Tintic Train Tunnel: Elberta, Utah
Explore an abandoned train tunnel with your kids in Elberta, Utah! The Tintic Train Tunnel also called the Elberta Slant Railroad Tunnel is an old passage created for the Tintic Range Railway to carry silver from the surrounding mines in south western Utah County. Although the Tintic railway no longer exists, the enormous abandoned tunnel and mine shaft near-by provide a fun place for families to explore.
KID RATINGS
Fun: ⭐⭐⭐ (out of 5)
Difficulty: Very Easy EASY Moderate Hard Very Hard
KEY FEATURES
Distance: 0.1 to 1 miles, depending on where you park
Elevation Gain: Flat to the Tintic Train Tunnel. Small uphill to mine shaft
Terrain: Dirt and rocks
Time Needed: 30 minutes to 1 hour
When to Go: Anytime of the year without snow or rain
COST
Free
AMENITIES
- Nearest gas station in Goshen, 8 miles away from train tunnel
- Other amenities in Santaquin 15 minutes away with restaurants and more gas stations
THINGS TO BRING
- Snacks
- Water
- Good walking shoes
- Vehicle that is good on dirt roads, 4×4 not required
- Dogs allowed
DETAILS of TINTIC TRAIN TUNNEL
The Tintic Train Tunnel is a fun place for families to explore. If you are in a vehicle with high clearance you will be able to drive right up to the tunnel. If you are in a lower clearance vehicle like we were in, I recommend parking about 0.4 miles from the tunnel and walking the rest of the way, due to rougher dirt road conditions.
See the directions and maps section below for details. You can make this a loop by following the trail through the tunnel or around the tunnel, or you can just walk-back the way you came. We ended up walking just over a mile total, there and back.
The Tin Tic Tunnel is hard to miss. It is a large gaping hole in the side of the hill. It’s about 100 yards long and obviously tall enough for a train to fit through.
How to Find the Old Mine Shaft
A short walk from the tunnel, we also found an old mine shaft. It is located north-west of the north end of the tunnel along a hillside. The entrance is somewhat hidden from view behind a large boulder. We did take a light into this mine because it is very dark near the end. This is not a long mine shaft, probably only about 20 feet.
PROS & CONS
PROS
- Easy for kids of all ages
- Fun area to explore
- Nearby old mine
CONS
- Possibility of ATV traffic in the tunnel
- No bathrooms or amenities close by
DIRECTIONS TO TINTIC TRAIN TUNNEL
The Tin Tic Train Tunnel is located just west of the town of Elberta, Utah. Turn west off of highway 68 on to Elberta Slant Road. You can use google maps and search Tintic Railroad Tunnel or Elberta Slant Road Tunnel. The main dirt road is easy to maneuver.
Off the main dirt road you need to continue along a smaller dirt road either by foot or by vehicle to the north for about 0.4 miles. This smaller road is more rugged, so we chose to park and walk the remaining amount. We were driving a minivan. An SUV or truck would make it the full-way to the tunnel without a problem.
MAPS
OTHER NEARBY ADVENTURES
Eureka, an old mining town (15 minutes)
Paul Bunyan’s Woodpile hike (40 minutes)
Old Sinclair Station, corner of highway 6 and highway 68 (10 minutes)
ABOUT
Hi, I’m Corrine! I’m an outdoor enthusiast and mother of four.
My goal is to inspire you to get outside and create your own amazing memories as a family. Life is precious and there are too many adventures to be had to spend life on the couch or in front of a screen.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:
Rocky Mouth Waterfall Hike: Sandy, Utah
The Rocky Mouth Waterfall Hike is brief family-friendly hike, against the mountains of Sandy, Utah. This 0.8-mile, round-trip hike gains around 280 feet and to leads to a small, but beautiful waterfall that most...
Devil’s Gate Slot Canyon, Nevada
Devil’s Gate Slot Canyon is a small marble canyon for all ages to explore just beyond the Utah border in Nevada. Its’ smooth tall marble walls offer a cool and fun place to explore in the desert heat. KID RATINGS...
Float the Provo River with Kids
Float the Provo River with kids for an exciting Utah County water adventure for the entire family. Escape the summer heat and enjoy the beauty of the mountains and Provo River on a kayak, paddleboard, tube, raft or...
Bryce Canyon National Park with Kids
Adventure to Bryce Canyon National Park with kids! This awe inspiring park with its red and white hoodoos and green pines will create memories that last a lifetime. From hiking to exploring the western themed shops...
Willis Creek Slot Canyon with Kids
Willis Creek Slot Canyon in Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument is a family-friendly hike for any skill level. With a meandering stream and towering walls, your family will be enthralled by this unique Utah...
Loved your article. Thank you for making this post.
So glad you like it! Thanks for commenting!