Spiral Jetty

Spiral Jetty | Sandra Salvas

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In the spring of 1970, artist Robert Smithson, with a modest $100 and a vision for "purely aesthetic" creation, leased a stark 10 acres on the shores of the Great Salt Lake. His ambitious plan was to construct a curving line of rocks and earth extending into the briny water. Utilizing 6,500 tons of material over six days, the Spiral Jetty emerged as a unique monument to impermanence.

Initially submerged by the rising waters of the Great Salt Lake for nearly two decades, the Spiral Jetty re-emerged around the turn of the millennium as the lake receded. Today, the work of art continues to draw visitors to its remote location, an hour's drive from the freeway across gravel and dirt roads.

Great Salt Lake

How to Get to the Spiral Jetty

Spiral Jetty is a 2-hour drive (about 100 miles) from downtown Salt Lake City.

Take I-15 north to Exit 365 (west of Brigham City) and Route 13 toward Corinne (site of the last gas station; past Corinne, the road becomes Highway 83.) Drive 17.7 miles, following signs to Golden Spike National Historic Site Visitor Center. Turn left onto Golden Spike Rd and drive 7.7 miles toward the visitor center (last bathrooms and the end of cell service).
Drive 5.6 miles west on the main gravel road (N. Golden Spike Loop) to a fork in the road; take the left fork. (Look for small white signs directing you to “Spiral Jetty.”) Drive 1.4 miles to another fork in the road. Turn right, onto the southwest fork. Continue driving about 9 miles; the road will curve north around Rozel Point. You’ll see the lake in the distance and an old oil jetty. This is not the jetty you’re looking for. Keep driving until you come to a cul-de-sac parking lot. “Spiral Jetty” will be down the hill.
When you arrive, consider taking the short, steep hike up the Rozel Point hill to see an elevated view of the artwork.

How to Prepare

To visit Spiral Jetty is a decision and a detour. Located an hour heading west from a freeway, on a gravel road, then dirt, definitely out of cell range, until, finally, there’s the lake in the distance. Here's a few tips to help you prepare:

You won't find many services once you exit the highway, so it's always a good idea to be self sufficient. Have a full fuel tank, a spare tire (just in case), water, sturdy shoes and a towel if you plan to go in the lake. Prepare for changing weather and emergencies by packing layers, sun protection, snacks and water.
There is a parking lot at the Spiral Jetty, but no bathroom facilities. The Golden Spike National Historical Park visitor center, located approximately 15 miles north, does offer restrooms.
Visitors should be mindful that low water levels at the Great Salt Lake have increased the natural presence of tar around the Spiral Jetty shoreline. Watch your step and keep dogs on leash.
As with any outdoor space, visitors are reminded to Leave No Trace. Do not remove any rocks from the art display and remember to stay on the trail and preserve the surrounding landscape.
Get inspired by reading essays by Utah poet Lance Larsen, “Looking for Spiral Jetty,” Heidi Julavits, “The Art at the End of the World” in “The New York Times,” and Gretchen E. Henderson’s “Life in the Tar Seeps,” from “Ecotone” magazine. For a deeper dive, read Westminster College instructor Hikmet Loe’s 342-page “The Spiral Jetty Encyclo.”

The Spiral Jetty, Utah’s Most Iconic Land Art Sculpture, Keeps Drawing a Crowd

Written By Elaine Jarvik

7 minute read

In April 1970, it took six days, 625 man-hours, 292 truck-hours, $9,000, and 6,500 tons of basalt, limestone and mud for Robert Smithson to construct the Spiral Jetty. His work still stands today. Visit and be inspired by this iconic piece of Utah's land art.

Northern, Family, Arts, Road Trips, Adventure, Photography