Have you started to plan your summer vacation? If you are like most people this year, you are most likely looking for a great place to visit that is a little close to home. With the price of gas at a more reasonable level (around $2.13 per gallon), there is a good chance that driving is in the plans.
Whether you decide to drive a couple of hours, or a day, Heber City, Utah is a great destination. It is located within a few minutes drive of 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 little smaller, but located in a canyon with excellent hikes, fabulous restaurants and is home to Robert Redford.
To do within 15 minutes of Heber City, Utah:
Jordanelle Resevoir is one of the newest lakes around. Camping and condos are located strategically along the shore. This has quickly become a favorite of many visitors from along the Wasatch Front. However, there are rental facilities in Heber City that will rent everything from jet skis and wave runners to ski boats.
Deer Creek – At the top of Provo Canyon is Deer Creek Resevoir. Perhaps, not as large Jordanelle, but there are a few more amenities such as a marina with a restaurant. Both Jordanelle and Deer Creek see pleasure boaters and fishing boats.
Wasatch State Park – This 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 to enjoy even more trails and vistas.
Heber Creeper Train – The train station is six blocks off of Main Street. Trips begin at the Heber Valley Railroad Station. There are a variety of excursions available from a trip down Provo Canyon to an excursion around the lake, murder mystery tours and BBQ 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 to unique stores that cater to young, old, wealthy and people like me. There is quite a bit of parking on most days (holidays are a little crowded) and the walk is pleasant.
Deer Valley Resort – Grab your mountain bikes (or rent them) and head to Deer Valley. You can ride the lift up with your bikes and choose from myriad trails (easy to expert) for the ride down. The vistas over the entire valley are incredible and you will want to take at least a small camera with you.
Park City Mountain Resort – The Alpine Slide and a zip line are great activities for the summer 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 madding crowds.
Mount Timpanogas – Some mountains have a very distinctive silhouette and Mount Timpanogas is one of those. The peak can be seen as it soars over Utah County, but it is the backside that has the trails, waterfalls, meadows and real beauty. To get to some excellent trails, take the short drive past Sundance Ski Resort and don’t forget your camera.
Olympic Park – Located on the outskirts of Park City and just beyond The Canyons Resort, lies Olympic Park with the bobsled runs and ski jumps. It is a great place to watch practices, or participate.
Within One Hour of Heber City, Utah:
Uinta Mountains – The only mountain range in the continental United States that runs East and West. If you just want to stroll around a lake, or go fishing, the Uinta Mountains are an amazing destination.
Strawberry Resevoir – Get the fishing gear and PWC’s to enjoy this high-desert reservoir. It is ruggedly beautiful.
Temple Square – With more than 2 million visitors a year, Temple Square ranks as one of the top tourist destinations in Utah. There is a history museum, family history library and the world-famous Tabernacle Choir.
Great Salt Lake – At only 14 feet deep (on average), this is one of the saltiest waters in the world. You can litteraly float on top of the water! Just a few minutes west of Salt Lake City (on I-80), you can visit the yacht club, or go a little north to visit Antelope Island with its beaches.
This should give you a full itinerary of great adventures when you visit Heber City and the surrounding sites. Don’t forget to tell us about your adventure.
