The leaves will be turning soon and with it, the cooler fall temps. As we watch for the vibrant colors of red, burnt orange, and golden yellow and the change of the season creeps over the valley, September and October are a lovely time to visit this mountain town. Read on to learn of all the family-friendly, fun festivities happening in Heber this fall.
Take a meandering drive through the beautiful mountains that surround the valley. Here are a few suggestions that are open seasonally (spring through fall) but are at their best during autumn.
- Alpine Loop Scenic Backway:
Start in the quaint Swiss-inspired town of Midway, Utah, then explore the historic Tate Barn on your way to Cascade Springs. Allow for 30 minutes to an hour to stop and explore this artesian spring. Then continue on around the base of the majestic Mount Timpanogos. If time allows, stop and explore the Timpanogos Caves National Monument (allow for 2-3 hours; advance reservation needed.) Proceed on to the world-renowned Sundance Mountain Resort where you can stop to stretch your legs, explore this legendary resort village and grounds, take a hike to Stewart Falls (allow 2 hours), then get a bite to eat. The scenic drive continues on to Bridal Veil Falls in Provo Canyon. Total drive time without additional excursions: approximately 2-3 hours. - Guardsman Pass: Take a scenic drive up the 7-mile, one-way, paved Pine Canyon Road. Ample hiking and biking trails are along this roadway. Once near the top, take in the Heber Valley views from the Bonanza Flat preserved area, then head west over the summit of Guardsman Pass into Big Cottonwood Canyon and on to Salt Lake Valley, or head east and drop into Deer Valley and Park City. Pack a picnic and enjoy a snack or lunch at the top or explore the many trails along this route. Total drive time for out-and-back without additional excursions: approximately 90 minutes.
- Mirror Lake Scenic Byway: You will see lots of extraordinary fall foliage amid jaw-dropping mountain peaks, valley views, and serene lakes. We recommend you stop at Provo River Falls
- a stunning series of waterfalls with a great overlook area and visit any number of natural, roadside lakes that sit alongside the byway. Pack snacks, water, and a pair of binoculars for wildlife spotting (look for mountain goats along some of the higher and more remote ridges) and take in the views of the valley floor. Local’s tip: the best time to go is in the early morning and mid-week. September tends to be when colors are at their brightest, but timing varies each year. Total drive time without additional excursions: approximately 4 hours.
Pumpkin patches, hay mazes, corn mazes, and a scarecrow festival are just some of the fun festivities offered this time of the year.
Pumpkin Patches & Hay Mazes:
Heber Valley Artisan Cheese holds its annual pumpkin patch and hay maze, along with its regular daily farm tours and retail storefront that sells locally made cheeses, cheese curds, and ice cream. This is a “fun for all ages” activity that everyone can enjoy.
Additional “you pick” pumpkin patches are located throughout the valley in Heber, Midway, Charleston, Daniel, and surrounding neighborhoods.
Spooky Train Rides: 
Heber Valley Railroad runs two seasonally themed trains in the fall. Come ride along on the Pumpkin Train or the Halloween Train and make some fun memories with the train staff. This year’s Pumpkin Train is a 40-minute ride complete with costumed characters, a pumpkin cookie for each guest, and a pumpkin you can pick from the pumpkin patch to take home. This fun train runs every Saturday from October 8th through October 29th. The Halloween Train features the infamous Hocus Pocus Sanderson Sisters on a 90-minute spooky train ride complete with additional costumed characters like roaming zombies and witches. This train runs every Monday and Thursday night in October, starting October 3rd. Come dressed in your favorite costume for this fun train ride experience.
Heber Valley Western Music & Cowboy Poetry: Hitch up your skirt, pull on your boots, dust off your hat, and join us for this annual celebration of Western music, cowboy tales, fine poetry, and the Mountain Man Rendezvous Camp. All festivities happening from October 12th through the 16th this year, including big-name artists like Sawyer Brown, Ned LeDoux, Ben Haggard, Andy Nelson, and Jeff Carson - just to name a few. You don’t want to miss this fun multi-day event with world-class entertainment.
Fall Draft Horse Show: If horses get you excited, then you need to be at the annual Fall Draft Horse Round Up event. The event runs Thursday through Saturday, from September 29th through October 1st.
Heber Main Street Trick-or-Treat: Join the fun along Heber Main Street on Friday, October 28th from 4:00 to 8:00 pm for lots of treats at the local stores. Trick-or-treat from the south end of Heber City Park along Heber Main Street all the way to the Heber City Tabernacle from 4:00 to 6:00 pm. Then enjoy the carnival with food trucks, donuts, and cider at the Tabernacle from 5:00 to 8:00 pm. Costume parade will start at 6:00 pm followed by a glow stick dance party at 7:00 pm. Don your favorite costume and join the community party hosted by CAMS (the Community Alliance for Main Street)!
Previous Blog Posts:
Reunions & Special Events in Heber Valley
Things to Do Indoors in Heber Valley
