Visitors and residents alike have an opportunity to enjoy truly unique and one-of-a-kind experiences in Heber Valley, Utah. With a convenient location and possibly the easiest and fastest access to the Wasatch back mountain range and beyond, this charming mountain town is known as an outdoor adventure mecca. Offering an abundance of outdoor recreation and family-friendly activities both in town and across the valley and beyond, Heber Valley has grown into a renowned summer destination.

Recreational enthusiasts from around the world are discovering this valley and learning of the unique experiences offered for tourists during the summer season and all year long. Below is a list of some must-do activities that are nearly exclusive to this mountain valley.

One-of-a-kind activities and places to visit in Heber Valley:

100s of Miles of Trails: The valley boasts over 400 miles of hiking and biking trails along with three expansive state parks and endless public land to recreate. There are literally hundreds of miles of trails with no end to the adventure. Local rental shops offer mountain bikes, e-bikes, and off-road vehicles so that you and your family can ride, hike, drive for days. May we suggest the WOW trail for mountain biking, the Deer Creek trail for e-bikes, or the Heber Valley Overlook trail for hiking? And a short drive to the east will land you in prime territory for ample off-roading trails. With so many miles of trails to explore, you will want to add some extra days to your stay. 

Blue-Ribbon Fly Fishing Streams: Anglers enjoy over 15 miles of premium Provo River access that carves through this alpine valley. Streams offer prolific hatches with rich populations of trout, bass, walleye, and yellow perch. The Heber Valley location is also a gateway to the Uinta Mountain range with over 400 miles of streams and over 500 natural lakes, many of which are stocked for fishing enthusiasts. Stop by our local fly shops to get geared up for a day of casting. Ask about a local guide to make your experience more fruitful and find the hidden spots along the river where you are guaranteed a good catch.

Commemorative Air Force Museum: The Air Force Museum features historic planes – mostly from WWII, women in aviation, and commercial aircraft. Its current signature restoration project is a 1941 Boeing PT17 Stearman that is on display. For the thrill of a lifetime, Warbird rides are offered on the T-6 Texan or PT-17 Stearman and can be booked in advance. If museums, arts, and culture are high on your list of activities to experience, then check out the history and arts scene in Heber Valley.

Dark Skies Destination: With both Jordanelle State Park and Timpanogos Cave National Monument being internationally designated dark skies areas, more and more visitors are coming to Heber Valley for star gazing opportunities. And it’s no wonder with our location being removed from more populated areas and our awareness of improved lighting in and around our town’s core population, the residents of Heber Valley have worked to preserve the clean and clear visibility of the night sky. Popular among astro-tourists as well as locals, this valley provides a convenient location to sit back and take it all in. 

Golf At New Heights: It’s hard to believe that one little town can offer so much world-class golf. Cooler temperatures and an arid climate make the golf experience here one of the best in the world. With over 90 holes at five award-winning public courses, Heber Valley has become a well-known destination for golfers from amateur to pro. If you’re looking for scenic golf experiences with jaw-dropping mountain views, Heber Valley is your choice.

Heber Valley Artisan Cheese: As Heber was originally a farming community, this 100-year-old active dairy pays homage to the town’s heritage. Known now for its award-winning cheeses, the dairy offers daily farm tours and monthly cheese tasting and cheese making classes. Recent upgrades to the milking process have increased productivity and overall health for the herd. The daily tours allow a behind-the-scenes look at modern day dairy farm operations and allow time with the dairy farm team to learn what it takes to keep a large farm in production and profitable in today’s business world. Stop by for locally-made cheeses, ice creams, or a signature grilled cheese sandwich after the tour.  

Historic Heber Valley Railroad: This slower-paced, family-friendly train ride runs along the scenic Deer Creek Reservoir path – the same train route used in the 1800s to ship goods and materials, as well as transport valley residents. Through preservation efforts, several locomotives have been restored for use in this enjoyable activity. Scenic train rides depart multiple times a day and event-themed trains run throughout the year. If you can plan your visit in advance, check out the themed train rides for an extra special experience. We really love the Wild West Days, Princess and Pirate, or Comedy Murder Mystery trains. And it’s a hit for multi-generational families looking for a fun activity for everyone in the group.  

