There are some great outdoor recreational activities coming to Helper with the help from the Helper Recreation and Trails Committee. The group of volunteers is looking to possibly map out trails, maintenance and repair trails and offer some rock-climbing opportunities at several locations in the Helper area.
“On the Recreation and Trails Committee, we really started out looking at getting maps put out for the trails that we’ve built and helping people find Helper as the center and the hub of outdoor recreation in Carbon County. But as we developed this committee, I had more and more people come to me and contacting me about outdoor recreation, its going to be a lot more than just cycling,” stated Committee Member, Fuzzy Nance. The eagerness that he has come upon from residents in Helper has been motivating especially when it comes to the bouldering and rock-climbing opportunities available in and around Helper.
It was through this type of enthusiasm that Nance was able to put together a small group of individuals who are ready to set up the bouldering and rock-climbing locations for local and visiting enthusiasts. “I had no idea how much of a bouldering scene Helper has until these kids grew up in Helper climbing on those boulders showed up and started helping us map it out. We’re going to have roots laid in, approach lines ready to go and a guide out in about a month and a half,” said Nance. “These guys I have working with me they’re geologically educated climbers and they’re showing me on the map the type of rock and rock bands and stuff, the boulders that are up in Spring Canyon are almost exactly the same as the stuff in Joe’s Valley – same content, same climbing surfaces and its exciting.” The bouldering experience in Joe’s Valley has blossomed in recent years to the point that a festival is held every September.
The best part of establishing outdoor opportunities in Helper area is seeing the local government support all the ideas and visions that the Helper Recreation and Trails Committee is bringing to the table. “The local government said we’re going to get out of the way and let you guys do what you know how to do. That is the most exciting thing that a guy like me can hear because we’re going to make Helper a huge recreation destination really quick. Not just with bikes, not just with climbing but we’ve got the river there – we’re working on running, scrambling roots, we’re doing all kinds of things. We’re going to have winter fat biking, cross country skiing, snow showing roots laid out and groomed next year. Everything is really coming together fast,” said Nance.
Any individuals interested in being a part of the Helper Recreation and Trails Committee can attend the Cycling Crew Meeting on Saturday, March 30 at 6:30 pm at the Happiness Within Coffee Shop located at 153 South Main Street or visit their Facebook page for upcoming meetings and projects.
PHOTO COURTESY OF HELPER TRAILS & RECREATION COMMITTEE