The Heber Valley Railroad
By Sherril-Steele Carlin
Heber Valley Railroad's been running nearly non-stop for over 100 years. The little rail line, located in Heber Valley, about 23 miles north of Provo, Utah, has become a major tourist attraction since its' role in the 2002 Winter Olympics. Several Olympic events were held in Soldier Hollow, just a short ride from Heber, and the railroad was the major transportation provider for Olympians competing at the site, and spectators there to take in the events.
Railfans will appreciate Heber Valley's rolling stock. They operate two steam engines, three diesels, several cars and maintenance vehicles, and also own a 1942 all steel caboose, the first in the country. It originally belonged to the Union Pacific. McConnell discovered it at a historical society in the west. He bought it for $500, and had it moved to Utah. During restoration, workers uncovered layers of paint and grime, and found the original number. They contacted Union Pacific, and found out the real history behind the caboose.
The railroad operates the 1 1/2 hour trip Soldier Hollow trip daily all year. Other tours, such as the 3 1/2 hour Provo Canyon Limited trip, operate daily during the summer, and on the weekends during the late summer and fall. There are also runs to transport river rafters to Vivian Park, where they can catch their boats and head down the Provo River for some fun and white water. Heber Valley also offers the Sunset Special Barbecue Train, Murder Mystery Train, Polar Express, and chartering for groups and parties, so there are plenty of tours that will please any railfan.
The Provo Canyon Limited trip is one of the most popular and scenic the railroad offers. After leaving the station, the train steams across the Heber Valley, giving visitors a glimpse of the agricultural heritage that started the community, and still exists today. On warm summer days, the scent of freshly cut hay fills the cars with its clean, fresh scent as the train rumbles across the valley. Low rolling hills appear as the train begins to wind along the shores of Deer Creek. The train passes Deer Creek Reservoir, and begins its decent into the glacier carved walls of Provo Canyon, following the quick-flowing Provo River until they reach Vivian Park.
The Polar Express is a very special event offered every holiday season. One of the Baldwin steam engines pulls a load of warm, cozy cars to the station, just as night begins to fall. Each coach is toasty warm from the heat of a pot-bellied stove. Cheery elves pass out cookies and hot cocoa to parents and children. Christmas lights twinkle among the cars. As the train travels to its secret destination, in each car the elves each read a copy of author Chris Van Allsburg's award winning book, "The Polar Express." Just as the story ends, the train comes to a halt, and there, waiting in the snow with a glimmering Christmas tree, is Santa. Just like it's told in the book. On the return trip, Santa spends time with each child, and gives them all bells from his sleigh. Mrs. Claus hands out recipes for her cookies. The Polar Express train runs several times in November and December, and is one of the railroad's most popular special events. There are also snack bars, rest rooms, and a gift shop located on the cars.
Heber Valley has turned their railroad into a well-known and well-loved tourist attraction. Local businesses discovered a downturn in their profits when the train briefly closed in the 90s. Today, they transport at least 60,000 visitors annually. Railfans of all ages will enjoy the train, the scenery, and the "hometown feel" of this extraordinary little railroad in Utah.