SNAPPED: The ‘Heber Creeper’ is still chugging — 127 years and counting

Heber Creeper Train going through Charlston. Photo: TownLift // Michele Roepke

HEBERY CITY, Utah — The Heber Valley Railroad — better known as the “Heber Creeper” — rolled through on its way back to the depot last Friday after touring the banks of Deer Creek Reservoir with views of Mt. Timpanogos. 

The railroad has been hauling passengers through this valley since 1899. According to the railroad’s website, the only way in or out of Heber back then was a toll road that took three days in good weather. When the first train steamed into town, nearly the entire valley showed up to celebrate. The nickname followed — the canyon was so narrow and twisting that the train topped out at 20 mph, and locals started calling it the “Creeper.”

The line nearly vanished twice — in 1968 and again in 1990 — but was revived both times. The Utah Legislature made it permanent in 1992, and today it’s the state’s only historic railroad, carrying over 130,000 passengers a year.

The summer calendar runs well beyond the standard scenic ride. The Deer Creek Express operates most days at 1 and 3:30 p.m. — a 90-minute round trip along the reservoir — and Friday Night trains offer an evening option. The railroad is also running Wild West Days trains, a Princess & Pirate train for kids, Dinosaur trains, Wine Tasting trains with five-course pairings, a Rock-n-Roll train, the Freedom Train around the Fourth of July, Fiddlers & Fireworks in late July, and a Wizard’s train in July. A cocktail car experience holds up to 200 guests.

Active-duty military and veterans ride free on all scenic trains, and the railroad offers thousands of free and low-cost tickets throughout the year.

Tickets and the full summer calendar can be viewed on the Heber Valley Railroad website.

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