There is no better place to be in the summer than the Corridor at the core of Utah. Summer in the Corridor is a magical time, filled with outdoor adventures, mouthwatering burgers at Juicers Burger Bar, and community events like Helper Arts Festival, Price Culture Connection, and East Carbon’s Community Daze. Held every July, East Carbon Community Daze promises a day packed with all the small town festival essentials. This year the event kicks-off with a parade, followed by a classic car show, live music all day long, and more, all set against the picturesque backdrop of East Carbon, UT. In this blog we give you a guide to a long weekend spent in the Corridor, starting with a day at East Carbon Community Daze.
Day 1 - East Carbon Community Daze
Kick-off Community Daze with breakfast at Sunnyside Park beginning at 9:00am (every day begins with a great breakfast). Head over to Miners Trading Post after, where the parade begins.
Stick around in the afternoon for prize giveaways, meet the Grand Marshal and enjoy live music from the Friday Monkey Band at 12:30-2:30pm. The Desert Sage Band takes the stage 2:30-3:30pm. Between shows and events, enjoy food from one of the food trucks, and take the kids to the free fun activities, like the inflatable play area and rock climbing wall. The Bo Huff Car Show will be going on all day, so be sure to stroll through the classic cars and take photos of your favorites.
As the sun starts to set, we recommend heading out to Sunnyside Canyon for the 73rd Sunnyside Rodeo. Filled with all the rodeo event classics like the saddle bronc and bareback, you and your crew can enjoy a true taste of the west with a summer night in the canyon.
Day 2 - Taking in the Small Town Vibes
There's something undeniably special about the small-town charm that permeates the Corridor. Take the day to soak it in! Start with a coffee walk along Price River in Price enjoying the summer weather, leashed dogs are always welcome on the trail. Take a stroll through Helper’s downtown and visit into the art galleries and local shops. Afterwards, head back towards East Carbon to pick up a classic burger and shake at Miners Trading Juicers Burger Bar or lunch at the Apple Chicken Cafe, every bite and sip evokes a sense of nostalgia and warmth.
Main Street I Helper, UT
Day 3 - Walk Through History
After attending the Community Daze Car Show on Day 1, step back in time and soak up the vintage allure of East Carbon's iconic Bo Huff Car Museum. The museum is open by appointment only, call (435) 888-2060 to set up a time to tour its impressive collection of classic cars and memorabilia. This hidden gem pays homage to the golden age of rockabilly culture with local a rockabilly legend.
Meanwhile, the surrounding historic Coke Ovens serve as a testament to the region's industrial heritage, offering visitors a glimpse into the past while igniting imaginations with tales of days gone by. You’ll want to bring your camera along to get photos of these unique ovens.
Day 4 - Exploring the Corridor
While East Carbon may steal the spotlight during Community Daze, the town’s close proximity to other attractions in the Corridor make it an easy jumping off point. Each town within Carbon County has its own unique charm and allure. Be sure to add stops in Wellington, Price, and Helper when planning your weekend in the area.
Whether you're strolling through the quaint streets of Helper, lined with historic landmarks, or delving into the great outdoors near Wellington, there's no shortage of adventures to be had in the Corridor.
Take a drive to the famous Nine Mile Canyon or download the Geocaching app and complete Carbon County’s SPX GeoTour, and hunt for hidden treasures across the Corridor. East Carbon is just the beginning. To get the full experience, we recommend planning to explore a new town in the Corridor every day of your trip. See our visitor guide, or pick one up at the Carbon County Visitors Center located inside the Prehistoric Museum in Price, UT for more trip ideas.
Sunset I Price, UT
Where to Stay:
After days filled with rodeo thrills and community camaraderie, finding the perfect place to rest your head is key. Luckily, the Corridor holds a diverse range of lodging options to suit every taste and budget. For a truly unique experience, consider staying in a remodeled gas station or a cozy Inn with sweeping views of the surrounding countryside. Adventurous souls can opt for RV parks or campsites at Price Canyon Recreational Area, while those seeking more amenities and familiar comforts can book with local hotels and motels.
Road Tripping to East Carbon
Getting to East Carbon is easier than you might think, with convenient access from major cities and popular destinations in the region. Not to mention it is a beautiful drive into the Corridor from all directions, making it a popular road trip destination. Here's a breakdown to put it in perspective:
- From Grand Junction, CO: Approx. 2.5 hours drive via I-70 E and US-6 W.
- From Salt Lake City, UT: Approx. 2.5 to 3 hours drive via I-15 S and US-6 E.
- From Moab, UT: Approx. 2.5 to 3 hours drive via US-191 N and US-6 W.
- From St. George, UT: Approx. 4.5 to 5 hours drive via I-15 N and US-6 E.
Whether you're coming from the scenic vistas of Moab, the bustling streets of Salt Lake City, or the red rock wonders of St. George, the journey to Carbon County promises to be as memorable as the destination itself. If you and your crew really love a good road trip, checkout the different scenic byways that come through the Corridor.
Helper Hideout I Helper, UT