There’s a lot to love about the Heber Valley in the fall. From cool, crisp mornings and stunning fall colors, to annual fall traditions that make our valley unique, here are seven fun activities your entire family will “fall” for.
Heber Valley Railroad
Pumpkin Train
The “Heber Creeper” is a classic Heber Valley attraction. In the fall, be sure to take a ride on the annual Pumpkin Train, which includes a 40-minute train ride through the beautiful Heber Valley landscape, entertainment by costumed characters and sing-alongs — all topped off with delicious pumpkin cookies provided by the railroad staff!
Increase the fun factor by wearing a costume and take a trip through the (family-friendly) haunted train car after the ride! Ticketed riders also get to pick a pumpkin at the depot’s pumpkin patch to take home.
The Pumpkin Train runs October 3 – 30.
Visit hebervalleyrr.org for more information
or to buy tickets.
Sleepy Hollow
Haunted Wagon Ride
High on the list of unique fall activities to look forward to is the Sleepy Hollow Haunted Wagon Ride, hosted by Rocky Mountain Outfitters. Enjoy cool mountain air and a horse-drawn wagon ride through the scenic foothills and forests of Soldier Hollow in Midway — all while listening to Washington Irving’s classic tale “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.”
Along the way, you’ll encounter eerie apparitions and perhaps even see the Headless Horseman himself!
The wagon rides are intended to be appropriate and entertaining for all ages — including younger children — but keep in mind the later it gets into the evening, the experience naturally becomes scarier in the dark.
Kids aged three and under are free. Visit sleepyhollowutah.com for reservations.
Nobblet’s Creek
Hiking Trail
Heber Valley is home to hundreds of miles of pristine mountain trails and Nobblet’s Creek Trail is a terrific fall hike for kids of all ages. Located just 20 minutes from Heber City in the Uinta National Forrest, Noblett’s Creek Trail is an easy 2.1-mile out and back trail that runs alongside Noblett’s Creek and ends at a spring-fed waterfall.
The trail is perfect for younger kids, thanks to a mostly-flat pitch with plenty of places to stop for a drink or a snack, and has beautiful fall colors the whole family will enjoy.
RunDown Ranch
Kids Farm
The RunDown Ranch Kids Farm located in nearby Oakley is a hidden gem for families in the Wasatch Back. It’s the perfect place to get up close and personal with tons of cool animals like alpacas, chickens, mini horses, donkeys, a potbellied pig aptly-named “Kevin Bacon” and more!
Ranch owners, Sparky and Julie O’Driscoll are gracious hosts who decided to open the kids’ farm last year when Sparky retired. The ranch is open during daylight hours, and cash or Venmo donations are accepted. Large cups of feed can also be purchased for just $1 so you and your kids can enjoy feeding the animals.
RunDown Ranch Kids Farm is located at 22 West Boulderville Road in Oakley. For more information, visit RunDown Ranch Kids Farm on Facebook.
Sundance Resort
Harvest Market
There’s truly nothing like spending a fall day at Sundance Mountain Resort — and the Sundance Harvest Market is the perfect excuse to enjoy the brilliant fall leaves, majestic backdrop of Mt. Timpanogos and rustic-inspired shops and restaurants that celebrate the Old West.
The Harvest Market features a curated selection of local artists and craftsmen, live Bluegrass and Americana music, delicious food and activities for all ages. At the market, you’ll find everything from jewelry and pottery to hand-carved wooden canoes.
This year’s market is on Saturday,
September 28, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, visit sundanceresort.com.
Wasatch County
Day of Thanksgiving
Entering its fifth year, the Wasatch County Day of Thanksgiving is a community-wide celebration hosted in mid-November by the Wasatch Community Foundation. Bring your family, friends and neighbors, and enjoy a traditional homemade Thanksgiving feast with entertainment provided by performers from the renowned Heber Valley Country Music and Cowboy Poetry Gathering!
The dinner is held at Wasatch High School and includes free health screenings, a photo booth provided by the Wasatch County Police Department and free stuffed animals for children who attend. The Day of Thanksgiving is a chance to celebrate our community and help make it a healthier place for us all.
Proceeds from the dinner go to support health initiatives in Wasatch County, such as diabetes education, the Wasatch County Safe Kids Fair, the Issues Conference and more. For more information, visit ourwcf.org.
Guardsman Pass
Leaf Peeping
It’s difficult to beat the amazing views of the scenic drive that takes you from Pine Canyon Drive in Midway through the Wasatch Mountains and over to Big Cottonwood Canyon — and it’s especially spectacular in the fall.
You’ll see an impressive array of fall foliage, from vibrant reds to entire hillsides of yellow-gold Aspen trees when you arrive at Wasatch County’s Bonanza Flats. Pack a picnic lunch or dinner and enjoy the vibrant colors and crisp mountain air.
End with a stop at Silver Lake Loop Trail, located near Brighton Ski Resort, where the kiddos can stretch their legs, enjoy a picnic and have fun exploring the easy walking path at this beautiful mountain lake. Then jump back in the car, crank up the tunes (and probably the heater) and enjoy the visual delights of fall all the way back to the Heber Valley.
