Looking for the best way to take a day trip to Golden Spike National Historical Park?
If you love national parks, railroads, or American history, a visit to Golden Spike National Historical Park deserves a spot on your Utah road trip itinerary.
This fascinating site marks the completion of the first transcontinental railroad, a moment that forever changed the course of U.S. history.
It’s where the Central Pacific and Union Pacific Railroads met in 1869, symbolically joining the nation from coast to coast with a ceremonial “Golden Spike.”
Visiting Golden Spike today offers a blend of history, engineering marvels, and sweeping desert views.
You’ll find historic locomotives, ranger-led programs, scenic drives, and walking trails that highlight both the triumph and toil that went into connecting America.
Golden Spike National Historical Park Itinerary
Located about an hour and a half north of Salt Lake City, this remote destination feels worlds away from the busy city life.
When JP and I visited Golden Spike, it was one of the many memorable stops on our honeymoon road trip through the Four Corners states.
The day before our visit, we had camped at the Provo KOA, and that morning, we made our way north, driving through downtown Salt Lake City to get a feel for the area.
We took a quick walk around Temple Square, passed by BYU, and even made a nostalgic stop at East High School, where High School Musical was filmed.
Before your visit, keep in mind that there is no Wi-Fi in the park, and cell service can be spotty.
It’s best to download maps, directions, and any info you need before heading out.
The park’s Visitor Center is typically open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (with shorter winter hours), except on major holidays.
You can always check current hours on the official National Park Service website.
Since the park is remote, it’s a good idea to arrive early, bring plenty of water, and plan your day around the locomotive demonstrations or tours depending on the season.
Morning: Visitor Center & Golden Spike Site
Start your visit at the Visitor Center, where you can watch a short film about the Transcontinental Railroad and learn about the ceremony that took place here in 1869.
This is also where you can pick up your National Park Passport stamp or browse souvenirs.
JP and I like to collect ornaments from each destination we visit, and we always make it a priority to find them early in the day, before the best ones disappear!
From the Visitor Center, follow the paved path to the Golden Spike site.
Outdoor exhibits, monuments, and memorials also surround the area.
If you’re visiting in the warmer months, don’t miss the Locomotive Ranger Program.
- Around 10:00 a.m., one of the replica steam locomotives is brought out onto the tracks.
- At 10:30 a.m., the second engine joins it.
- At 1:00 p.m., you can watch a demonstration with both locomotives together, complete with steam, whistles, and photo ops!
- One engine departs at 4:00 p.m., and the other around 4:30 p.m.
These demonstrations are one of the park’s highlights and really bring the site to life, giving visitors a tangible connection to history.
Afternoon: Trails & Tours
In the winter months, the locomotives are stored in the Engine House for refurbishment.
Instead of the outdoor demonstrations, visitors can take Engine House Tours to see the locomotives up close and learn about their restoration process.
Tour times vary by season, so check the official website before your visit for the most current schedule.
If you’re exploring by car, the park offers two scenic driving tours:
- East Auto Tour (2 miles): This route follows the original railroad grade and offers interpretive stops that tell the story of how the tracks were built. It’s not plowed in the winter, but it often remains accessible depending on weather conditions.
- West Auto Tour (10 miles): Open mostly during the summer, this longer route includes incredible views and interpretive signs along the original rail line.
You can also download free audio tours from the park website to listen to while you drive.
These narrations help you understand what you’re seeing and provide historical context to the scenery around you.
For those who prefer to stretch their legs, the Big Fill Loop Trail is a must.
This 1.5-mile round-trip hiking trail follows the original railroad grade and includes interpretive panels explaining how massive fills and cuts were created by hand.
It’s one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the park’s history and enjoy the surrounding landscape.
While exploring the park’s backroads, don’t miss a quick stop at the Chinese Arch, a natural sandstone formation named to honor the Chinese railroad workers who played a critical role in completing the Transcontinental Railroad.
It’s located along the scenic drive and is well worth a visit for both the view and the meaning behind it.
Where To Stay: Brigham City KOA
If you’re looking for a convenient and affordable place to stay near Golden Spike National Historical Park, the Brigham City KOA is a great option.
Located about 45 minutes south of the park, right on your route back toward Salt Lake City, it offers a peaceful, rural setting that’s perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring.
The campground has RV sites, tent sites, and cozy cabins, along with amenities like restrooms, showers, laundry facilities, and a small camp store.
When we visited, a storm rolled through during the night, so we ended up sleeping in our car instead of our tent, but even with the rain, we appreciated the quiet atmosphere and convenient location.
It’s an excellent budget-friendly choice for travelers looking for a comfortable and scenic stopover near Brigham City.
Conclusion: Golden Spike National Historical Park Itinerary
Visiting Golden Spike National Historical Park is a fascinating step back in time and a must-visit for anyone interested in American history, railroads, or off-the-beaten-path national park sites.
If you’re planning a Utah road trip, there are so many other incredible places nearby to add to your itinerary.
For more inspiration, check out my detailed post on Dinosaur National Monument, or explore my National Parks Out West Road Trip Itinerary that highlights some of the state’s most iconic landscapes.
I also have individual guides for each of Utah’s “Mighty 5” National Parks, Arches and Canyonlands, Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef, and Zion (including Summer and Winter specific itineraries) plus a full post on driving the breathtaking Scenic Byway 12 that connects several of them.
Together, these routes and parks showcase the incredible variety and beauty that make Utah such a dream destination for travelers.
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