The Heber Valley Railroad with Kids: A Scenic Train Ride Through the Wasatch Mountains
The Heber Valley Railroad is one of our favorite family outings near Park City. Vintage trains, stunning mountain scenery, and themed rides that kids absolutely love.
A Train Ride Through the Heart of the Wasatch Mountains
There is something about a train ride that makes kids light up in a way that almost nothing else can. Maybe it is the rhythm of the wheels on the tracks, or the novelty of looking out a window at scenery rolling by, or just the old-fashioned romance of rail travel in a world of minivans and airplanes. Whatever it is, the Heber Valley Railroad delivers that magic in spades, wrapped in some of the most stunning mountain scenery in Utah.
The Heber Valley Railroad operates vintage diesel locomotives on a scenic route through the Heber Valley and along the shores of Deer Creek Reservoir, with the dramatic backdrop of Mount Timpanogos and the Wasatch Range. The railroad has been running since the early 1900s, originally as a branch line serving the agricultural communities of the Heber Valley, and today it operates as a heritage railroad offering scenic excursions for tourists and families.
From Park City, Heber City is about 20 minutes south on Highway 40. The drive itself is lovely, dropping down through the Jordanelle area and into the wide, green Heber Valley with mountain views in every direction. The railroad depot is right in downtown Heber City, easy to find and with ample parking. Plan to arrive at least 20 minutes before departure to pick up tickets and get settled.
We have done this train ride at least a dozen times over the years, in every season, and it never gets old. My kids still get excited when we pull into the depot and see the locomotive waiting. There is a timelessness to the experience that transcends age, and I have seen teenagers put their phones down and stare out the window, which in my book qualifies as a genuine miracle.
Choosing Your Train Experience
The Heber Valley Railroad offers several different excursion options throughout the year, and choosing the right one makes a big difference for families.
The Provo Canyon Limited is the signature ride, running from Heber City through the scenic Provo Canyon to Vivian Park and back. The round trip takes about three hours and covers some of the most beautiful terrain along the route, including canyon walls, the Provo River, and dense forests. This is the ride I recommend for first-timers and for families who want the full experience. The three-hour duration is manageable for kids ages 4 and up, though younger kids might get restless in the final hour.
The Deer Creek Express is a shorter option at about 90 minutes round trip, running from Heber City along the shores of Deer Creek Reservoir. This ride is better for families with very young children or for those who want a shorter commitment. The lake views are beautiful, especially in the afternoon light, and the shorter duration means less chance of meltdowns.
The themed rides are where the Heber Valley Railroad really shines for families. Throughout the year, they offer special events like the Dinosaur Train with costumed characters and activities, the Pizza Train where pizza is served on board, the North Pole Express during the holidays complete with hot chocolate and a visit from Santa, and the Polar Express event based on the beloved book. These themed rides sell out weeks or months in advance so book early. The North Pole Express in particular is one of the most popular family holiday events in Utah.
What to Expect on Board
The railroad operates several types of cars, and your choice affects the experience. Standard coach class has indoor seating with large windows, padded benches, and enough room for families to spread out. The open-air gondola cars, available in summer, offer an incredible ride with wind in your hair and unobstructed views of the surrounding mountains. Our kids strongly prefer the open-air cars in summer. It feels more adventurous, and the sensory experience of hearing the locomotive, feeling the breeze, and smelling the pine trees makes it unforgettable.
First class is available on most rides and offers plusher seating, more legroom, and sometimes complimentary snacks or drinks. Whether the upgrade is worth it depends on your family. For young kids who are going to be climbing over seats and running up and down the aisle regardless of seat quality, coach is fine. For families with older kids who might appreciate a more relaxed experience, first class is a nice treat.
There is a small snack bar on most rides selling drinks, candy, and light snacks. The prices are reasonable and the staff is friendly. That said, I recommend bringing your own snacks and drinks, especially for the three-hour Provo Canyon ride. Pack a bag with compact travel games for the kids, along with snacks, water, and layers. The open-air cars can be chilly even in summer, and the enclosed cars can get warm in the afternoon sun. Having options keeps everyone comfortable.
For younger kids, bring headphones. Not for entertainment, but for hearing protection. The locomotive whistle is loud, especially in the canyon where it echoes off the walls. Our 3-year-old was startled by it on our first ride, and after that we always brought volume-limiting headphones for kids that she could put on when the whistle blew. Older kids typically find the whistle thrilling rather than frightening, but you know your child best.
