Name: 2026 Heber Valley Haunted Hayride and Fall Festival
Start: 2026-10-08
End: 2026-10-08

Once the site of a small Native American encampment (and later, in the 1850’s, a stopover for a group of Army surveyors), Soldier Hollow emerged from obscurity in the winter of 2002 as the immensely popular site of the Olympic cross country and biathlon events. Soldier Hollow also hosted the cross country skiing portions of Nordic Combined, and in March of 2002, held the cross country skiing and biathlon events for the Paralympics. Having clearly established Soldier Hollow as a world acclaimed facility, the Olympics also provided Soldier Hollow with an infrastructure that could not only host future elite competitions such as National Championships and World Cups, but could also stage a wide range of events. Since the closing ceremonies of the Olympics and Paralympics, Soldier Hollow has continued the legacy of ski racing and biathlon, playing host to the Under 23 World Championships in 2004 and U.S. Championships in 2005 and 2006. Among the more unusual functions, Soldier Hollow has, since the Olympics, been the site of a Disney movie, staged the filming of national television commercials, hosted small, intimate work sessions by nationally prominent business and government leaders (including a break for a fun competition at the biathlon range), and many sports events, including the North American Unicycle Championships. Soldier Hollow has also been home to the Soldier Hollow Classic Sheepdog Championships, Intergalactic Tubing Championships, and Heber Valley Pow-Wow. A wide range of events – youth and family friendly – is a hallmark of Soldier Hollow. It’s all part of the Legacy. Soldier Hollow is operated by the Soldier Hollow Legacy Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit to benefit youth winter sports and recreation and maintain and support local, regional, national and international nordic ski competitions and training. Soldier Hollow is believed to be the only self-supporting Olympic Venue in the world and pays lease concession fees to the State of Utah through Wasatch Mountain State Park as part of its on-going year-round operations.

Soldier Hollow

Year-round adventure awaits - golf, hike, bike, camp, horseback ride, snowmobile, cross-country ski, and snowshoe at Wasatch Mountain. During warmer months, reserve a tee time at the popular Lake and Mountain golf courses. In winter, ski or snowmobile through the alpine terrain.

Wasatch Mountain State Park

Jordanelle State Park is located in a picturesque mountain setting near Heber City. The park offers an array of recreation opportunities near the Wasatch Front. Camping, boating, swimming, fishing, and hiking are some of the activities to do at this very popular park. Anglers fish for trout, bass, and perch. The park offers two recreation areas, Hailstone and Rock Cliff. Hailstone is a large developed campground and day-use area on the west side of the reservoir, and is a favorite location of boaters and RV campers. Many of our campsites offer water and electric hook-ups.

Jordanelle State Park

Deer Valley Resort is Park City’s premier ski-only destination, located just 38 miles from Salt Lake City International Airport. Spanning over 2,342 acres of Utah’s dramatic landscape, Deer Valley offers luxurious amenities such as award-winning dining, slope-side lodging, renowned ski school, meticulously groomed slopes, and limited daily lift ticket sales. With an average of 300 inches of powder annually, state-of-the-art snowmaking, complimentary parking, shuttles, and top-tier Rossignol rental equipment, Deer Valley provides a complete and unforgettable vacation experience. For the latest updates, visit deervalley.com.

As part of the Expanded Excellence initiative for the 24/25 ski season, Deer Valley is introducing three new chairlifts, 300 additional skiable acres, and a new resort entry via Deer Valley East Village.

2,342 acres spread over 7 mountains, 7 bowls and 122 trails: Beginner 30%; Intermediate 44%; Expert 27%. Longest Run: 4.2 miles

Deer Valley Resort

[**Deer Valley Resort**](http://www.deervalley.com/) offers luxurious amenities such as ski valets, groomed-to-perfection slopes, on-site childcare and gourmet dining in three elegant day lodges. Deer Valley Resort Lodging also provides a variety of [**lodging**](https://www.deervalley.com/plan-your-trip/packages-specials) options with resort managed properties, an award-winning [**ski school**](https://www.deervalley.com/plan-your-trip/lessons/ski-lessons), three ski rental shops featuring high-quality Rossignol equipment and local Vacation Planners to customize your ideal vacation.

To make your ski day more pleasurable and to prevent overcrowded trails and lifts, Deer Valley Resort limits the number of skiers on the mountain and at peak times may reach capacity. Please visit [**deervalley.com**](http://www.deervalley.com/).

