Visiting in the Winter

Workman working on the Jupiter in the Engine House.

NPS Photo

Engine House Tours

Each winter, No. 119 and Jupiter must undergo seasonal maintenance in the Engine House. Visitors are invited to look behind the scenes and see what it takes to maintain two fully operational Victorian Era steam locomotives. The engine house is a fully operational machine shop. Tour visitors meet at Visitor Center at times below to participate in the tour.

Mid-October thru Late-April

Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday - ONLY*

• 10:30 AM
• 1:00 PM
• 3:00 PM

 

Winter Landscape

NPS Photo

Auto Tours

Golden Spike National Historical Park provides two unique opportunities to drive along the Transcontinental Railroad grade, allowing visitors to experience what workers and train passengers encountered in the late 1860s.
*The auto tours are not approved for RV's or vehicles pulling a trailer*

The East Auto Tour spans two miles and offers views of cuts, fills, and culverts, along with sweeping vistas of the Wasatch Mountains. Meanwhile, the West Auto Tour extends seven miles and features the "10 Miles of Track Laid in One Day" sign, commemorating the Central Pacific Railroad's remarkable achievement of laying 10 miles and 56 feet of track on April 28, 1869.

*The West Tour is closed from late November through early June*

 

Big Fill Landscape

NPS Photo

Big Fill Loop Trail

The Big Fill Loop Trail is a one mile and a half round-trip walking trail. Visitors walk on original Central Pacific grade and return on the Union Pacific grade. The trail showcases the Central Pacific's Big Fill and the abutments that once supported the Union Pacific's Big Trestle. Walk through cuts, over fills, and see drill marks where workers blasted rock away. Keep in mind, all of this was accomplished by simple tools, sweat, and an amazing amount of endurance.

 

Celestial Skies over Golden Spike

NPS Photo

Stargazing

Winter months offer cold temperatures allowing for clear skies and an opportunity to see the celestial skies above the park . Nighttime lows can range from 0 below to 14 F. Snow is common during winter months and even small amounts of snow or ice can make local trails and roads impassable.

Visitors should plan ahead and be prepared for winter weather. Visitors are welcome to stargaze in the visitor center parking lot, or on trails at any time.

 

Snowy Landscape

NPS Photo

Golden Spike Drive is accessible year-round; However, be aware of ice and snow on the roads, especially after a weather event.

Be prepared for winter driving conditions. The west auto tour is closed seasonally from late November through early June. The east auto tour is open throughout the winter depending on weather events. Auto tours are not plowed in the winter.

**Check with the visitor center for updated road information**