Local Travel Tip

When I first arrived here in Utah, one of the first things I heard about as a “must see/do” was the Heber Creeper. The Heber Creeper is an old fashioned train ride around the Heber Valley/Provo Canyon area. It features two 1907 Baldwin steam locomotives and three vintage diesel electric locomotives. Over 95,000 passengers ride this attraction per year. Passengers are allowed to move between cars on most rides. Some cars are open to the air, while others are not.

I had a chance to go on the Provo Canyon Limited, which is a scenic three hour train ride. Provo Canyon is quite beautiful at certain times of the year. I really enjoyed the atmosphere of the older train and being able to relax and enjoy the nature going by. I was able to go with my Aunt and her family, including two of my cousins who were between ages 2 and 5. While a little unsure about the whistle at first, they loved the train! It was so much fun to be able to spend time with them.

For those of you who more action oriented the Heber Creeper does offer several holiday related events through out the year however. Right now, they are offering the family friendly Haunted Canyon Ride. On this ride passengers are encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes, but dress warmly.

Also upcoming are the December related events including the Bells’ n’ Whistles, The Polar Express, and the Tube n’ Train. In Bells’ n’ Whistles passengers ride the train for awhile and then take a horse-pulled sleigh ride up to a ranch where warm treats are enjoyed. The Polar Express is a special treat for any child, including Santa, elves, story reading, and warm treats. Tube n’ Train is popular among the young adults, where the Heber Creeper is taken to a location where snow tubing complete with tow services are provided. More information can be found at: http://www.hebervalleyrr.org/excursions/pcl.php

 The trees turn vibrant colors and begin to fall to the ground. The wind picks up and the sky becomes overcast. Many families face a dilemma when the cold weather picks up. Outdoor activities are no longer an option for families with small children, at least without snow. So what kinds of family activities are still available in the Utah valley? Here are a few ideas for cold weather, local vacations:

The most celebrated time of a long drive is when the parents finally say, “Time to get out of the car!” After a long drive, why drive some more when there are beautiful hikes and horse riding opportunities at some of the most beautiful places in the world? Arches and Zion’s National Parks located in Utah, offer just this opportunity.

With over 2,000 arches, Arches National Park is the largest collection natural stone arches in the world. The same awe that is felt as people marvel at the man-made Colosseum, is felt with these natural wonders. The wind swept red stone is majestic in any landscape photograph.

The 73,000 acre national park in Moab, Utah, has four main sections that attract tourism: The Windows Section, Fiery Furnace, Devils Garden, and Delicate Arch. Delicate Arch is the park’s most famous feature and is used as a symbol for the state of Utah quite often. There are several different hiking trails to accommodate visitors, but be sure to bring enough water! This site is an arid, red desert and very hot.

Delicate Arch

Another must see is Utah’s first and most popular national park, Zion’s. Located by Springdale, Utah, there are endless hiking possibilities through Zion’s breath taking red canyons. The park is open year round for visitors, and it is a completely different experience during different seasons of the year, although this epic scenery is just as beautiful in the summer, with the sun emphasizing the red, as in the winter with snow.

Zion's National Park