Seasonal Highlights Along the Route
Every season brings something different to the Heber Valley Railroad experience, and we have genuinely enjoyed rides in all of them.
Spring rides in April and May feature the mountains coming alive with green. Snowmelt feeds the Provo River into a rushing torrent visible from the train, and wildflowers start appearing in the valley. The baby livestock on the farms along the route are adorable and kids love spotting lambs and calves. Spring can be unpredictable weather-wise, so dress in layers and be prepared for anything from sunshine to a quick rain shower.
Summer is peak season and the most popular time for families. The open-air cars are running, the weather is warm, and the valley is at its most beautiful. The Provo Canyon section of the route is especially gorgeous with the river running alongside the tracks and the canyon walls rising on either side. Weekday rides are less crowded than weekends, and the late afternoon departures offer beautiful light for photos.
Fall is arguably the most visually stunning time for the train ride. The Heber Valley and Provo Canyon erupt in color from late September through mid-October, with aspen groves turning gold and the oak brush going red and orange. The mountains look like they are on fire, and seeing it from a train window is one of the most beautiful things I have experienced in Utah. Book fall rides early because they sell out once the colors peak.
Winter rides have their own special charm. The North Pole Express and holiday-themed rides are the headline attractions, but even a standard winter ride offers snow-covered mountains, frozen lake shores, and a cozy warmth inside the heated cars. Bring a cozy travel blanket for extra warmth and snuggle factor. There is something deeply comforting about riding a warm train through a cold, white landscape, and kids seem to feel it instinctively.
Making the Most of Your Heber City Day Trip
Since you are already making the drive to Heber City, it is worth building a half-day or full-day trip around the train ride. Heber City itself is a charming small town with a growing food scene and some fun family stops.
The Heber Valley Creamery is a must-stop for ice cream. They make their own ice cream using milk from local dairy farms, and the flavors are creative and delicious. The huckleberry is our family favorite. The shop is right near the train depot so it works perfectly as a post-ride treat.
Midway, just a few minutes west of Heber City, is home to the Homestead Crater, a natural hot spring inside a limestone cave that I mentioned in the summer activities post. If your train ride is in the morning, the Crater makes a perfect afternoon follow-up. Kids must be able to touch the bottom in the shallow end to swim without a life jacket, which generally means about 4 feet tall.
Jordanelle State Park, between Park City and Heber City, offers excellent water recreation in summer including swimming beaches, kayak and paddleboard rentals, and fishing. Stopping at Jordanelle on the way to or from the train ride adds a water activity to the day. The Rock Cliff area on the south end of the reservoir has beautiful boardwalk trails through wetlands that are great for bird watching with kids.
Practical Tips and Booking Advice
Book online in advance, especially for themed rides and weekend departures. The Heber Valley Railroad website has a clear calendar and booking system. Standard rides rarely sell out on weekdays, but weekend rides in summer and all holiday-themed rides fill up fast. The North Pole Express often sells out before Thanksgiving, so if you are planning a holiday visit, book months ahead.
Arrive at least 20 minutes before departure. The depot has a small gift shop and a waiting area, and kids enjoy watching the locomotive being positioned before boarding. Parking is free and plentiful in the lot adjacent to the depot, but during peak events it can fill up, so earlier is better.
Bathrooms are available on the train, which matters a lot for families. They are small but functional. That said, use the depot restrooms before boarding since the on-train facilities are not spacious enough for parent-assisted bathroom trips with small children.
Photography tip: sit on the left side of the train heading toward Provo Canyon for the best views of the river and canyon walls. On the Deer Creek route, sit on the right side for lake views. If you are in the open-air cars in summer, it does not matter because you have views in every direction and can move around freely.
Car seats are not required on the train since it operates at slow speeds and the bench seating does not accommodate them well. Babies and toddlers ride in laps. Kids under 2 typically ride free, with paid tickets required for ages 2 and up.
The total cost for a family of four on a standard ride runs between 80 and 120 dollars depending on the excursion and class. Themed rides are typically more expensive. Compare that to a day of skiing and this is one of the most affordable family activities in the area, delivering genuine wow factor for a reasonable price. It is one of those experiences where every family member, from toddler to grandparent, can enjoy the same activity together, and that kind of shared joy is priceless. Bring a reusable water bottle for everyone - staying hydrated makes a huge difference with kids. Always pack a compact first aid kit - with kids, you never know when you will need it. We swear by packing cubes to keep the family organized. A waterproof phone case lets you take photos worry-free.
Family Travel Essentials
Here are our tried-and-tested picks for this trip: