Heber Valley: What’s Happening in This Fast-Growing Bedroom Community?

The Heber Valley is one of the nation’s fastest growing communities. Anyone who’s been there can easily see why. Split by the Provo River running North-South, the Heber Valley consists of Midway and Charleston to the West, and Daniel and Heber City to the East. Deer Creek Reservoir and the Wasatch Mountains provide endless recreational opportunities for Heber Valley residents and visitors.

Unlike some of the other towns near Park City, Heber lies in Wasatch County. Founded in the 1850’s, Heber has dairy and cattle ranching roots, but has since become a bedroom community for Park City, Provo and even Salt Lake. There are some longstanding events and traditions in the valley, such as Swiss Days, the Ice Castles, the Soldier Hollow Classic and the Thursday concert series. And there is plenty more to be excited about.

Old Favorites and New Happenings in the Heber Valley

Mayflower Mountain Resort

Just up the hill from Heber in Wasatch County lies the Mayflower exit. The Mayflower area has been a hot development topic for years, but plans are starting to become more official. This summer, Alterra Mountain Company (owner of Deer Valley) signed a 199-year lease with Extell Development Company. The move, which allows Deer Valley skiers to still access the terrain, is just the beginning. The long-term plan includes 5,600 acres with ski lifts, restaurants, bars, houses, hotels and the “largest ski beach in the world”. The under-construction Jordanelle Parkway will connect the new area to Highway 248 near Brown’s Canyon.

Heber Valley Railroad

Even though the railroad has been around for a long time, there’s always something new and different happening on the tracks! Heber Valley Railroad has deep historical roots as the only way to ship goods produced by area ranchers. Did you know that the journey to Provo and Salt Lake used to take three days in good weather?! Today, riders enjoy fun events like Murder Mysteries and Star Wars to the classic North Pole Express and Pumpkin Train.

New Heber City Dog Park

In July of this year, updates were completed to the Boneyard dog park at Muirfield (750 North, 200 West). This is part of a two-phase upgrade to the park, with the first including separate runs for large and small dogs. There are also new play areas and water stations for the pups, and restrooms (for the humans, of course).

Airport Master Plan

Heber City is planning an update to its airport master plan to demonstrate the future commercial viability of the airport. According to KPCW, the airport accepts a lot of federal funding, which means they cannot restrict airplanes from landing at the airport. As this area grows in population, they are seeing new and larger planes coming in. Therefore, the update to the master plan is to ensure safety in conjunction with growth.

Heber Valley Parkway

A Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) study is currently underway to identify an alternate route through the Heber Valley. The goal is to have a route that bypasses Main Street. The study could take 3-5 years and will cost up to $4 million.

Splash & Skate on Main

Some Wasatch High School students are responsible for this exciting development in Heber. In conjunction with the Community Alliance for Main Street, the Wasatch CAPS have designed a fenced, oval shaped area to include a splash pad, sidewalk and synthetic ice. The project is estimated to cost $100,000. There is no estimated date as the funds are currently still being sought.

Black Rock Mountain Resort

Although seemingly far away from Heber, this development is located in Wasatch County, at the corner of Highway 248 and Browns Canyon. Development has been underway for a few years, but the first phase of condo/hotel concept is expected to open by the end of this year. The initial phase will feature 69 condos and 30,000 square feet of commercial space, and will eventually build out to 196 units. There will also be an NHL-sized hockey rink (indoors) and potentially two more rinks down the road.

Heber Valley Brewing Company

I never thought I’d see the day where Heber would get its own brewery. Heber Valley’s first craft brewery, HVBC specializes in Belgian style ales. Located at 501 North Main, the brew pub is open every day except Tuesday (hours vary) and also serves pizza, pretzels and charcuterie.

Favorite Heber Restaurants

For all of the growth and changes the Heber Valley is experiencing, one change cannot be denied as being a good one: the restaurants! There are some seriously good eats in the Heber Valley now. I recommend these restaurants:

• The Old Goat
• Spin Café
• Main Street Social
• FillerUp
• Back 40 Ranch House Grill
• Lola’s Street Kitchen
• Snake Creek Grill
• June Pies
• The Bagel Den

What’s your favorite thing about the Heber Valley? There’s lots to love. This list barely touches the surface. Share your thoughts in the comments section.