Homestead Crater: Swim, soak, snorkel, or dive in this 10,000-year-old geothermal hot spring crater. The water maintains a constant temperature of 90 to 96 degrees Fahrenheit and is known to be the only warm water scuba location in the country. Guests marvel at the 55-foot-tall beehive-shaped dome made of limestone and formed from decades of melting snow seeping deep into the earth, heating from the earth’s core, then percolating upward and picking up minerals which are deposited on the walls and surfaces. Over time, this constant process formed the volcano-like shape in the limestone – affectionately and appropriately named The Homestead Crater. It’s definitely worth a visit when in Heber Valley.

Pristine Lakes: Three large lake reservoirs sit within the valley boundaries and provide ample space for water recreation, including fishing, boating, kayaking, sailing, and kite surfing. Due to the close mountain proximity, many outdoor enthusiasts can do a water sport in the morning, enjoy lunch in town, then be on the mountain for the afternoon. Whether planning a full-day or half-day on the water, there's plenty of fun to be had.

Sundance Resort: A short 25-minute drive through the scenic Provo Canyon winds up to the world-renowned Sundance Resort – a stunning mountain resort envisioned by the iconic actor and producer, Robert Redford. With award-winning dining, nationally-acclaimed performances, an on-site spa and art studio, luxury accommodations, and all types of recreational activities, this resort offers guests an exceptional experience whether visiting for the day or staying multiple nights.
 

Scenic Springs & Waterfalls: There are a both natural springs and waterfalls within close driving distance of Heber Valley. These grand formations of rock and water amaze and delight visitors of all ages. Seeing what Mother Nature has crafted over thousands of years at these natural stunning sites.

• Cascade Springs: Accessible via a paved road that carves through the deciduous forest and connects to the Alpine Loop Scenic Byway, these natural springs consist of a series of streams and waterfalls with wooden bridges and boardwalks as well as paved pathways for foot traffic. Signs along the trail explain the geology of this small natural wonder. Parking areas and restrooms are available at both ends of the trailhead.
• Bridal Veil Falls: Perhaps the easiest waterfall to access from Heber Valley, this stunning waterfall is located a mere 20 minutes from the valley, is visible from US-189, and offers convenient exits and parking lots with a paved path to walk to the base of the waterfall. The picturesque Provo River runs through the canyon, and you are sure to see locals enjoying some fly fishing along the way or visitors tubing and floating the river.
• Stewart Falls: Located approximately 30 minutes from Heber, the Stewart Falls Trailhead is a 3.4 mile out-and-back trail that is rated as moderate. If you are looking to get in some hiking with a waterfall “reward” at the end, this may be the perfect fit for your adventurous side. The trail is popular from May through October and is dog-friendly. As with all recreational areas, please remember to pack out what you pack in and leave no trace.
• Provo River Falls: If you are up for a longer scenic drive, Heber Valley provides instant access to the Uinta Mountain range and beyond. In less than 30 minutes, you can drive up Mirror Lake Scenic Byway and be in the high, pristine mountain area of northeastern Utah. Another 30 minutes up the scenic byway and you will find the popular Provo River Falls parking lot. Paved walk paths grant easy access to the remarkable series of waterfalls that cascade down the jutting rock formations. As this tends to be a heavily trafficked byway, we recommend going midweek or early in the morning to avoid crowds and a busy parking lot. A sunrise drive in this part of the state is an extraordinary experience that few other destinations can rival.

Zip Line Adventures: Having the world’s longest continuous zip line at over 2 miles and the world’s longest route over an open body of water certainly garners some attention. Zipline Utah has become an exciting attraction for adventure-seeking visitors and provides a fun-filled adventure to any vacation. Provo Canyon Adventures has a great zip line experience that runs along the Provo River with views of Mt. Timpanogos. If it’s adventure you’re seeking, then a zip line ride is a must! 

As an outdoor adventure mecca, Heber Valley offers arguably the easiest access to northern Utah’s stunning Wasatch back mountain range and Uinta Mountain range. Located less than an hour from Salt Lake City International Airport, a mere 15 minutes from Park City, and roughly 25 minutes from Sundance Resort and the Provo/Orem area, this beautiful mountain valley has garnered national attention for its idyllic setting and small-town charm. Explore all there is to do in Heber Valley using the new online TRIP PLANNER for custom itinerary recommendations. And learn more about summer activities at www.gohebervalley.com/summer.