Fall Time Getaway: Heber Valley Edition

The Wasatch Back has it all. In less than a 60-minute drive from Salt Lake City and Provo airports, you’ll find the perfect place for a family vacation over fall break. Aim for late September to mid-October to catch peak fall activities in Utah such as biking, hiking, fishing, train rides, golfing and more.

Family Friendly Lodging and Outings

Y’all better be ready to feel real cozy when staying in Heber Valley. Choose from luxury resorts, bed and breakfasts and charming hotels nestled (basically) in the woods. If you don’t roll right out of bed to hit the trails at your resort’s backdoor, there are plenty of other things to do in Heber, Utah.

Heber Valley Railroad

All aboard! Take a train ride past Deer Creek Reservoir, the Provo River and below the colorful Wasatch Mountains. The themed rides are always a big hit, no matter the age group. Book a trip on the Pumpkin Train ride and pick your own pumpkin, or dress up for the Halloween Express ride.

Pumpkin Patches and Paint Nights

Oh my gourd, we know you’re in the Halloween spirit and can’t wait to do the spookiest fall activities in Utah! Head to Francis Family Farms or Ranch Farms pumpkin patch to pick a punkin or two. Or boo-st out your talents for Spooky Paint Nights at Inspiration Haven Art Studio. 

Say Cheese 

Trick or treat, smell my cheese, give me something good to eat! If you love farm-to-table mixed with decadence, Heber Valley Artisan Cheese is the place to be. Try the award winning cheeses such as the Wasatch Back Jack or the Snake Creek 6-Year Sharp Cheddar. You can also book a farm tour or attend a cheese tasting event, where cutting the cheese isn’t a faux pas.

Swiss Days Festival

The Swiss Days festival in Midway has been a tradition since the 1940s. Watch live entertainment, including alpenhorns or accordions. Watch the parade and go cuckoo for a cuppa Swiss cocoa.

Support Local, Eat Fresh

The best dining experiences in Heber Valley are the local farm-to-table and family owned restaurants in town. Y’all won’t be able to resist the seasonal dishes at places like Cafe Galleria, Midway Mercantile, Back 40 and The OG Cafe. After a long day, get a craft brew at Heber Valley Brewing Company. And for dessert? Stop at local favorites like Dairy Keen or Granny’s Drive In for some spooktacular ice cream flavors.  

Golden Hour Scenic Drives 

Would you beleaf us when we say golden hour in Heber Valley lasts for weeks? When the leaves change, those colors be poppin’ all pumpkin spice season long. Grab your lattes and take scenic drives through Heber Valley to spots such as Cascade Springs, along the Provo River or the Alpine Loop (a photographer’s dream).

Outdoor Sports ‘n More

Are you an indoor or outdoor cat? If you’re less of a lounging Maine coon and more of a bobcat that needs to bounce through some quaking aspens, you’re in luck! Heber Valley has tons of outdoor activities everyone will love. 

Hiking, Biking and Horseback Rides

Need to show off your hand-carved hiking stick? Got a shiny new mountain bike that’s ready to kick up some dust? Feeling rugged and ready to find a noble steed? Trek on over to Wasatch Mountain State Park or Jordanelle State Park for some local faves such as the 20-mile Coyote Canyon Loop or the WOW (Wasatch-Over-Wasatch) trail. Book a guided horseback ride and trot through meadows or along lakeshore trails. 

Psst … locals tip! Stay on designated trails and be mindful of wildlife. There might be moosen afoot! And pretty please leave no trace — no dumping your fruit snacks wrappers in the woods. 

Fly Fishing

“Now, ten o'clock, two o'clock, quarter to three, tour jeté, twist, pas de deux, I'm a little teapot, then the windup ... and let 'er fly! The perfect cast.” Even if you’re a little goofy with your skills, you and your crew can enjoy world-class fly fishing along the Provo River. And you won’t be reeling in any bigfoot, just big ol’ trout. Hyuck! Check out more Heber Valley fishing spots.

Golfing

Don’t sweat it. Go golfing in fall. No seriously, it feels way better to hit the greens with the cooler temps that come with fall time in Heber Valley. Maybe you’ll even need to put a golf sweater over your polo. Enjoy five premier golf courses in front of the stunning auburn colored Wasatch Mountain backdrops.   

Hot Air Balloon Rides

Want to be above everyone? To literally look down at the tiny people and cows below you? Hey, whatever floats your basket. Book a hot air balloon ride — an adventure where being filled with hot air is a good thing. And in all reality, the ride may actually humble you as you take in the gorgeous scenery.

Off-Roading

This is for those with a need for speed AND a need to be in the woods. Explore the maze of public trails in your own ATV, rent one or book a guided tour.

Ziplining

Send the biggest scaredy cat in your household on this one! It’ll turn them into the bravest person in your household. Located at Deer Creek State Park, Zipline Utah has the longest zipline over water IN THE WORLD and reaches speeds of 65 mph. What a ride.

Like the rest of Utah, Heber Valley takes pride in being a gorgeous place for families to enjoy year after year. Be sure to embrace responsible and sustainable recreation on your harvest season trip to Heber, Utah.