Roadside Attraction
Locomotive Springs
North Great Salt Lake
Overview
In 1888, when some of the first pioneers visited the north end of the Great Salt Lake, the springs at Locomotive Springs where flowing with such force, that the pioneers named them Locomotive Springs for their thunderous sound. Today, the area is managed as a waterfowl management area (WMA) as it is a critical habitat for migratory birds. Drought and ground water pumping for agriculture have reduced the springs by as much as 80% of what they were in the 1960s. There are still ponds and wetlands, but much smaller than they used to be.
This is a remote place to visit, and most popular with bird watchers, hunters, and the those looking to get off the beaten path. The springs are in stark contrast with the vast desert surrounding them. A couple of old buildings and old railroad cars in the WMA are relics of a long-gone time, and interesting to visit.
The largest springs that make up the WMA are Locomotive Springs West, Bar M Spring, and Baker Spring, Teal Spring, and Off Spring. These springs currently have ponds at them, and then feed impoundments that in wetter times would have held large pounds. Today aside from the ponds right at the springs, the impoundments are mostly dry with a small stream or wetland area running through them.
Getting There
There are two common ways to visit Locomotive Springs, the first is from Golden Spike National Monument, and the second is from Snowville. If coming from the north, or looking for less dirt road, Snowville is the best choice. From Golden Spike is the better choice if coming from the south/west or wanting a more scenic drive.
From Snowville:
On the west side of town, head south on Locomotive Springs Road. Follow this road southwest for 21 miles to the WMA and the first spring the road reaches, Baker Spring.
From Golden Spike Visitor Center:
Go north from the visitor center about 1.1 miles to the major junction with 7200 N Rd. Go left (west) on 7200 N Rd. Stay on this main dirt road as it heads west then a bend to the north. At 4.3 miles a 4-way junction is reached with farm to the south. Stay straight. The road bends north, then west as it crosses salty flats. At 15.1 is another major junction. Go left here. The road gets closer to the salty flats of the Great Salt Lake and passes around Monument Point. At 19.5 miles, go left onto Locomotive Springs Loop road. The road passes a salt operation. Follow it, staying on the main road as it goes west for 3.5 miles to the Bar M/Locomotive Spring in the WMA.
Route Description
Once at the WMA, it is an easy place to wander. Be sure to visit the old buildings, they are fascinating! I thought Baker Spring was the most scenic on our trip, but all are interesting to visit.
Maps
12T 339702E 4620214N
41°43'03"N 112°55'37"W
12T 340181E 4619339N
41°42'35"N 112°55'16"W
12T 340907E 4618621N
41°42'13"N 112°54'44"W
12T 339276E 4620907N
41°43'25"N 112°55'56"W
12T 340094E 4618101N
41°41'55"N 112°55'18"W
12T 339059E 4619601N
41°42'43"N 112°56'04"W
12T 338964E 4619602N
41°42'43"N 112°56'09"W
12T 340422E 4621186N
41°43'35"N 112°55'07"W
12T 341982E 4618894N
41°42'22"N 112°53'57"W