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When summer temperatures start climbing along the Wasatch Front, there’s a simple solution: head for the mountains. Just 45 minutes from Salt Lake City and less than a half hour from Park City, Heber Valley offers something that can feel surprisingly rare during summer. We're talking comfortable evening temps, cool alpine mornings, refreshing lake water, and plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors.

Whatever your plans, here are some of the best ways to stay cool this summer in Heber Valley.

SOAK UP THE LAKE LIFE

With three reservoirs, three state parks, and over 15 miles of prime river access, cooling off this summer is just a splash away! Play safe and play all season long.

Deer Creek State Park & Reservoir:
Offering lots of: 

• day-use areas,
• overnight camp sites,
• boat launch ramp,
• beach area,
• onsite marina,
• variety of sport equipment,
• on-the-water boat rentals at Deer Creek Island Resort,
• fully chartered, on-water boating experience with a boat captain

Be sure to explore:

• Zipline to Water Park: Soar above it all and over the lake at Zip Line Utah,
• then spend an hour or two on the floating Rainbow Bay Aqua Park.
• And lunch or dinner are available at The Lakehouse at Deer Creek. The views will amaze you almost as much as the food!

Jordanelle State Park & Reservoir: 
With prime access from Highway 40, this dark skies certified reservoir offers: 

• ample parking,
• large boat ramp area,
• beach area,
• onsite Jordanelle Marina,
• lots of shaded picnic tables for day-use,
• overnight camp sites

Strawberry Reservoir:
Located a short 25 minutes from Heber City, this pristine lake is known for fishing. 

• typically less populated
• four marinas,
• paved boat ramps,
• onsite Strawberry Bay Lodge & Marina lodging,
• day-use areas,
• overnight camp sites 

Lake Activities:
Enjoy any of these activities at all three reservoirs.

• boat or sail,
• efoil,
• fish,
• float,
• jetski,
• kayak,
• kite surf,
• paddle board,
• swim

Hike-In Lakes: Looking for something a bit more remote? We’ve got that too!

• Bloods Lake,
• Lackawaxen Lake (pictured here),
• head up Guardsman Pass to these pristine lakes for day-use access

SEE NATURAL WATERFALLS

Drive along scenic roads to see stunning natural waterfalls surrounding Heber Valley.

Cascade Springs: Along the Alpine Loop Scenic Backway, you will drive past the refreshing Cascade Springs natural area. 

• large artesian spring with a series of small waterfalls and streams
• cascades down limestone terraces and pools into lush vegetation
• approximately seven million gallons of water a day flows through the interlaced streams
• walk along bridges, boardwalks, and paved pathways to explore this area

Stewart Falls: Along the Alpine Loop Scenic Backway, you will also pass by the renowned Sundance Mountain Resort as you wind around the formidable Mount Timpanogos. 

• From the resort base, you can take the chairlift up or hike up the easy/moderate trail to the breathtaking Stewart Falls (about 3.5 miles round-trip).
• Alternatively, you can park at Aspen Grove, inside National Forest Service land, to hike to the falls.
• The two-tiered falls is about 200 feet tall and is one of the more scenic and photogenic falls in northern Utah.

Bridal Veil Falls:
Located in the scenic Provo Canyon Byway, this impressive waterfall is visible from Highway 189.

• 600-foot, multi-tiered falls
• A large paved parking lot is located on the south side of the road (free parking)
• picnic tables
• paved paths to the base of the falls for easy access

Provo River Falls: A bit farther of a drive, but worth every minute is the popular Mirror Lake Scenic Byway. 

• 55-mile one-way stretch of highway through the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest area
• Hundreds of natural lakes
• Two popular stops: Provo River Falls and Mirror Lake

Fly Fishing

With over 15 miles of prime access to the Blue-Ribbon streams of Provo River, fly fishing is an excellent year-round activity in the Heber Valley. Whether fishing the Middle Provo or Lower Provo, the prolific fish populations make this area a dream come true for the avid fly fisher and even for the beginners.  Head out with a guide for better luck and learn all about the hidden gems and sweet spots to guarantee a catch.

Play Safe & Responsibly

As you’re planning that next lake visit, fishing trip, or river float, be sure to remember these tips for a safe and pleasant experience.

• Life jacket
• Sunblock
• Bug repellant
• Stay hydrated
• Pay the fees: Know the areas you are visiting. Whether it be state parks, national monuments, forest service areas, or other fee-based destinations, be sure to pay for access and use.
• Pack it in, pack it out: Leave it better than you found it. This includes cleaning up after your pets.
• Limited cell service: Reception can be spotty in the more remote areas. Stop by the Heber Valley Chamber Visitor Center (475 N Main St) to obtain area maps and information, including GPS-based maps.
• Know the weather
• Plan ahead: Check road conditions, road construction impacts, park capacity, weather, etc. State parks update conditions on individual state park social media accounts. UDOT updates road conditions on its website.
• Have a backup plan

WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?   
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing spa and golf getaway, outdoor patio dining with mountain views, or thrill-seeking adventures that keep the adrenaline pumping—we have it all in Heber Valley. The cooler temps in this stunning area make this the place to go for an ideal summer trip.

Explore all there is to do in Heber Valley. Learn more about summer activities and events. And use the Trip Planner tool to help fill in the blanks.