Estimated read time: 5-6 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
Utah is well known for its big adventure opportunities. You might be searching for a destination where you can experience rough and wild biking trails. Or maybe you are looking forward to a trip that is more laid back, where you can surround yourself with art and history. Or you might be looking to escape the crowds and feel like you are the only one on the hiking trail. With a visit to the Carbon Corridor, you can find all these things and more.
Located about halfway between Salt Lake City and Moab, the Corridor is nestled between the Book Cliffs and land that boasts a rich history reflected in ancient rock art, scenic and adventurous outdoor opportunities, and museums that educate visitors about the region's history. With a little something for everyone on your travels, it will be hard to resist planning your trip soon!
Trails galore
Whether you are traveling with your bike, or your OHV, or just packing your favorite hiking shoes, the Corridor has trails for you.
Bikers looking for new adventures can head out to the Wood Hill Trail System, which offers nearly 30 miles of trails for all experience levels. Enjoy the scenery as the trails wind through peaceful desert landscapes, with vistas of steep canyons down below which offer amazing views of the surrounding Book Cliffs and beyond. Those looking for a more challenging ride can head down to the Good Water Rim Trail, a 21-mile loop filled with constant turns and up-and-downs, but rewards riders with amazing views of the Good Water Canyon below.
Bringing the OHV on vacation with you? The Corridor is the perfect destination that offers over 250 miles of OHV trails, perfect for those looking to get up high and down low on four wheels. The trail system spans far and wide, taking you to high aspen peaks like Bruin Point, leading to beautiful sights like Gordon Creek Falls, or taking you through striking canyons.
Hikers visiting can look forward to short trails with stunning backdrops. From geological wonders to towering bristlecone pine trees, these trails offer amazing views and are fit for the whole family to enjoy.
The longest outdoor art gallery
Take a step back in time with a visit to Nine Mile Canyon. While the name may be misleading, this 46-mile-long canyon was once featured in National Geographic for the seemingly endless collection of Fremont and Ute rock art that adorns the canyon walls. Throughout the canyon, you can enjoy designated viewing spots for both rock art and other structures that showcase what life was like all those centuries ago. Most views can be seen from just steps off the road, making the canyon explorable for those of all ages and abilities.
History around every corner
Even outside of Nine Mile Canyon, there is plenty of history, and prehistory, to explore. The Carbon Corridor has a rich history rooted in the mining and railroad industry. As visitors enter downtown Helper, they will be greeted by Big John, a giant fiberglass statue that has been a local favorite since the 1960s. Helper's Main Street is lined with beautiful historical buildings that are now home to a budding art community. And those interested in learning more about the area's history can enjoy The Helper Museum, which features one-of-a-kind exhibits that tell the story of people who called the area home during the peak of the mining industry between 1880 and 1950.
When you head out to the East Carbon Coke Ovens, you get a chance to get up close to important pieces of our mining history. Here you can walk around, and even inside, the nearly 300 abandoned coke ovens that span almost as far as the eye can see.
Those hoping to travel even further back in time will want to head to the USU Eastern Prehistoric Museum. Here you can enjoy the extensive paleontology exhibits which are host to full-body dinosaur mounts like the Allosaurus, Ankylosaur, Peroloplites, and the local favorite Utahraptor. Little ones can even test out the paleontologist lifestyle in the Discovery Area dinosaur dig. Looking for the human history of our area? The Hall of Archaeology is home to world-renowned Pilling Figurines, some of the most pristine and ornate examples of clay Fremont figurines in existence. Exhibits also feature basketry, pottery, hunting implements, stone tools, and so much more.
Stay and play
No matter how your travels bring you to the Corridor, you will find plenty of unique lodging opportunities that will create lasting memories. Looking for a place to park the trailer or RV? Stay just steps away from downtown Helper at Castle Gate RV Park. Nestled right along the Price River this is the perfect place to spread out yet feel like you are still a part of the local action. Those looking for something a little more off the beaten path can check out Nine Mile Ranch, where you can enjoy the peace and beauty of the canyon.
Need a place to rest your head? No worries, there are plenty of hotels spread throughout the Corridor. Or those looking for a one-of-a-kind stay can explore unique vacation rentals, like the historic Lincoln Hotel, Miners Cottages, and even staying in a renovated Conoco station right on Helper's Main Street.
No matter what your adventures look like in the sunny days ahead, you will find that the more you know about the Corridor the more you will want to go to the Corridor.
