Heber Valley Railroad
History of the Heber Valley Railroad
The Heber Creeper (officially known as the Heber Valley Railroad) began as a commercial train line on the Rio Grande Western Railway and the Utah Eastern Railway in 1899. It primarily served agricultural and mining industries, transporting lumber, coal, livestock and sometimes passengers. It’s said that the “Heber Creeper” nickname came from the leisurely pace the train had to travel at through the narrow, twisting Provo Canyon.
Line ownership eventually passed to the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad, and the train was rerouted in 1941 following the business merger. However, accessibility to automobiles and improved roads led to a decline in passenger and freight traffic, and commercial services stopped in 1966. A private citizens' group recognized the historical and scenic value of the trail and purchased the line, which was then operated as a private tourist attraction from 1971 to 1991. The Utah State Legislature established the Heber Valley Historic Railroad Authority in 1992, and the line has been state-owned and operated ever since. Today, the Heber Creeper carries over 100,000 passengers annually, making it a cornerstone of Heber Valley's tourism and a beloved piece of Utah's railroad history.Heber Creeper Schedule and Tickets
For the train schedule, ticketing and a full calendar of events, visit the official Heber Valley Railroad website. You can also call the ticket office directly for the most up-to-date schedule, specific dates and availability, as ride offerings and schedules are subject to change.
Scenic and Adventure Trains
Three scenic trains run along the Heber Valley Railroad: Provo Canyon Limited, Lakeside Limited and Deer Creek Express. Provo Canyon Limited offers a spring/summer trip traveling to the end of the tracks at Vivian Park, while Lakeside Limited is a fall/winter trip following the shores of Deer Creek Reservoir to Decker Bay. The Deer Creek Express is a year-round, 90-minute ride touring a similar route to the Lakeside Limited.
Train Specials and Seasonal Rides
The Heber Valley Railroad offers a variety of train rides throughout the year, blending scenic excursions with special themed and seasonal events. Regular evening offerings include the Monday Night Train and Friday Night Train, both featuring sing-alongs, snacks and occasional dance parties. Throughout the year, popular themed rides include the North Pole Express for Christmas, Pumpkin Trains/Halloween Express in October, family-friendly Princess & Pirate Trains, adult-oriented Wine & Cheese Tasting Trains, Wild West Days Trains with cowboy shootouts and Rock-n-Roll Trains featuring depot concerts.
What's Nearby
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Soldier Hollow
Olympic venue Soldier Hollow in Midway is an unparalleled destination for Nordic skiing, tubing, golfing, hiking and snowshoeing.
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Strawberry Reservoir: Ripe for All Kinds of Anglers
With trophy-sized cutthroats and rainbows, large populations of aquatic insects and ample wade fishing opportunities, Strawberry Reservoir — affectionately called "the Berry" — really does have something for every angler’s tastes.
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Park City
Park City is the perfect mountain town. The winter slopes were once featured in the Olympics, and in summer the mountains and nearby state parks and reservoirs transform into a hiking, mountain biking, fishing and camping mecca.
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6 Surprising Activities That Take Place at The Homestead Crater
From soaking to scuba diving, this hot spring has a lot to offer.
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Deer Creek State Park
Just a short drive from Provo, Park City and Salt Lake City, Deer Creek State Park and Reservoir offers playful summer days filled with boating, fishing and watersports.
