HELPER

BACK ROADS UTAH

Photographically Preserving Utah's Treasures Before Time Takes Them From Us

HELPER, UT

Helper played a major part of Utah's coal mining history. Mines in the mountains surrounding Helper and Price, Utah, provided an enormous amount of coal to Utah and the United States throughout the 20th Century. Coal continues to be mined in the mountains surrounding Helper and the trains continue to haul the coal to its destinations, but the Natural Gas industry is replacing the need for coal. The name Helper originated from a term used to define the additional locomotives added to help push loaded coal trains over the 7,477-foot-high Soldier Summit Pass on its way to Utah Valley.

Throughout the 20th Century, Helper was a booming mining town until mines began playing out and Natural Gas became a cheaper and cleaner energy source. In the early part of the 21st Century, Helper began a gradual transition to an artist community. The historic downtown provides the visitor art galleries, great little stores, coffee shops and bakeries. Most the signs from old Hotels and Boarding Houses remain in place. In August, Helper hosts an annual Art & Music Festival you'll find as enjoyable as viewing the remaining structures and signs of downtown Helper. At an elevation of 5,817 feet, the temperatures for the August Festival and its associated Car Show are pleasant. A great little town worthy a visit.