Discover Dinosaurs and Starry Skies on an Adventure in this Unique Wilderness
Stepping into Carbon County, Utah, is stepping back in time. Out here, between the diverse wildlife, red sandstone cliffs and deep canyons, outdoor adventures blend with history for views and experiences you can’t find anywhere else.
Uncover Layers of History
There are many layers of history in Carbon County, from dinosaur footprints traversing coal mines to a captivating star-studded sky. The best way to experience the essence of Carbon County is to head through the Carbon Corridor and see all the gems.
As its name suggests, Carbon County helped shape and settle the West with a massive coal mining industry and contributions to railroad expansion. Helper is one of the many small communities that charm the Carbon Corridor. Wander the Helper Museum to get a feel for mining in the past and how the ethnic diversity found in the mining camps underwrote the county’s slogan: Land of Diversity.
Carbon County’s history extends beyond lumps of coal, though, and also takes the shape of ancient bones. The Dinosaur Diamond Scenic Byway is a magnificent 500-mile drive through Eastern Utah and into Western Colorado that boasts museums, trails, big views plus paleontological and geological discoveries. The Utah State University Eastern Prehistoric Museum is a one-stop immersion into Utah’s fascinating geology, archaeology and paleontology, including full body dinosaur mounts.
Emerge from the museum back into the present light of Helper’s Main Street, and walk the lively heart of the Corridor to explore it’s variety of art galleries, shops, historical buildings and restaurants.
The Nine Mile Canyon—a.k.a. the world’s longest outdoor art gallery—is a delightful side quest as you drive down the Carbon Corridor. This misnamed 46-mile canyon is a trek back in time, the cliffs etched and painted with Archaic, Fremont and Ute rock art. In fact, it is one of the densest collection of petroglyphs and pictographs in the world. Cruise through the canyon, stop at the many pullouts and walk short distances on little trails to take in all the canyon’s natural and artistic beauty.
Carbon County is a Natural Beauty
Carbon Corridor isn’t just for history buffs. The region is a wildlife lover’s paradise, with pronghorn antelope, bighorn sheep and cougars, plus excellent birdwatching opportunities. Whether you spot anything, of course, depends on if you can drag your eyes from the jaw-dropping backdrop.
Stretch your legs on the trail to Gordon Creek Falls and soak in some of the county’s magnificence first-hand. For those looking for a longer trek, keep walking through breathtaking nature on the trail to discover a historic cabin, its rock chimney still intact.
Lace your boots, hop in an OHV, or saddle a horse, and head up the rugged trail to the top of Bruin Point, a high mountain peak near the historic town of East Carbon. The journey to the top is an adventure itself, winding past old mining ruins complete with an abandoned tram system to explore. Once you’re at the top, there is endless Utah beauty to drink in.
Nightfall doesn’t shroud the beauty of this place. Helper is a designated International Dark Sky Community, so spend a night here gazing at the primeval sparkling heavens at a local astronomy event. The wide open expanse of the Scofield Reservoir or the unusual formations of Goblin Valley both make excellent backdrops for astrophotography, so come and stay until after sunset to create your own dark sky souvenirs.
Stay and Eat
Nothing begs for tasty food and a good night’s rest like the unlimited outdoor adventures Carbon County offers.
The Carbon Country Club Restaurant has something for everyone at dinner, and once you’re full and sleepy, the Best Western or Holiday Inn in Price are ready to welcome you for the down time between days brimming with adventure.
Come, stay and explore a while to discover the many sparkling diamonds—old and new—of Utah’s Carbon County.
This article was sponsored by Carbon County
Big views, rich history, arts, culture and so much more make the Carbon Corridor a place many are proud to call home. Nestled amongst and around charming small towns you will find art galleries, local restaurants, museums and so much more.
