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 steam locomotives. The engine house is a fully operational machine shop; visitors must check in with the visitor center during tour hours for a map.

Mid-October thru Late-April

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

• 10:30 AM -11:00 AM
• 1:00 PM -1:30 PM
• 3:00 PM- 3:30 PM

 

Winter Landscape

NPS Photo

Auto Tours

The auto tours follow the original Transcontinental railroad grade and allow visitors an opportunity to experience the route that travel hardy passengers would have encountered on their way into Promontory Station. Note: The auto tours are not approved for RV's or vehicles pulling a trailer.

East Tour

The East Auto Tour is approximately two miles long and offers visitors sweeping views of the Wasatch mountains and Chinese Arch. This part of the old railroad grade provides up close examples of the back breaking construction methods used to make the final assent through the Promontory mountains and into Promontory Valley. During the winter months the East Auto tour can close with little notice due to inclement weather.

West Tour

The West Auto Tour is seven miles long and is home to the "10 Miles of Track, laid in One Day" sign where the Central Pacific Railroad built 10 miles and 56 feet of track on April 28th, 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.

 

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**