Visiting in Summer

Jupiter and the Number 119 pass each other on opposite tracks

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Ranger Led Programs

From early May through early October, we have daily ranger programs at Golden Spike National Historical Park. Here, you can see the steam locomotives Jupiter and No. 119. These are replicas of the originals that met at Promontory Summit on May 10th, 1869 for the wedding of the rails ceremony.

Locomotives operate daily from May 1st through October 14th, except on boiler wash days.

Locomotive Ranger Programs

10:00 AM - Arrival of the Jupiter

10:30 AM - Arrival of the No. 119

1:00 PM - Demonstration run with both locomotives

3:50 PM - Departure of No. 119

4:30 PM - Departure of Jupiter

 

Reenactment

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Summer Saturdays

Living History Demonstration

Join us from (Memorial Day Weekend through the last Saturday of Labor Day Weekend) for a captivating living history demonstration of the 1869 Golden Spike Ceremony, featuring living history volunteers. This beloved summer tradition invites audience participation for an interactive experience!

To fully enjoy the event, we recommend arriving by 10:00 AM or 1:00 PM to catch the Locomotive Steam Demonstration followed by the reenactment.

Program Times

Last Spike Ceremony program begins following the 10:30 AM locomotive demonstration.
Last Spike Ceremony program begins following the 1:00 PM locomotive demonstration.

 

Moon over Hill

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Hiking

The Big Fill Loop Trail provides stunning vistas of the Promontory Mountains, the Great Salt Lake, and the Wasatch Front. Visitors can walk along the original grades of the Central Pacific and Union Pacific railroads. This 1.5-mile trail features unique cuts and fills, showcasing drill marks left by workers who blasted rock to create the path for the transcontinental railroad. As you traverse this historic route, take a moment to imagine the immense effort accomplished with simple tools, determination, and a diverse workforce from all walks of life.

 

Car on West Auto Tour

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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 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.

Please note that the West Auto Tour may be closed until mid to late May. Summer is a fantastic time to explore the historic railroad grade from the comfort of your vehicle.

 

Milkyway

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Stargazing

Summer provides visitors with the chance to enjoy clear skies and explore beyond Golden Spike. Guests are welcome to stargaze in the visitor center parking lot or along the trails. From May to October, rangers may offer astronomy programs, depending on staffing availability.

**Check the calendar for updated program offerings**

 

Monument to Memory

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Explore outdoor exhibits

The Last Spike site is accessible year-round via a paved path, providing visitors with informative signs that detail the significance of this historic event. Here, you can immerse yourself in the moment when the transcontinental railroad was completed. Other exhibits include the Monument to Their Memory, and Distant Thunder.

Other Activities

Kids can earn a Junior Ranger badge by completing activities in the Golden Spike National Historic Park Junior Ranger book. On Saturdays youth can enjoy a special Jr. Ranger table.