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.

Note: There is not great primitive camping at the WMA, at least to my eye, but continuing east to the Monument Point area a few miles, or west on the old railroad grade past Kelton has some options.

Also note, many of the roads around the impoundments are closed, or only open during hunting season.

Maps

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