Golden Spike National Historic Site

As far back as 1869 Utahns were operating on "Mormon Standard Time"...



What, you think I'm exaggerating?
 One visit to today's historic site will prove that I know exactly what I'm talking about.

Golden Spike National Historic Site

Connecting the east and west lines of the Transcontinental Railroad, the driving of the golden spike was an enormous celebration....when it finally happened.  A combination of rainy weather and labor problems pushed the arrival date of both trains back by two whole days.  Even with the national eye focused directly on Utah, we were insisting on doing it in our own time.

The adventure in visiting the Golden Spike begins in just trying to get there.  You would think the location for the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad would occur close to civilization.  Even in 1869, I'm seriously doubting Promontory, Utah, was a thriving metropolis.  Be assured that when the riders in your car insist you're lost, you're heading in the right direction and will eventually get there.

The visitor's center plays five different movies that can entertain you for over an hour.  Don't, however, drive all the way out there to see the movies.  The highlights of this historic site are the operating steam train replicas and "driving of the golden spike" re-enactment.  The trains are amazing.  The volunteer actors, less than amazing, but at least entertaining.  Even with a year passed from my last visit there, I still have chills down my spine hearing the telegraph operator announce the completion of this major feat in American transportation history.

Directions and Information:
I can't stress enough to check the National Park Service website for directions and train operating hours before leaving home...they seem to be changing all the time.  Then, traveling northbound, take I-15 exit 365, turn right, and follow the signs (approximately 35 miles).

While you're here:  Don't drive all the way out here and miss out on what else the area has to offer.  Check out the ATK Rocket Garden by continuing past the turnoff for the Golden Spike or the Spiral Jetty by continuing straight past the Golden Spike Visitor's Center.

The Grand Canyon and the Scariest Thing I've Ever Done With My Kids!

I know, I know, the Grand Canyon is one of the epic (translate over-populated with tourists) national parks, and if I espouse the virtues of getting away from the tourist-trap, it seems like a strange park to start off with.  It's precisely for that reason that I'm going to start with it.

Our trip to this most monstrous of geological wonders was completely an act of spontaneity.  We got a call from family two days before they were leaving for there on spring break and without hesitating we dropped what we were doing and started packing our bags.  Having never been to The Grand Canyon before, the 8-hour drive gave me plenty of time to think about what I knew about the park...

• It was big
• A river runs through it
• You can stand at the top and look down into it

That is embarrassing.  Thank goodness we were not there by ourselves, or that is probably all we would still know.  Fortunately, our the family were with was gung-ho to get their money's worth and we gladly went along for the ride...well, the hike.

That's what I can teach you about The Grand Canyon-the only way to truly experience it is to step off the lip and get down in it!  We hiked 3.5 miles of the South Kaibab Trail, but there are several other hikes to choose from.  Any one of them is going to be strenuous and taxing, but one trillion percent worth it.  

For us, the start was a little stop and go.  They were doing trail maintenance, which consisted of a throng of college-aged ranger interns throwing rocks and boulders over the side onto the trail below.  Once we were able to pass them, though, the hiking down got a lot more adventuresome.  And this is where I explain why The Grand Canyon is the scariest thing I've ever done with my kids.

My niece resting precariously close to the edge to watch the action down below

The canyon is STEEP and the drop-offs are HIGH!  I'm used to hiking with my kids, but this poor mama's heart did more than one pitter-patter as we made our way down into this desert hole.  It took awhile, but we finally mastered what we called, "Wall-side, Canyon-side."  At the end of each switchback, the adults and kids craftily traded sides of the trail we were walking.  Doing that tremendously cut down the number of times I found my hand reflexively reaching out to grab at a child's collar.

After mastering that, the 7-mile hike was just long, hard, and a load of fun!  

Passing a mule train

Perched on the top-This rock was literally cradled on top of another ,
which we didn't know until we were hiking further down below.

To sum up the Grand Canyon, yes, it can be packed FULL of people...at the top.  Definitely spend a little time there, and then immerse yourself fully in the landscape that is just below them all.  You'll find a park there that far fewer people have seen!

Have you been to the Grand Canyon?

What's your favorite thing to do there?

More information:

The Grand Canyon National Park website

Looking for an historic adventure while you're there?

Ride the Grand Canyon Railway that boards in Williams, AZ.

It's super cheesy, but gives you a unique perspective 

and keeps you out of traffic 

Please, remember, if you're hiking here to bring PLENTY of water.

The trails are long, and the air is dry.  

You're going to need it.  

And watch for condors!  

My husband and his brother saw one flying 

and ran chasing half-way around the Canyon Rim to watch it land.