Golden Spike National Historic Site
A journey across the plains was a formidable undertaking, that required great patience and
endurance. Now all is changed....The six months' journey is reduced to less than a week. The prairie
Schooner has passed away, and is replaced by the railway coach with all its modern comforts.
Frank Leslie's Illustrated Newspaper
December 11, 1869
(1) Last Spike Site
You can see two painstakingly researched
and recreated icons of railroading history at
the Last Spike Site. Central Pacific's Jupiter
and Union Pacific's No 119 steam out most
days, except during the winter. Summer hours
are 10:30 to 5:00; spring and fall hours are
9:30 to 4:00.
(2) Visitor Center
Museum exhibits inside show tools and
equipment used to build the transcontinental
railroad in 1869. A short video tells the story
of the great race to Promontory.
During the summer, park rangers give talks
about railroad history throughout the day.
Ask at the information desk inside for
today's program schedule.
Reenactors recreate the driving of the
Golden Spike every May 10th as well as on
Saturdays and holidays during the summer.
Ask inside about the next date you might
see the rails ceremonially joined again.
(3) Big Fill Trail
· Start Point: Big Fill Trail parking, 4 miles east
· 1 hour walking time
· 1.5 mile easy walk
Hike out through cuts and fills to see the
legacy of hand-building a railroad. A guide
booklet available at the trailhead points out
the most significant features.
(4) East Auto Tour
· Start Point: 3 miles east on Highway 504
· 20 minutes driving time on tour road
· 20 mph is the limit
See spectacular vistas while exploring the cuts
and fills necessary to climb the Promontory
mountains. A booklet describing both auto
tours is available inside.
(5) West Auto Tour
· Start Point: 7 miles west of here
Follow the signs as you leave the parking lot
· 30 minutes driving time on tour road
· 20 mph is the limit
Drive the historic Central Pacific grade past
the place where ten miles of track were laid in a single day.
(6)Backcountry Byway
Take plenty of gas, water, and an extra spare
tire if you want to follow the transcontinental
grade into the backcountry. This route crosses
dry washes as it skirts unsafe trestles and
culverts, so high-clearance vehicles are
recommended. Fuel is not available along
the 90-mile grade. Gas up at Corinne,
Wendover, or Snowville. Maps are available
in the visitor center.