Golden Spike’s Winter Festival is rolling along

PROMONTORY SUMMIT, Utah — Billowing clouds of steam greeted guests at Golden Spike National Historical Park on Monday. Famed Central Pacific locomotive “Jupiter” powered down the tracks as the park’s annual “Winter Steam Festival” got off to a successful start.

“The sun peaked out and there were smiles all around,” said park superintendent Brandon Flint “There is no better way to spend winter break than watching a stream locomotive rumble past with a cup of hot chocolate in your hand.”

Folks wishing to see “Jupiter” will get plenty of opportunities over the two remaining days of the festival. The locomotive is scheduled to make five runs on Wednesday and Thursday, complete with smoke and all the bells and whistles as its travels down the original transcontinental railroad grade.

The powerful display is just part of the festival’s organized events. Other activities include riding on the park’s hand car, motor car and the viewing of a ranger program entitled”It’s Snow Problem: Snow Removal in the Sierra Nevada.” Weather permitting, the Big Fill Hiking Trail, Big Fill Overlook, and East Auto Tour will also be open to visitors.’

The festival is $20 per vehicle with interagency pass holders recieving free admission. Face masks are required inside the visitor’s center and park store due to the ongoing pandemic, Guests are encourage to be prepared for winter weather as well. For updated conditions call; 435-471-2209 ext. 429, or go to:  www.nps.gov/gosp/.