Golden Spike National Historical Park

Things To Do Near Golden Spike National Historical Park

If you're visiting from May to October, check the schedule and come when the park rangers are running the Jupiter and No. 119 steam locomotives. The rest of the year, you can check out the trains up close in the engine house.

Hiking Trails

• Big Fill Loop Trail

  There's one official hiking trail in Golden Spike National Historical Park: the Big Fill Loop Trail. It takes you along the original course of the historic Central Pacific and Union Pacific railroad grades, offering an interesting look at how the tracks were constructed in the 1800s. As you hike, keep an eye out for the way the railroad cut through rocks and how workers filled in areas to create a safe surface.

  Location

  Big Fill Loop Trail parking lot

  Length

  1.5 miles round-trip

  Intensity

  Easy

• Chinese Arch Trail

  Explore the area around a special rock arch on the Chinese Arch Trail. This short, easy path runs from the parking lot to the arch itself. It was chosen by the National Park Service to honor the lives, effort, and sacrifice of the many Chinese workers who brought the Transcontinental Railroad to life. The workers were often paid less and treated poorly, despite their outsized contributions. The Chinese Arch is a Cuprous Quartzite arch; it was chosen to honor the lives of the workers because it's rare, highly visible, and also found in China.

  Location

  Chinese Arch Trail parking lot

  Length

  0.25 mile

  Intensity

  Easy

• Deep Canyon Trail

  Look over the desert and Golden Spike National Historical Park from the Deep Canyon Trail. It's located about 49 miles east in the Wellsville Mountains, and it's one of the best local trails for hikers looking for a challenge. The path climbs high into the steep mountains, wrapping around peaks and taking you up to high passes. The entire route is 16 miles round-trip, but you can leave a second vehicle at the mouth of Coldwater Canyon for an easier one-way hike.

  Location

  W 300 N, Mendon, UT 84325

  Length

  8 miles one way

  Intensity

  Difficult

Sightseeing

• East and West Auto Tours

  If you're interested in American railroad history, don't miss a drive along the east and west auto tour routes. Together, they cover 9 miles, offering an interesting overview of features such as fills, culverts, and cuts. The east route is open all year, but the western option usually closes down in the winter. If you're driving in an RV, keep in mind that these routes are open only to passenger vehicles; trailers and RVs are not allowed.

  Location

  Visitor center

• Engine House

  If you're coming to Golden Spike National Historical Park in the winter, head to the Engine House. From mid-October to April, the two famous steam locomotives stay inside while park staff maintains and repair them. Take a tour of the engine house when it's available, or stop in to take photos of the trains.

  Location

  6400 N Road

• Spiral Jetty

  While you're visiting Golden Spike National Historical Park, it's well worth your time to make the 15-mile drive to the Spiral Jetty. This unique earthwork art by Robert Smithson features a spiral strip of land that extends out into the Great Salt Lake. Smithson sculpted the jetty out of basalt rocks, mud, and salt — remarkable, considering that it's 1,500 feet long and 15 feet wide. During your visit, you can walk out onto the jetty and enjoy the views of the lake and the distant mountains.

  Location

  Corinne, UT 84307

Museums

• ATK Rocket Garden

  When you're ready to stretch your legs, head to the ATK Rocket Garden, which is located a short drive from Golden Spike National Historical Park. This outdoor museum features a variety of rockets that have been developed at the Northrop Grumman facility over the years; educational signs explain each one. You can walk right up to each rocket, making this a great stop for both adults and kids. 

  Location

  9160 UT-83, Corinne, UT 84307

• Bear River Valley Museum

  If you love quirky, small-town spots, don't miss the Bear River Valley Museum. This friendly museum chronicles the local history through a series of excellent exhibits. The collection of artifacts and historical photos are particularly interesting.

  Location

  11 E Main St, Tremonton, UT 84337

Nearby Shops and Restaurants

• The Classic Shop

  The Classic Shop carries a range of clothing and accessories for women, men, and kids. From themed local T-shirts to trendy shoes, it offers a bit of everything.

  Location

  472 W Main St Suite 3, Tremonton, UT 84337

• Kent's Market

  Kent's Market is one of the closest grocery stores to Golden Spike National Historical Park, so it's a good place to stock your RV before a camping trip.

  Location

  300 E Main St, Tremonton, UT 84337

• Handmade is Heartmade

  If you love to sew, don't miss the excellent Handmade is Heartmade. Packed with unique fabric options and an array of quilting supplies, it has something for every crafter.

  Location

  117 W Main St, Tremonton, UT 84337

• The Grille Restaurant

  Casual and family friendly, The Grille Restaurant has a large, varied menu. Whether you're interested in burgers, steaks, or seafood, you'll find plenty of choices.

  Location

  1410 W Main St, Tremonton, UT 84337

• J C's Country Diner

  Feel like a local at J C's Country Diner, a friendly spot that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Keep an eye out for the daily lunch and dinner specials, which come at remarkably affordable prices.

  Location

  10260 N 5200 W, Elwood, UT 84337

• Tamashi Sushi & Ramen Bar

  If you're craving sushi, head to the Tamashi Sushi & Ramen Bar. Here, you'll find everything from traditional rolls to pad Thai.

  Location

  472 W Main St, Tremonton, UT 84337

How To Get To Golden Spike National Historical Park

If you're traveling to Golden Spike National Historical Park from Salt Lake City or another location to the south, take I-15 north and head west on UT-83 after Brigham City. Follow signs to the park and turn west on 7200 N Road. If you're traveling from Idaho in the north, take I-84 south to Howell, and drive south on UT-83 until you see signs for the park.

Address

6200 North 22300 West, Promontory, Utah, UT 84307

Fee: Entry fee (per vehicle) $20.0

Fee: Entry fee (per motorcycle) $15.0

Fee: Entry fee (per pedestrian or cyclist) $10.0

Golden Spike National Historical Park is the perfect spot to learn about the history of the railroad in the United States. Whether you choose to drive through the park or take a relaxing hike, you'll come away with a greater appreciation for this remarkable accomplishment. Take advantage of the excellent Northern Utah camping opportunities nearby by coming in an RV.