Why You Should Visit Heber Valley, Utah

J.E. Thurnau
Nestled in the Wasatch Mountains, Heber Valley includes the towns of Heber and Midway and the surrounding areas. With beautiful views, charm, and lots of recreation, Heber Valley is definitely a place you should consider visiting if you're touring Utah.

Located just an hour away from Salt Lake City, close to Park City, Heber is just a hop, skip, and a jump away from city life, so you can enjoy the outdoors and head back to Salt Lake City or Provo with ease.
Heber Valley offers a great deal of outdoor activities for all seasons. During the winter, Heber has easy access to several ski resorts including Park City Mountain Resort, Canyons Resort, and Deer Valley Resort. There is also access for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.

If you're more into summer sports, the Heber Valley is home to Deer Creek Reservoir, a great place for boating and water skiing. There are also great sites for camping, fishing, mountain biking, horseback riding, and much, much more.
If you enjoy golf, Heber Valley is a great way to go. With beautiful views and cool summer temperatures, who wouldn't want to spend their day on one of the several golf courses that Heber has to offer. There are several separate, championship golf courses, including Soldier Hollow, Wasatch Mountain, and The Homestead Resort, located in historic Midway.

Heber Valley also offers blue-ribbon fly-fishing that can't be beat. The Provo River flows through the valley on its way through Deer Creek Reservoir and its ultimate destination of Utah Lake. US Highway 189 follows the river down Provo Canyon and has access all along the road to great stretches of flat water that is great for fishing. The waters are open to artificial flies and lures only and there are strict regulations on limits, so checking with the Utah fish and game may be a good idea. The river is teaming with brown, rainbow, and cutthroat trout.

Looking for a little bit of history? Heber Valley is home to the Heber Valley Railroad, a historic, turn of the century steam train that runs from Heber to Provo and back. The engine was built in 1907 and the cars are restored 1920's club cars. You'll feel as though you've been transported back in time. Enjoy the splendor that the mountains have to offer in an old world fashion as you take the 3 ½ hour round trip. The Heber Valley Railroad is a great ride for the entire family. They offer group discounts and also special events, such as murder mystery dinners, campfires and story time, parties, and the popular Christmas train where children will enjoy singing carols as they ride to the North Pole. Tickets for events all year round can be reserved in advance by calling (435) 654-5601.

Included in the Heber Valley are the towns of Heber and Midway. Both have old European feels to them, borrowing from German and Swiss ancestry. Heber and Midway are both full of friendly people and interesting architecture. They're also home to lots of restaurants and lodging. If you're looking for something to cool you down in the summer months, don't miss Granny's, home of some of the best shakes in Utah. Local Utahans travel from all over to taste their wonderful ice cream treats. Located on Main Street in Heber, Granny's is easy to find and you won't regret giving it a try.

Heber Valley is a beautiful destination for a day out with the family or for a summer vacation. Whether you're looking for outdoor activities or just a place to relax, Heber Valley has a lot to explore and enjoy. With its multitude of attractions and beautiful location, it's a great place to put on your list if you're planning on visiting Utah.

Published by J.E. Thurnau

I am a middle school teacher. I teach 9th grade Sheltered Language Arts (ESL) and 9th grade Gifted and Talented Language Arts. I have a B.A. in English from Brigham Young University and I have a B.S. in...  View profile

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