Table of Contents
Quick Facts
Railroad Name | Heber Valley Railroad |
Website | https://www.hebervalleyrr.org/ |
Train ride | Steam or diesel pulled heritage equipment train, through Provo River Valley |
Location | 450 South 6th West, Heber City, UT 84032 |
Length of trip | 16 miles |
Cost of single ticket | $25.00 |
Special Trains | Princess & Pirate Train Chocolate Lovers Train St. Paddy’s Train The Cowboy Train Easter Bunny Train Super Hero Train Rock-n-Roll Train North Pole Express |
History/information
The Heber Valley Railroad, located in Heber City, Utah, is a heritage railroad that offers scenic train rides through the stunning landscapes of Utah. The railroad is a popular attraction for tourists, families, and train enthusiasts who come from all over the world to experience a ride on this historic train.
History
The Heber Valley Railroad was originally built in 1899 to transport silver ore from the mines in Park City to the smelters in Provo. The line was later extended to Heber City and eventually to the small towns of Charleston and Daniel. The railroad played a significant role in the development of the region, bringing new industries, commerce, and people to the area.
In the 1960s, the railroad was shut down due to declining demand for freight transportation. However, in 1992, the railroad was restored and transformed into a tourist attraction, offering visitors a glimpse into the history and culture of Utah.
Ride
The train ride takes passengers on a scenic journey through the breathtaking landscapes of the Wasatch Mountains and the Provo River Valley. The ride is approximately 90 minutes long, and passengers can choose to sit in one of the vintage passenger cars, including the open-air car, the observation car, or the coach car.
Locomotives and Passenger Equipment
The Heber Valley Railroad operates several vintage steam and diesel locomotives, including the Union Pacific No. 618, a steam locomotive built in 1907, and the Union Pacific No. 35, a diesel locomotive built in 1944. The passenger cars are also vintage, ranging from the early 1900s to the 1960s. The railroad has a collection of 15 passenger cars, including two open-air cars, two observation cars, and several coach cars.
Notable roster
Locomotive | Type | Builder | Notes |
618 | 2-8-0 | Baldwin Locomotive Works | Ex-Oregon Short Line, and UP |
75 | 2-8-0 | Burnham, Parry, Williams & Co. 1907 | Ex-Northern Construction Company |
300 | 0-6-0 | Baldwin Locomotive Works | Ex-Columbia Steel Corp. |
1813 | MRS-1 | EMD | Ex-US Army |
Getting there
Closest Amtrak Station
The closest Amtrak station to the Heber Valley Railroad is the Provo Amtrak Station, located about 30 miles south of Heber City. From there, visitors can take a taxi or rent a car to get to the Heber Valley Railroad.
Closest Commercial Airport
The closest commercial airport to the Heber Valley Railroad is the Salt Lake City International Airport, located about 50 miles northwest of Heber City. From the airport, visitors can rent a car or take a taxi to get to the Heber Valley Railroad.
Driving
The Heber Valley Railroad is located in Heber City, Utah, approximately 50 miles southeast of Salt Lake City. Visitors can take the I-80 East to US-40 East and follow the signs to Heber City. The railroad is located at 450 South 6th West, Heber City, UT 84032.
In conclusion, the Heber Valley Railroad is a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in the history and culture of Utah. The train ride offers a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of the Wasatch Mountains and the Provo River Valley, while the vintage locomotives and passenger cars transport visitors back in time to the golden age of railroading. With its rich history, stunning scenery, and vintage equipment, the Heber Valley Railroad is truly a journey through time.