Spike 150

Ogden, Utah to Evanston, Wyoming

Train Excursion May 12, 2019 Stop Watch Spike Pattern

The King of Steam

A legendary steam locomotive is returning to the rails for a rare trip. This special opportunity is a two-day event to experience the Big Boy No. 4014 and Living Legend No. 844 before their return home to the steam shop in Cheyenne, Wyoming. On May 11, take an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the No. 4014 and the No. 844 at Ogden Union Station.  On May 12, board Union Pacific’s Heritage Fleet pulled by the world’s only operational Big Boy locomotive and travel from Ogden, Utah, to Evanston, Wyoming, to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the transcontinental railroad’s completion.

This is a Sold Out Event

Be a Part of History

Only 25 “Big Boy” locomotives were built exclusively for Union Pacific Railroad in the early 1940s. They helped revolutionize the transportation of consumer goods and war materials during World War II and were powered to conquer mountains throughout the West. No longer in operation, they were retired over 60 years ago.

2019 marks the 150th anniversary of the transcontinental railroad’s completion. For this special occasion, the Big Boy No. 4014 and Living Legend No. 844 will traverse one of Utah’s most iconic Union Pacific routes.  This historic ride will be available to about 80 passengers. During their ride from Ogden, Utah, travelers will catch a glimpse of the Echo Canyon limestone and castle-like cliffs, as well as breathtaking mountain views of the Wasatch and Uinta National Forest, before arriving in Evanston, Wyoming.

Each ticket holder will also receive a special behind-the-scenes tour of the Union Pacific Heritage Fleet at Ogden Union Station.  The two-hour tour will include interactive presentations from Scott Moore, senior vice president – Corporate Relations and chief administrative officer, and Ed Dickens, Union Pacific Steam Operations. Ticketed passengers will enjoy special group tours with Union Pacific’s Steam team and a rare opportunity to view the Heritage Fleet passenger cars. Each ticket holder will receive a commemorative photograph.

 

What’s Included

  • May 11 at Ogden Union Station
    • Choice of a 2 p.m. or 4 p.m. tour at Ogden Union Station
    • Discussion by Ed Dickens, Union Pacific Steam Operations and Scott Moore, senior vice president – Corporate Relations and chief administrative officer
    • Behind-the-Scene Tour of the Union Pacific Heritage Fleet passenger cars
    • Group Interactions with Union Pacific’s Steam team
    • Commemorative Photograph
  • May 12 from Ogden Union Station to Evanston
    • Complimentary VIP parking
    • Exclusive access to Ogden Union Station
    • Photo opportunities and Heritage Fleet viewing for each passenger and a send off guest
    • Catered breakfast for each passenger and a send off guest
    • Commemorative ticket and assigned seating
    • Scheduled whistle-stops in Morgan and Echo (No Deboarding)
    • Breathtaking sights of Weber and Echo Canyons
    • Boxed lunch in Evanston
    • Chartered bus service from Evanston to Ogden

Schedule for May 11th

Schedule for May 12th

Times are subject to change

Ticket

We are sold out of dome and coach seating for this excursion.

No Refunds. Non-Transferable. Unauthorized resale can and will result in confiscation of your ticket

Proceeds benefit the Golden Spike Foundation and the Union Pacific Museum.

The mission of the Golden Spike Foundation is to celebrate the 150-year anniversary of the Golden Spike ceremony in Utah. Through a series of activities and events, the Spike 150 initiative aims to inspire, educate, and reflect on the Transcontinental Railroad legacy as it unifies Utahns to see that great things are possible with vision, hard-work, dedication, innovation, and collaboration.

The Union Pacific Museum’s mission is to provide quality exhibits and educational programming to a diverse audience about the past, present and future of America’s premier railroad, Union Pacific.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there different types of seating?
Yes. Comfortable, spacious seating with large windows is offered in Union Pacific’s vintage cars. Additional dome seating is extremely limited in the upper level of Union Pacific’s vintage coaches. Only dome-ticketed passengers will be allowed in the dome. Dome seating is currently sold out.

Is there a child or senior rate?
This train excursion serves as a fundraiser for Spike 150 and the Union Pacific Museum. There are no child or senior fares. Every passenger requires a ticket. You must be 13 or older to participate in this train excursion.

Is this handicap accessible?
The passenger cars that are part of this excursion are vintage, built in the 1940s. As a result they are not ADA accessible. Passengers must be able to leave their mobility device, possibly encounter some uneven ground, navigate a few stairs to board the train, and use the onboard facilities.

Is there food or beverages available on the train?
Yes. There will be snacks and water provided on the train excursion.

Will a restroom be available during the trip?
Yes. Restroom facilities are available on the passenger cars.

How long is the trip from Ogden, to Evanston?
The train excursion is approximately three hours. A boxed lunch will be provided upon arrival in Evanston before bus departure to Ogden. Approximate arrival time back in Ogden is 2:00 p.m.

Will we be able to get off at Echo or Morgan, UT?
No. Passengers will not be allowed to deboard during the whistle-stops in Echo and Morgan.

Will we need to pay for parking at the Union Station?
Complimentary parking will be available in the north section of the Ogden Union Station lot on May 12. Parking fees are included with your ticket. Please print the ticket you receive with your email confirmation, and place this in your dashboard to enter the parking lot. Be sure to give yourself adequate time to arrive, park, obtain your boarding credentials, and walk to the train.  Complimentary parking will not be available on May 11.  Please review Ogden’s Frequently Asked Questions for information about parking and public transportation options.

When do we need to board the train?
Final boarding call will be at 7:45 a.m., please arrive at least 20-30 minutes prior to departure. If you need extra time, please allow at least one hour prior to train departure.

How do I get home?
Chartered bus service is included in your ticket and will be available outside of the Evanston Depot when you deboard. Please email trainexcursion@spike150.org if you are making other transportation arrangements and do not need bus service back to Ogden.