This Mountain Town Glows Gold in Fall—and This Scenic Train Is the Best Way to See It

From the moment I landed in Salt Lake City, the Wasatch Mountains loomed in my peripheral vision. As I munched on my Italian sub at Caputo’s, a favorite local deli, I realized how much they were a part of the local landscape here. And in the fall months, the Wasatach Range becomes even more dazzling, as the trees that cover it turn into a brilliant patchwork display of yellow, orange, and red before they turn white just in time for ski season.

Luckily, it’s easy to explore the Wasatch Mountains with the Heber Valley Railroad, located just an hour outside of Salt Lake City. Dating back to the the 1800s, the historic railroad is a fun, endearing way to explore the mountains—and a quintessential slice of Americana—all at one time.

In the Heber Valley, autumn foliage peaks in late September through early October. Some of the most popular options include the Lakeside Limited and Deer Creek Express. Each of these trips has incredible, scenic views of the Wasatch Mountains, the open vistas of Deer Creek, and the beautiful Heber Valley.

And on Saturdays in October, the Heber Valley Railroad becomes the pumpkin train. You can enjoy the leaves from your window while snacking on delicious pumpkin chocolate chip cookies. Plus, you can even pick your very own pumpkin from the pumpkin patch and take it home with you.

Meanwhile, on Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays in October, the train celebrates spooky season with a special Halloween Express. Frankenstein, Dracula, and the Mummy will take you to the haunted “Grim Hollow Station” on this kid-friendly Halloween experience.

During the holiday season, the train is transformed yet again into the North Pole Express. On this ride, you can sing along to your favorite carols, drink hot cocoa, and even meet Santa. If you’re planning on taking the train to the North Pole, be sure to stick around for a few days to enjoy the iconic ski trails in the area. In less than a 30-minute drive, you’ll be able to shred at the ultra-luxurious Deer Valley Resort and the Sundance Mountain Resort, which has a Michelin Key.

Since many of the themed trains sell out quickly, be sure to book your tickets well in advance. I recommend browsing the Heber Valley Railroad’s calendar for other fun and exciting themed train rides—including dance parties, comedy performances, and murder mysteries. But no matter when you go, you are sure to be stunned by the train’s views and delighted by the experience.