Golden Spike Winter Locomotive Demonstration Tickets 2020
Golden Spike National Historical Park
The world changed here. On May 10, 1869 one of the greatest technological achievements of the 19th century, the completion of the first transcontinental railroad across the United States, occurred on Promontory Summit. Visitors to the park can see the location of the driving of the Last Spike, 1869 railroad construction features, walk or drive on the original railroad grade, and get an up-close view of Victorian era replica locomotives.
Our December locomotive demonstrations are an opportunity for visitors to experience the wonder of a steam locomotive in winter. This year the Union Pacific Locomotive 119 will run throughout the day on December 29, 30 and 31 in a celebration of the power of steam. The locomotive will run along approximately one mile of the historic grade where visitors will have the opportunity smell, hear, see and feel the power of these historic machines. The cold winter air causes billowing clouds of steam to pour from the locomotive as it moves down the track. The locomotive will run at 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 1:15, 2:00, 3:00 and 4:00. (Final run on December 31 is 3:00.)
Golden Spike National Historical Park will implement a ticket reservation system in order to meet the CDC, state and local guidance related to Covid-19.
Each person over the age of two will be required to have a reservation ticket. Tickets must be purchased online at Recreation.gov or using the Recreation.gov mobile app. Tickets will not be available at the park.
The Last Spike Site at the Visitor Center will be open to ticket holders only. No ticket will be required to access the Big Fill Overlook, Big Fill Trail and East Auto Tour (weather permitting). The West Auto Tour is closed for the season.
The world changed here. On May 10, 1869 one of the greatest technological achievements of the 19th century, the completion of the first transcontinental railroad across the United States, occurred on Promontory Summit. Visitors to the park can see the location of the driving of the Last Spike, 1869 railroad construction features, walk or drive on the original railroad grade, and get an up-close view of Victorian era replica locomotives.
Our December locomotive demonstrations are an opportunity for visitors to experience the wonder of a steam locomotive in winter. This year the Union Pacific Locomotive 119 will run throughout the day on December 29, 30 and 31 in a celebration of the power of steam. The locomotive will run along approximately one mile of the historic grade where visitors will have the opportunity smell, hear, see and feel the power of these historic machines. The cold winter air causes billowing clouds of steam to pour from the locomotive as it moves down the track. The locomotive will run at 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 1:15, 2:00, 3:00 and 4:00. (Final run on December 31 is 3:00.)
Golden Spike National Historical Park will implement a ticket reservation system in order to meet the CDC, state and local guidance related to Covid-19.
Each person over the age of two will be required to have a reservation ticket. Tickets must be purchased online at Recreation.gov or using the Recreation.gov mobile app. Tickets will not be available at the park.
The Last Spike Site at the Visitor Center will be open to ticket holders only. No ticket will be required to access the Big Fill Overlook, Big Fill Trail and East Auto Tour (weather permitting). The West Auto Tour is closed for the season.
Need to Know
- Face Coverings and Physical Distancing
The State of Utah has issued a Public Health Order requiring the use of face masks and maintaining a distance of 6 feet from other people who do not live with you. To provide a safe experience, visitors must adhere to the Public Health Order while attending this event.
- Timed Entry
This event uses a timed entry reservation system in order to host the event and meet the CDC, state and local health guidance related to COVID-19.
- Cold and Changing Weather Conditions
Visitors must be prepared for cold, rain, snow, wind and other variable weather conditions. Visitors should dress warmly and expect to be outside for the duration of their visit. There will be no sources of heat outside.
- Limited Services
There will be limited services available at the park during the event. Access to the Visitor Center will be restricted to the store area only, and a limited number of people will be allowed in at one time.
- Tickets required for each person over the age of 2
An individual ticket is required for each person over the age of 2 for admission to the event. You may reserve up to 10 tickets per day.
- Advanced Reservations Required
Tickets must be purchased online at Recreation.gov or using the Recreation.gov mobile app. Tickets will not be available at the park.
- Entering the Park
Please have a printed or digital copy of your reservation ticket available to be verified at the park entrance.
Booking Windows
Primary Booking Window: Winter Steam Locomotive Demonstration tickets will be available December 22, 2020 at 8 a.m. MT/10 a.m. ET.
Changes and Cancellations
Reservation Fee: There is a $1.00 non-refundable reservation fee per ticket.
Cancellation and Changes
You may cancel your reservation up until the start of your ticket time. You may also change your date, ticket time, and modify the number of people in your group up until the start of your ticket time. There are no refunds for the $1.00 reservation fee per ticket.
Contact Information
Mailing Address
6200 North 22300 West Promontory Summit UT 84307
Phone Number
435-471-2209
