The Heber Valley Railroad has announced its seasonal October 2026 schedule, featuring a family-oriented Pumpkin Train and a 90-minute Halloween Train excursion departing from the Heber Valley Train Depot. These themed rides, which include costumed characters and interactive activities, are part of the seasonal offerings at Utah's only historic railroad.
Family Pumpkin Train Details
The Pumpkin Train is designed for families with younger children and will operate on select Saturdays throughout October 2026. According to the Heber Valley Railroad, the event includes a 40-minute train ride featuring onboard entertainment. As part of the ticketed experience, riders receive a pumpkin cookie and the opportunity to select a pumpkin from the onsite Pumpkin Patch to take home.
Pumpkin Train Schedule
The Pumpkin Train schedule for October 2026 includes departures on the following Saturdays: October 3, October 10, October 17, and October 24. On the first scheduled date of October 3, the train is slated to depart at 10:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM, and 4:00 PM, with each trip concluding approximately 40 minutes after departure. The remaining Saturdays follow a similar pattern of four departures throughout the day.
Halloween Evening Excursions
For those seeking an evening experience, the railroad will host the Halloween Train, a 90-minute excursion that runs on Monday, Thursday, and Friday nights during October 2026. The railroad describes the event as a non-scary outing suitable for both children and adults, making it an option for family outings or costumed date nights. The excursions will feature various costumed characters, including dragons, monsters, ghosts, wizards, and roaming zombies.
Halloween Schedule and Times
The Halloween Train schedule for October 2026 includes departures on the following dates: October 1, October 2, October 5, October 8, October 9, October 12, October 15, October 16, October 19, October 22, October 23, October 26, October 29, and October 30. All scheduled Halloween rides are set to depart at 7:00 PM and conclude at 8:30 PM.
Historical Railroad Background
The Heber Valley Railroad is a unique regional attraction, serving as Utah's only historic railroad. Owned by the State of Utah, the railroad operates more than 600 trains each year, carrying over 130,000 passengers through the Heber Valley. The route departs from the Heber Depot and travels through agricultural lands, across the Provo River, and along the base of the Wasatch Mountain foothills and the west bank of Deer Creek Reservoir.
Railroad Features and Impact
The railroad offers diverse railcar experiences, including the ability to host up to 200 people in an elegant cocktail train car. The fleet includes one of the largest collections of Denver Rio Grande Western train cars. Passengers on standard excursions can enjoy views of the jagged peaks of Mount Timpanogos. The railroad is a significant local employer, providing jobs for over 150 residents in the Heber Valley area.
Location and Visiting Information
The Heber Valley Railroad is located at 450 South 600 West, Heber City, Utah 84032. While ticket prices vary depending on the specific event, the railroad provides thousands of free and low-cost tickets throughout the year. The facility is open Monday and Friday from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, though Sunday operations are closed.