*Deer Valley is a ski only resort.*

Great Utah snow, fantastic terrain, and exceptional value are what make Brighton a favorite of skiers and snowboarders alike. Brighton has 6 lifts (4 high-speed quads, 1 fixed quad and 1 triple chair) and a magic carpet to whisk you to incredible slopes and scenery. Children 10 years and younger ride free any day, all season.

#### Included in the Salt Lake Ski Super Pass

[Learn more about the Super Pass](https://www.visitsaltlake.com/things-to-do/skiing-snowboarding/super-pass/)

Brighton Resort

Deer Creek State Park lies in the southwest corner of beautiful Heber Valley and consistently provides some of Utah's finest year-round fishing. Anglers fish for rainbow trout, brown trout, perch, large mouth bass, small mouth bass, and walleye. Beautiful Deer Creek reservoir is also extremely popular for boating, wind surfing, sunbathing, swimming, and sailboating.

Deer Creek State Park

Eco-Friendly, open air street festival and community forum. Every Sunday, June 5th - September 18th from 10am - 5pm. Located on Park City's Historic Main Street. Live music, farmers' market, unique vendors, beer garden, Bloody Mary bar, kids activities, local produce, sustainable issues, gourmet food, non-profits, art & much more! Admission is free.

Park Silly Sunday Market

A medium-length family friendly hike with beautiful lake view.

This well trafficked hike is a must. While the trail shown here is a great loop, it can be adjusted for any level of hiking - it can be shortened to an out and back to just see the beautiful Lake Mary, or it can be lengthened to take in Mary, Martha, Catherine, Dog, and Twin Lakes. Many families and groups of all types on the Lake Mary trail section, but the link between Mary and Twin is less crowded. It's recommended to avoid weekends and holidays, if possible, as this is a popular hike. Spring hiking can be difficult as the snow still sometimes covers the trail even as late as June.

**Local's recommendation:** This is a good summer or fall hike - the temperatures at this elevation in Big Cottonwood Canyon is 10-20 degrees cooler than the Salt Lake valley.

**Details**

**Difficulty:** Easy

**Highest point:** 9675 ft

**Lowest point:** 8766 ft

**Best time of year:** May - October

**Safety information:** Bring comfortable hiking shoes, plenty of water, and extra snacks. There are steep parts, so a walking pole is helpful. Swimming and dogs are not permitted anywhere in Big Cottonwood Canyon because it is a watershed area.

**Roadbook**

From the parking lot at Brighton Resort, follow the signs for the Lake Mary trail. The trail is well signed all the way up, and if you choose to take the loop to Twin Lakes Reservoir, it is also well marked.

- Start point - 8302 S Brighton Loop Rd, Brighton, UT 84121 - 0 mi
- Highest point, 9675 ft - 1.7 mi
- Lowest point, 8766 ft - 4.6 mi
- Lake Mary - Destination - 4.7 mi

**How to Get There**

**Public transport:** Bus routes do not travel up to this trailhead in summer - best access is by car.

**Parking:** Parking at Brighton Resort near the trailhead is free outside of the ski season.

Lake Mary to Twin Lakes Reservoir Loop Trail

All photos by Outdoor Project Contributor, Brant Hansen

| **Pros:** Huge vistas. Long ride. Fast descents. **Cons:** Often busy. **Congestion:** Moderate **Preferable Season(s):** Summer, Fall **Day-Use/Parking Pass Required:** Not Required **Dogs allowed?:** No | **Total Distance:** 11.40 mi (18.35 km) **Terrain Difficulty:** GREEN **Trailhead Elev.:** 9,732 ft (2,966 m) **Net Elev. Gain:** 850 ft (259 m) **Trail Uses:** Hiking, Biking **Trail type:** One-way/Shuttle |
| --- | --- |

The Wasatch Crest Mountain Bike Trail near Salt Lake City is consistently ranked among Utah's top mountain bike trails, but it also easily measures up against as one of the America's best mountain bike rides. You won’t get very far down the trail before you realize why.

Wasatch Crest Mountain Bike Trail

The Historic Union Pacific Rail Trail is a 28-mile non-motorized trail. One end of the trail begins in Park City and follows Interstate 80 through Wanship and Coalville to Echo Reservoir, the other end of the trail. Activities include hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, jogging, Nordic skiing and wildlife watching. The Rail Trail is managed by the Mountain Trails Foundation.

