The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Also known as the Central Pacific Railroad Grade, the Transcontinental Railroad Backcountry Byway (BCB) is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This BCB is a 90-mile road that takes visitors past old railroad sidings, ghost towns, and trestles. This byway is also managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), a US government organization that maintains the route and ensures it remains open for current and future generations to explore and enjoy.
This BCB includes 20 interpretive pit stops along its path that tell of the historic and environmental influence of the historic route on the surrounding land. Because the wildlife in the area is considered unique, the BCB is also designated as a National Area of Critical Environmental Concern. You can travel this road for yourself whether you have a low or high-clearance vehicle; however, only high-clearance vehicles are recommended for driving farther than the Promontory Point to Kelton path.
The Wellsville Ridge Trail takes a path through the scenic Utah mountain forests and features one of the steepest mountain hikes in the US.
Length: 11.4 miles
Intensity: Difficult
The Pleasant View Trail is an out-and-back type of trail that is popular with mountain bikers and is a part of the Bonneville Shoreline Trail system.
Length: 4.4 miles
Intensity: Moderate
The Big Fill Loop Trail is managed by the U..Forest Service and features a route near where the historic Transcontinental Railroad once existed. Hikers of this trail can also access information about the trail through the Forest Service's phone app while walking.
Length: 5 miles
Intensity: Easy
Visitors can tour the Transcontinental Railroad Backcountry Byway via vehicle, mountain bike, or horseback. During most of the latter 19th century, this byway was a crossroads for transportation from state to state, but it also became a place for Chinese immigrants to live and work around 1869. Along the BCB, you may stop at Terrace, a ghost town that once housed over 1,000 of these immigrants, many of whom have been forgotten since no records or census data was taken from this town. However, evidence of them is found in the abandoned Terrace Cemetery and in the artifacts left behind in the area, such as ceramic and fine China pieces. Also found along the BCB are fragments of old bottles of European whiskey, which travelers who used and operated the trains on the path drank instead of water because all water was used to power the trains.
As you travel along the scenic landscape through Utah on the Transcontinental Railroad Backcountry Byway, you'll likely see many wild animals roaming the wide-open land. Some you may see include raccoons, skunks, coyotes, deer, rabbits, hawks, eagles, and falcons, among many other species. There are also privately owned fields of cattle along the route.
Picnicking is popular with travelers along the Transcontinental Railroad Backcountry Byway, especially at the many interpretive sites along the road. There are very few seating areas, though, so consider bringing your own folding chairs or blankets to sit on if you'd like to enjoy a picnic on the Utah desert floor.
Utah is known for its many dark night sky viewing areas, and the Transcontinental Railroad Backcountry Byway offers plenty of good stargazing spots too. If you'd like to stargaze along this route, consider camping out overnight along the side of the road in a remote, cleared area. It also helps to check the weather forecast ahead of time because, although this area is known for dry nights, cloud coverage can still affect the viewing conditions.
It's always a great idea to stay at Bureau of Land Management campgrounds when you're able to, but these campgrounds often don't offer hookups for RVs, so you may want to explore other options if you'd like water and electricity. Consider RV camping at a place nearby the Transcontinental Railroad Backcountry Byway, like Hyrum Lake Campground, which has some sites with full hookups and is located on a lake perfect for fishing and boating.
If you're searching "BLM camping near me," consider staying at a campsite of your choice along the Transcontinental Railroad Backcountry Byway. This byway is open for dispersed camping, which is a Bureau of Land Management free camping option for tents and RVs alike. If you'd like to camp here, know that there are no hookups or restrooms for you to use, so pack accordingly.
Anyone who travels on the Transcontinental Railroad Backcountry Byway is advised to pack lots of drinking water and first aid supplies. RVers will want to be sure they have a usable spare tire and extra gas since the road has no cell reception and is very remote.
If you're planning to camp along this road, be sure to pack the same supplies plus food and medications since you will be unable to easily access any nearby grocery stores or pharmacies. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
When you visit the Transcontinental Railroad BCB, it's important that you follow the BLM's Leave No Trace policy so that the byway remains clean, safe, and preserved for everyone else to use. When you start campfires, be sure to watch them closely, and when you find artifacts along the road, be sure to leave them where they are.
To reach the Transcontinental Railroad Backcountry Byway East Access point, take Utah's State Road 83 to the Golden Spike National Monument. From there, you will be able to find the starting point for the byway.
Ready to visit Transcontinental Railroad Backcountry Byway (BCB) East Access? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you’ll have your RV to return to for the night where you’ll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.
