Golden Spike National Historical Park: Fees, Hours, Camping and How to Get There

TypeNational Historical Park

StateUtah

Entrance fee$20 per vehicle

CampgroundsNone

Nearest national parkGrand Teton (170 mi)

Closest airportOGD (40 mi)

Two replica victorian age steam locomotives face each other on the original railroad grade — Connect with the history by viewing the site's replica steam locomotives in action Photo: NPS Photo

Golden Spike National Historical Park is a national historical park run by the National Park Service in Utah.

In the park service’s words

One of the greatest technological achievements of the 19th century is the completion of the first transcontinental railroad across the United States. Visitors to the park can see the location of the Last Spike Site, 1869 railroad construction features, walk or drive on the original railroad grade, and get an up close view of Victorian era replica locomotives.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Things to do

Hike the Big Fill Loop Trail: 1.5 mile hiking trail that showcases construction techniques for the transcontinental railroad.
Western National Parks Store: Western National Parks (WNP) is a partner of the National Park Service. WNP supports the ongoing preservation and interpretation efforts at Golden Spike National Historical Park. In addition to various books and educational materials the Park Store offers bottled water and snacks.
Engine Hour Tours (winter) (20 to 30 Minutes): Tour visitors meet at Visitor Center at times below to participate in the tour. Mid-October thru Late-April Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday - ONLY* 10:30 AM 1:00 PM 3:00 PM
Locomotive Ranger Program (20 to 45 Minutes): Experience the wonder of classic Victorian steam locomotives and be transported back in time to 1869 when America was newly united the world's first transcontinental railroad. The locomotives will run along approximately two miles of the historic grade where visitors will have the opportunity smell, hear, see and feel
East Auto Tour (30 to 45 Minutes): The East Auto Tour is two miles long and follows the original Transcontinental railroad grade featuring views of the Wasatch mountains and provides up close examples of railroad construction methods such as earthen fills, railbed cuts, and rock culverts.
West Auto Tour (60 to 90 Minutes): West Auto Tour
Jr Ranger Program: Golden Spike is proud to offer the Jr Ranger program for visitors wanting to explore the park and the many stories associated with the railroad.

Fees and hours

Entrance fee: $20 per vehicle. The America the Beautiful pass covers it.

Hours: Mon 9:00AM - 5:00PM; Tue 9:00AM - 5:00PM; Wed 9:00AM - 5:00PM; Thu 9:00AM - 5:00PM; Fri 9:00AM - 5:00PM; Sat 9:00AM - 5:00PM; Sun 9:00PM - 5:00PM. Summer and Winter The Park Visitor Center features exhibits, a theater, bookstore, picnic areas, and a welcoming staff that will help visitors get the most out of their trip. Summer, from early-May to late-October the visitor center is open daily, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM MDT. Winter, from late-October to late-April the visitor center is open five days a week, Thursday-Monday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM MST, closed Tuesday & Wednesday.

Getting there

Golden Spike National Historical Park is 32 miles west of Brigham City, Utah. NB travelers on I-15: use exit 365 and drive west on Utah 13 and 83 through Corinne (follow brown directional signs) to Golden Spike Drive. Turn left and follow signs to the visitor center (8 miles). SB travelers on I-84: use Howell exit 26 and drive south on Utah 83 (follow brown directional signs) to Golden Spike Drive. Turn right and follow signs to the visitor center (8 miles). Lat/Long 41.617410,-112.550986

Airport	City	Drive to the park	Straight-line miles	Type
Ogden Hinckley Airport (OGD)	Ogden, UT	No road route	40	Regional
Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)	Salt Lake City, UT	No road route	64	Large hub
Pocatello Regional Airport (PIH)	Pocatello, ID	No road route	89	Regional

Drive times run from the airport to Zion Canyon Visitor Center, estimated with OSRM routing on OpenStreetMap roads at normal speeds; allow extra for traffic, stops and construction.

Miles are straight-line distances.

Visitor centers

[Year-Round Operations](): Mon 9:00AM - 5:00PM; Tue Closed; Wed Closed; Thu 9:00AM - 5:00PM; Fri 9:00PM - 5:00PM; Sat 9:00AM - 5:00PM; Sun 9:00AM - 5:00PM. The park visitor center features exhibits, a theater, bookstore, picnic areas, and a welcoming staff that will help visitors get the most out of their trip. Winter: From November 01,2026 to February 28,2027 the visitor center is open five days a week, Thursday-Monday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM MST, closed Tuesday & Wednesday. The visitor center returns to 7 day a week operation March 01,2027. During the summer, the visitor center is open daily, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM MDT.

Weather

Golden Spike National Historical Park is located in a high desert environment in the Promontory Mountains near the north end of the Great Salt Lake. The temperatures can reach over 100 degrees in the summer and dip into single digits in the winter, with much of the park blanketed in snow. Visitors are recommended to check forecasts before coming to our site and come prepared for changing weather conditions.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Know before you go

Drones are banned at almost every park site, and you may not take rocks, plants or artifacts. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet where they are allowed. Bring no firewood from home.