State & National Parks Near Heber City, UT
Within 45 minutes of Heber City, Utah, you can explore a variety of state and national parks, forests, and recreation areas with year-round activities. Wasatch Mountain State Park, just minutes away, features miles of hiking, biking, and ATV trails, as well as world-class golf courses and winter snowmobiling terrain.
To the west, Timpanogos Cave National Monument offers a challenging yet rewarding hike to intricate limestone caverns. Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, stretching across northern Utah, provides pristine alpine lakes, scenic byways, and endless opportunities for camping, fishing, and backcountry adventure.
Jordanelle and Deer Creek State Parks, just a short drive from Heber City, offer boating and paddleboarding with stunning mountain backdrops.
Deer Creek State Park
About 10 minutes southwest of Heber, Deer Creek Reservoir is the centerpiece of this state park, offering excellent opportunities for boating, fishing, waterskiing, and swimming. The park has sandy beaches, campgrounds, and picnic areas.
The Deer Creek Trail, running along the reservoir, is perfect for hiking and biking. With campgrounds, picnic areas, and easy access from both Heber City and Provo, it's a must-visit for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Wasatch Mountain State Park
One of Utah’s largest state parks, Wasatch Mountain State Park has hiking, mountain biking, golfing, camping, and winter sports. It’s a year-round destination with scenic trails and picnic areas, as well as popular golf courses and cross-country skiing in the winter. It's just 10 minutes west of Heber City, UT.
Jordanelle State Park
Jordanelle State Park is about 15 minutes north of Heber City. It surrounds Jordanelle Reservoir and is a popular spot for boating, fishing, swimming, paddleboarding, and camping.
The Hailstone recreation area provides boat ramps, a marina, and full-service amenities, while the Rock Cliff area offers a more tranquil, nature-focused experience with boardwalks, hiking trails, and wildlife viewing with stunning views of the water and surrounding mountains.
Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest
This massive national forest spans northern Utah and is just 15 minutes from Heber City. There is access to hiking, camping, fishing, and winter sports. Popular spots near Heber include the Provo River, Mirror Lake Highway, and various trails offering stunning views of the Wasatch and Uinta mountain ranges.
Timpanogos Cave National Monument
Timpanogos Cave National Monument, located about 45 minutes from Heber City, is an incredible underground wonder featuring intricate limestone formations, colorful stalactites and stalagmites, and rare helictites. The cave system—comprised of Hansen Cave, Middle Cave, and Timpanogos Cave—is accessible only by a challenging 1.5-mile hike with a 1,100-foot elevation gain, offering stunning canyon views along the way.
The monument is a popular summer destination, providing a mix of adventure, geology, and history, with ranger-led tours explaining the cave’s fascinating past and delicate ecosystem.