Google image
GPS: N 39.92851, W 111.08269
Scanner: UP 160.455 [23]; Utah Railway 161.145 [69]
Railroad: Union Pacific Utah Division, Provo Sub; Amtrak, Utah Railway, and BNSF all have trackage rights over
Soldier Summit.
Railfan Access: Two lane US-6 parallels the main line for much of the route, with turnouts for parking at various
places, including the summit. Tie Fork Rest Area on US-6 west of Summit gives good, safe views of the tracks.
To see a map of Tie Forks Rest area, clik here. Check out the pictures there on Google
Description: Soldier Summit is the former Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad, now Union Pacific’s crossing of the
Wasatch Mountains on the Overland Route. The summit reaches 7,439 ft. At one time the town of Summit, Utah
had a population of 2500 when the D&RGW had a service facility for helper engines, but that was no longer needed
and today the town of Soldier Summit is a virtual ghost town. The town is a railfan destination for it’s historical
significance, and scenic beauty. Amtrak’s California Zephyr uses this route but railfanning is limited because Summit sees
only 10 – 12 trains per day since mid 2013.
TRAINS Magazine Map: "All-time guide to Soldier Summit, Utah" TRAINS October 2013 (no link)
![](index_files/Soldier_Summit_02-341x263.jpg)
Map
Links
Pictures Google images
Time Table
Soldier Summit Sign (advertising for real estate)
Tie Forks Rest Area
Soldier Summit Plaque
Nearby points of interest:
The Western Mining and Railroad Museum Helper, UT N 39.68277, W 110.85499
The Thistle Mudslide site: In 1983, a massive mudslide descended upon and blocked the D&RGW main line, forcing the
railroad into a six-mile right-of-way relocation and the drilling of two new tunnels.