The Heber Valley Historic Railroad began in October 1899, when trains served the pioneers who first settled the Heber Valley. Rio Grande Western trains that ran over the Provo Canyon Branch were established as mixed trains, carrying both passengers and freight cars together to save the expense of running two separate trains. In the early 1970's, the railroad became the Heber Creeper, a seasonal tourist passenger train. It now operates as an independent agency of the State of Utah, essentially a non-profit organization focused on tourism, education, and the restoration of historical railroad equipment.