Plan Your Visit

Locomotive engineers great each other at the wedding of the rails.

NPS Photo

Visiting Golden Spike in Summer

Locomotive Ranger Programs are given throughout the summer starting May 1st and ending mid-October. The locomotives undergo periodic maintenance during the summer, please check our Boiler Wash Schedule to see if one of the locomotives may not be available to the public.

Daily Locomotive Run Schedule

10:00 AM Arrival of the CPRR Jupiter
10:30 AM Arrival of the UPRR No. 119
1:00 PM Demonstration run with both locomotives
4:00 PM Departure of the UPRR No. 119
4:30 PM Departure of the CPRR Jupiter

Saturday: Living History Demonstration of the Last Spike Ceremony

Join us from Memorial Day Weekend until the last Saturday of Labor Day Weekend for a costumed ranger program and living history demonstration of the 1869 Golden Spike Ceremony. This fun event involves park volunteers and participation from willing audience members! We recommend arriving before 10:00am and 1:00pm in order to view the Locomotive Steam Demonstration followed by the Last Spike Ceremony.

Program Times:

10:30 AM Program begins after the arrival of the UP No.119.
1:00 PM Program begins following the 1:00 pm Locomotive Demonstration.

Outdoor Attractions

Golden Spike includes the Last Spike Site, the Big Fill Trail, The East Auto Tour, and is near other local attractions that can be found on our Things To Do page. The driving tours may be closed during the winter months due to inclement weather.

The nearest gas and food services are 27 miles away in Corinne, UT.

 

Get on Track to Explore Golden Spike

• In Basic Information, learn some important facts about how to best spend your time in the site.
• In Directions, learn the best route to Golden Spike from the major routes that pass through the area from Utah and Idaho.
• Explore the park Calendar to learn about upcoming ranger programs, special events, and other visitor activities.
• The site is located in a remote area of Utah. See the Safety page and Things to Know Before you Come for information on what to plan on and bring.
• In Fees & Passes, find out what fees will apply during the time you will be visiting.

Jupiter in the engine house.

NPS Photo

Visiting Golden Spike in the Winter

Winter is a quiet time at Golden Spike National Historic Park. Snow, ice, and cold winter temperatures are common this time of year. However, if you are prepared a winter's day among the snow-covered railroad tracks of Golden Spike is a unique opportunity. Be prepared for icy roads after winter storms, as Golden Spike may have delayed plowing operations.

Winter Hours

From October 29 to April 30, the visitor center is open Thursday-Monday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM MST, closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays. (Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's).

All outside attractions are open seven days a week from dawn to dusk, year round. Restrooms are located at the visitor center, as well as picnic tables and drinking water

Road Conditions

Golden Spike Drive is accessible year-round but may have ice and snow present on roads after weather events.

• Be prepared for winter driving conditions.
• The west auto tour is typically closed December-April.
• The east auto tour is open throughout the winter depending on weather events.
• Both the east, and west auto tours are not plowed in the winter.

Check with the visitor center for updated road information.

Engine House Public Viewing Schedule

From mid-October to late April the locomotives of Golden Spike National Historical Park are in the Engine House undergoing maintenance. For a behind the scenes look at what it takes to maintain and operate Victorian locomotives utilizing 1860's steam technology, a visit to the Engine House is a must.

The Engine House is open to the public Thursday through Monday at 10:30 am -11:00 am, 1:00 pm -1:30 pm, and 3:00 pm- 3:30pm.

 

Visitor Center Information

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Hours & Seasons

Description

Closures & Seasonal Exceptions

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