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. On May 8, 9 and 10, 2021 Golden Spike National Historic Park will commemorate the 152nd anniversary of the completion of the nation’s first transcontinental railroad. The event will include: re-enactments of the original 1869 ceremony, re-creation of the historic “champagne photo,” steam locomotive demonstrations and exhibits of historic objects found along the railroad. Ticket times are Saturday May 8 at 9:30am, 12:30 pm and 3:30 pm; Sunday and Monday May 9 and 10 at 11:30am and 2:30pm.

Golden Spike National Historical Park is implementing a ticket reservation system in order to offer this event and meet CDC, state and local guidance related to Covid-19. Each vehicle, regardless of the number of occupants, will be required to have a single ticket. The park entrance fee and a reservation fee, totaling $20, will be collected with each ticket. Pass holders will pay only the reservation fee of $2. Tickets must be purchased online at Recreation.gov or using the Recreation.gov mobile app. Tickets will not be available at the park.

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. During the event 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). Visitors can also visit the Transcontinental Railroad Grade National Backcountry Byway which is the longest contiguous stretch of original railroad grade remaining in the United States to the west of the 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.