The Heber Creeper: Riding Through Utah’s Scenic Past

Just a short drive from Sundance Mountain Resort, the Heber Valley Railroad—better known to locals and visitors alike as the Heber Creeper—offers one of Utah’s most charming and nostalgic experiences. This heritage railroad invites passengers to step back in time as they roll through stunning alpine valleys, historic farmland, and the winding banks of the Provo River aboard vintage railcars.

A Brief History of the Heber Creeper

The original Heber Valley Railroad line was constructed by the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad in 1899 to serve the growing agricultural communities in the Heber Valley. It operated for decades as a freight and passenger line, earning the affectionate nickname “Heber Creeper” due to its slow, winding pace up the canyon.

By the 1960s, train service dwindled due to modern transportation, and the line was shut down in 1966. Thanks to local preservation efforts, the railroad was resurrected as a tourist attraction in 1992, and today it operates as a fully restored heritage railway, offering themed rides and breathtaking views year-round.

Route and Stops

The Heber Creeper departs from the charming Heber City Depot and follows a 16-mile track along the shores of Deer Creek Reservoir, winding through Provo Canyon with views of Mount Timpanogos, the Wasatch Mountains, and the rolling riverbanks of the Provo River.

Some excursions make short stops or turnarounds at scenic points like:

• Deer Creek Dam

• Solder Hollow

• Charleston Bridge

• Lakeside picnic areas

Though most trips are round-trip excursions rather than commuter-style stops, the views and natural landmarks along the route are the highlights.

Train Experiences and Schedule

The Heber Valley Railroad offers a wide variety of themed rides and seasonal experiences:

• Scenic Rides (Spring–Fall): These relaxing daytime or sunset rides showcase the natural beauty of the valley and are ideal for families, couples, and photographers.

• North Pole Express (November–December): A magical holiday train ride complete with hot cocoa, caroling, visits from Santa, and festive storytelling—perfect for kids and families.

• Raft ’n’ Rails (Summer): Combines a train ride with a guided river rafting trip on the Provo River.

• Tube ’n’ Train (Winter): Offers snow tubing at Soldier Hollow followed by a train ride.

• Murder Mystery Train (Select weekends): A fun and interactive evening of costumed drama and dining onboard.

• Freedom Train, Pumpkin Train, and Cowboy Train are seasonal favorites tied to local festivals and holidays.

Schedule and Booking

Most excursions depart from the Heber Depot, with ride durations ranging from 90 minutes to 3 hours. Trains operate several days per week depending on the season, with the heaviest schedule during summer and holiday months.

You can view the full calendar and purchase tickets on the official site: hebervalleyrr.org

Why It’s Worth the Ride

A trip on the Heber Creeper is more than just transportation—it’s an immersive journey into Utah’s past. It’s one of the few places in the state where you can hear the nostalgic whistle of a vintage locomotive echo through the canyons. Whether you’re visiting from Sundance, Park City, or Salt Lake City, the Heber Valley Railroad makes for an unforgettable experience, blending history, scenery, and old-fashioned adventure.

For more information contact Sundance Utah Cabin Rentals - Sundance Lodging