main stem and two main forks: the Left Fork and the Right Fork. The Right Fork is mostly within the Uinta National Forest. The narrow road is tunneled with thick trees and winds through steep mountains. The cold clear creek is great for trout fishing. The best thing about the Right Fork is that almost any turn off the road offers a great chance for a short hike. There are several trails, including the Wardsworth Creek trail. About 3.5 miles up this trail is a picturesque waterfall cascading over red rocks. The paved road ends approximately 8 miles up the canyon and continues to climb until it reaches over into Diamond Fork Canyon (the turf of Mark Perkins, one of our editors).

The Left Fork of Hobble Creek is mostly private land, but most people are willing to give permission to responsible hikers, photographers, and fishermen. The Left Fork is wider and larger and offers beautiful views. Pole Haven, a canyon about 3 miles from the Hobble Creek Golf Course, leads to the base of Provo Peak.

Mountain bikers, photographers, anglers, and hikers will love Hobble Creek for it's quick and easy access and compact but dynamic offerings. To get to Hobble Creek, take US 89 to Springville and turn east on 400 South. After approximately 1 mile there is a four-way stop. Turn right onto Canyon Road and follow it up into the beauty of Hobble Creek.