Historic Union Pacific Rail Trail

From I-15 exit 297 go east on UT-48 to the mouth of Big Cottonwood Canyon. Follow the canyon to Brighton. Silver Lake is behind the Nordic Center on the one-way loop.Birds you can see—Blue Grouse, Three-toed Wood-pecker, Hammond’s and Dusky Flycatchers, Western Wood-Pewee, Townsend’s Solitaire, Swainson’s Thrush, Lazuli Bunting, Black Rosy-finch, Pine Grosbeak, Red Crossbill. Handicap accessible.

Silver Lake Boardwalk

Visit Salt Lake

Salt Lake is the place where the Wasatch mountain peaks frame city streets. Sure, Salt Lake's famed for our winter powder ([four legendary ski resorts](https://www.visitsaltlake.com/things-to-do/skiing-snowboarding/) just 30 minutes from downtown), but that's just one season's story. Summer brings families [hiking through wildflower meadows](https://www.visitsaltlake.com/things-to-do/outdoor-recreation/) before cooling off at a Jazz game or the Gateway fountains. Autumn paints our mountain canyons in gold, perfect for morning strolls that end at local coffee shops. Spring? That's when you might spot baby bison on Antelope Island before heading to the Eccles Theater for a Broadway show. Our soaring Wasatch Mountains rise dramatically from downtown Salt Lake, creating a place where every day offers both natural wonders and urban energy. And while we sit perfectly between the [national parks](https://www.visitsaltlake.com/things-to-do/outdoor-recreation/state-national-parks/) with Yellowstone's geysers and Utah's red rock country, the real magic happens right here, where everyone can [discover the history](https://www.visitsaltlake.com/plan-your-visit/about-salt-lake/) of the city as they find their own rhythm between mountain adventure and city life.

Sports Salt Lake

HAUNTED HAYRIDE: Join us for a night filled with spine-tingling excitement and autumnal charm as you navigate through our haunted trails. Feel the crisp air and the rustle of leaves as you embark on a journey that blends the eerie with the enchanting. Our Haunted Hayride offers a unique blend of thrills and seasonal festivities, perfect for families and thrill-seekers alike. Experience the magic of fall with hay bales, pumpkins, and the haunting sounds of the season. Whether you're seeking a scare or simply looking to enjoy the beauty of autumn, our festival promises unforgettable memories and fun for all ages. Thursday thru SaturdayFALL FESTIVAL: Fall Festival at Kohler Creamery will include activities for the entire family all month long. Enjoy the breathtaking views while your kids are able to play in the hay maze, corn pit, hay slide, bounce house and many other attractions. Our goal is to provide a safe and fun experience for all to enjoy, all month long. Monday thru SaturdayThis calendar listing is brought to you by NowPlayingUtah.com, Utah's one-stop, online website for arts and entertainment events, powered by the Utah Cultural Alliance.

2026 Heber Valley Haunted Hayride and Fall Festival

2026 Development Player League (DPL)

Elite Tournaments is an event management firm that specializes in youth sports with the ability to excel in a variety of platforms. Elite Tournaments can provide expert support in marketing, logistical preparation, scheduling, on-site management, and product activation. Elite Tournaments currently runs over 50 events nationwide. Please visit www.elitetournaments.com.

Elite Tournaments 

2026 Great Western Fall Classic

**Salt Lake City**

**Columbus Day Tournament**

**October 9-12, 2026**

**AA, A, BB, B | 10U-14U**

\--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

**Top Competition**
Play a guaranteed 4 games against top U.S. and Canadian youth hockey teams.

**Olympic-Level Venues**
Hit the ice at the Utah Olympic Oval and Peaks Ice Arena, both iconic sites from the 2002 Winter Olympics.

**Seamless Experience**
On-site photography, on-time games, and on-site staff, including sports medical trainers. Plus, no gate fees!

**Off-Ice Fun**
Enjoy vibrant Salt Lake City and stunning natural scenery between games. Arrive early or stay late and catch a Utah Hockey Club game.

Salt Lake Columbus Day Tournament (Utah Olympic Oval)

We are a full time Hockey Tournament Company that specializes in Full service, professionally operated Hockey Tournaments for Men, Women & Youth of all skill and age levels.

2026 Heber Valley Haunted Hayride and Fall Festival

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