Hey film buffs! If you’re stoked on sports biopics and gorgeous landscapes, you’ve gotta check out Raising the Bar: The Alma Richards Story.
Directed and written by T.C. Christensen, this inspiring true‑story flick follows ranch kid Alma Richards as he leaves eighth grade to work, only to be steered back to school by a visionary professor and eventually high‑jumps his way to Olympic gold in Stockholm, 1912.
With Paul Wuthrich as Alma, Walter Platz as the mentor, and Ali Durham as Alma’s loyal sister, the movie’s heartwarming arc gets supercharged by some epic Utah scenery.
Let’s dive into all the on‑location magic behind this film where it was shot, why those spots rock, local perks if you visit, plus a handy table and top FAQs!
Quick Raising the Bar Filming Locations
| Location | Why It Rocks |
|---|---|
| Provo Canyon | Rugged ranch roads & alpine backdrops—perfect for young‑Alma’s homestead |
| Payson, UT (Historic Downtown) | Quaint Main Street used for turn‑of‑the‑century school & town scenes |
| University of Utah Track Stadium | The real high‑jump pit where Alma trains and competes |
| Heber Valley (Wasatch Back) | Sweeping fields & barn settings for Alma’s family ranch |
| Salt Lake City (Capitol Grounds) | Official-looking state building stand‑in for Michigan State campus |
Where Was Raising the Bar Filmed?
Provo Canyon, Utah
Scenes: Alma’s sprawling family ranch and early work days.
Why Chosen: Provo Canyon’s tree‑lined roads and meadows feel authentically 1908 rural Utah. The light filtering through Ponderosa pines gives that golden‑hour glow that screams “period film.”
Visitor Perks: Hike to Bridal Veil Falls, rent an e‑bike through the canyon, or picnic by the Provo River for Insta‑worthy shots.
Payson, Utah (Historic Downtown)
Scenes: Small‑town schoolhouse, general store, and town square.
Why Chosen: Payson’s preserved brick storefronts and gas‑lamp posts look straight out of 1912. No CGI needed—just roll the camera!
Visitor Perks: Browse local antique shops, grab homemade pie at a century‑old bakery, or catch the annual Payson Scottish Festival for a slice of living history.
University of Utah Track Stadium, Salt Lake City
Scenes: Training montages, local meets, and the big tryouts before university sponsorship.
Why Chosen: The real track and high‑jump pit bring authenticity, plus the stadium’s backdrop of Wasatch peaks keeps the epic vibe high.
Visitor Perks: Tour the campus, check out the Olympic Cauldron from 2002, or rent a bike and cruise campus trails.
Heber Valley, Wasatch Back
Scenes: Late‑summer hayfields, barn dances, and Alma’s emotional goodbyes.
Why Chosen: Wide‑open fields and classic red barns capture the turn‑of‑the‑century ranch life perfectly.
Visitor Perks: Ride the historic Heber Valley Railroad, go fly‑fishing on the Provo River, or soar on the zip line at Deer Creek Reservoir.
Utah State Capitol Grounds, Salt Lake City
Scenes: Professorial offices, Michigan State campus exteriors, and academic award ceremonies.
Why Chosen: The neoclassical architecture of the Capitol building doubles as an eastern university. It’s a quick drive from the canyon and looks crisp on screen.
Visitor Perks: Stroll the manicured gardens, snap selfies on the granite steps, or tour the art‑filled rotunda.
Cast & Characters
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
| Paul Wuthrich | Alma Richards (young Olympian) |
| Walter Platz | Professor Higgins (mentor) |
| Ali Durham | Emma Richards (Alma’s sister) |
These three anchor the film with heart and grit—Paul nails the youthful determination, Walter brings that wise mentor energy, and Ali keeps things grounded with a sister’s loving support.
Filming Trivia & Facts
- Natural Lighting: The director insisted on shooting at dawn/dusk to capture Utah’s famously soft “golden hour,” requiring the crew to hustle for each take.
- Local Extras: Many of the townsfolk in Payson and Heber volunteered as background characters, adding genuine community flavor.
- Historic Props: Ranch wagons, leather saddles, and antique classroom desks were rented from local museums—no green screens needed!
- Real High‑Jumpers: The production brought in former track athletes to choreograph Alma’s technique, giving Paul Wuthrich insider tips on form and style.
- Weather Challenges: A sudden snowstorm in Provo Canyon forced a week’s delay, but the crew turned it into a bonus scene showing an unexpected early blizzard.
Final Thoughts
Raising the Bar: The Alma Richards Story isn’t just a sports drama—it’s a love letter to early 20th‑century rural life and the power of education and perseverance.
Utah’s epic landscapes and charming small towns do more than look pretty; they become characters in Alma’s journey, grounding his Olympic dreams in the soil and sunshine that shaped him.
Whether you’re a history buff, sports fan, or nature lover, this movie’s real‑world locations offer a vivid time machine plus tons of reasons to plan your next Utah adventure!
Top 5 FAQs About Raising the Bar Filming Locations
Where was Raising the Bar filmed?
Primarily across scenic Utah: Provo Canyon, Payson downtown, University of Utah, Heber Valley, and the State Capitol grounds.
Why choose Payson’s historic downtown for village scenes?
Its authentic brick storefronts and period‑correct streetscape require minimal set dressing—keeping it real and budget‑friendly.
Can I visit the actual high‑jump pit used in the film?
Absolutely! It’s at the University of Utah Track Stadium, open to the public when no meets are scheduled.
What outdoor activities can I do in Provo Canyon like in the movie?
Hiking, fishing, kayaking, and waterfall‑view picnics plus scenic drives perfect for fall foliage.
Are local residents featured as extras?
Yes! Many Payson and Heber Valley locals played extras, lending genuine small‑town charisma to the film.