Frequently

Asked

Questions

Box Elder County is in the northwest corner of Utah, about an hour north of Salt Lake City, wrapping around the north shore of the Great Salt Lake. Brigham City is the county seat and the main gateway for visitors.

Box Elder County is best known for Golden Spike National Historical Park, where the transcontinental railroad was completed in 1869. It is also home to Spiral Jetty, the Sun Tunnels, Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge and Utah's Fruit Way.

Salt Lake City International Airport is the closest major airport, about one hour south of Brigham City on I-15. You'll want a rental car, since the sights are spread out and not served by public transit.

Plan on two days. One day covers the Rocket Garden, Golden Spike and Spiral Jetty. A second day covers Brigham City, the Fruit Way, Bear River Refuge and Crystal Hot Springs. Add a third day for the Sun Tunnels and Devils Playground.

Late spring and early fall offer mild weather, migrating birds and open roads. Summer is peak season for fruit stands and boating at Willard Bay. Winter is quiet and cold, but great for hot springs and bald eagles.

Brigham City is the most central base, with hotels, restaurants and the shortest drives to most sights. Tremonton is a good option if you're coming in on I-84 or heading toward the west desert.

Golden Spike is the site at Promontory Summit where the Central Pacific and Union Pacific railroads met on May 10, 1869. Replica steam locomotives run on the original grade from about May through mid-October. The park charges a per-vehicle entrance fee, paid by card only.

Drive to the Golden Spike visitor center, then follow the signed gravel road about 16 miles southwest to Rozel Point. Most cars can make it in dry weather. Spiral Jetty is free, but there are no restrooms, water or cell service.

The Sun Tunnels are four concrete tunnels built by artist Nancy Holt in the remote west desert, lined up with the sunrise and sunset on the solstices. They are about four hours from Salt Lake City on gravel roads with no services.

Yes. The 12-mile auto tour loop is free and open daily from sunrise to sunset. Spring and fall bring the most migrating birds.

Utah's Fruit Way is the stretch of Highway 89 between Brigham City and Willard lined with family orchards and fruit stands. Stands are open roughly June through October, with peaches at their peak from mid-August through September.

Peach Days is held in downtown Brigham City on the weekend after Labor Day each September. The festival has been held since 1904 and features a parade, car show, music and plenty of peaches.

Yes. Crystal Hot Springs in Honeyville is open year-round, including its water slides, and winter is a favorite time to soak. Admission is charged.

Golden Spike, Willard Bay State Park and Crystal Hot Springs charge fees. Spiral Jetty, the Sun Tunnels, Bear River Refuge, the Rocket Garden and the Fruit Way are free.

Spiral Jetty, the Sun Tunnels and Devils Playground are reached by long gravel roads with no services and little or no cell signal. Fill your tank, pack water and snacks, download maps, and skip dirt roads after rain or snow.