21st century adventure in the city of Heber
Have you started planning your summer vacation? If you’re like most people this year, chances are you’re looking for a great place to visit that’s a bit close to home. With gas prices at a more reasonable level (around $2.13 per gallon), there’s a good chance that driving is in the cards.
Whether you decide to drive a couple of hours or a day, Heber City, Utah is a great destination. It is located just a few minutes drive from three world-class ski resorts; Deer Valley, Park City Ski Resort and The Canyons. Also, just down the canyon in the opposite direction is Sundance Ski Resort, which is a bit smaller, but is located in a canyon with great hiking, fabulous restaurants, and is the home of Robert Redford.
To do within 15 minutes of Heber City, Utah:
Jordanelle Resevoir is one of the newer lakes in existence. Camping and condominiums are strategically located along the coast. This has quickly become a favorite for many visitors to the Wasatch Front. However, there are rental facilities in Heber City that will rent out everything from jet skis and jet skis to ski boats.
Deer Creek – At the top of Provo Canyon is the Deer Creek Reservoir. Maybe not as big Jordanelle, but there are a few more amenities, like a marina with a restaurant. Both Jordanelle and Deer Creek see pleasure boats and fishing boats.
Wasatch State Park – Transforms into a series of golf courses and hiking areas during the summer. One of the most talked about golf courses is located here. It is a public course, but reservations are required. Bring your mountain bike for even more trails and views.
Heber Creeper Train: The train station is six blocks from Main Street. Trips begin at the Heber Valley Railroad Station. There are a variety of excursions available, from a trip through Provo Canyon to a hike around the lake, murder mystery tours, and barbecue dinners.
Within 30 minutes of Heber City, Utah:
Historic Main Street: Park City, Utah is an old mining town and Main Street has retained much of the flavor of the mining days. There are great restaurants and unique shops that cater to the young, old, wealthy, and people like me. There is plenty of parking on most days (a bit crowded on holidays) and the walk is pleasant.
Deer Valley Resort – Grab your mountain bikes (or rent them) and head into Deer Valley. You can ride your bikes up in the lift and choose from a myriad of trails (expert easy) to go down. The views across the valley are incredible and you will want to take at least one small camera with you.
Park City Mountain Resort – The alpine slide and zip line are great summer activities if you have a couple of hours to spend at the resort.
Sundance Ski Resort – Need a cool place to relax? Sundance is tucked away in the Wasatch Range of the Rocky Mountains. With a lodge, hiking trails, and world-class restaurants, Sundance Ski Resort is an incredible getaway without the maddening crowds.
Mount Timpanogas – Some mountains have a very distinctive silhouette and Mount Timpanogas is one of them. The peak can be seen as it towers over Utah County, but it’s the back that has trails, waterfalls, meadows, and some real beauty. To hit some great trails, take a short drive past Sundance Ski Resort, and don’t forget your camera.
Olympic Park – Located just outside of Park City and just beyond The Canyons Resort is Olympic Park with toboggan runs and ski jumping. It’s a great place to watch practices or get involved.
Within an hour of Heber City, Utah:
Uinta Mountains – The only mountain range in the continental United States that runs from east to west. If you just want to go for a walk on a lake or go fishing, the Uinta Mountains are an amazing destination.
Strawberry Reservoir – Get the fishing gear and jet skis to enjoy this desert reservoir. It’s harshly beautiful.
Temple Square – With over 2 million visitors a year, Temple Square ranks as one of Utah’s top tourist destinations. There is a history museum, a family history library and the world famous Tabernacle Choir.
Great Salt Lake – At only 14 feet deep (on average), this is some of the saltiest water in the world. You can literally float on water! Just a few minutes west of Salt Lake City (on I-80), you can visit the yacht club or head a little north to visit Antelope Island with its beaches.
This should give you a full itinerary of great adventures when you visit the city of Heber and the surrounding sites. Don’t forget to tell us about your adventure.