Surreal Art Landmark
In the heart of Utah’s remote desert, an enormous spiral-shaped earthwork juts out into the Great Salt Lake. It’s called Spiral Jetty, and while it looks like something out of a sci-fi movie, it’s actually one of the most iconic land art pieces in the world.
Created in 1970 by artist Robert Smithson, it stayed forgotten for decades. Now it’s gone viral again, capturing the imagination of photographers, road-trippers, and art lovers alike.
Meet the Artist
Robert Smithson wasn’t your average artist. He believed the gallery walls couldn’t contain art, so he took it outdoors, way outdoors.
Fascinated by entropy and decay, Smithson built Spiral Jetty using over 6,000 tons of black basalt rock, mud, and salt crystals. It curves 1,500 feet into the lake, visible only when water levels are low.
Smithson died in a plane crash just a few years later, giving the piece an almost mythic legacy.
The Viral Revival
For years, Spiral Jetty disappeared under the water. Then droughts and social media changed everything. As lake levels dropped and drone footage soared, travelers started discovering this massive artwork again.
TikTok and Instagram lit up with jaw-dropping aerial shots. Influencers called it “the desert’s secret spiral,” and art blogs dubbed it a must-see.
Why It’s Not Just for Art Lovers
Even if you’ve never heard of land art before, Spiral Jetty will still blow your mind. It’s not just a sculpture, it’s a place where the natural world feels like it’s talking back.
On clear days, the contrast of dark rock against the pale pink lake is surreal. The salty breeze, the stillness, and the wide skies make it a deeply meditative experience.
Getting There Takes Effort
Part of the magic is the journey itself. To reach Spiral Jetty, you’ll need to drive about two and a half hours northwest of Salt Lake City to the remote Rozel Point.
The last leg is a bumpy dirt road with no cell service, gas stations, or snack stops, so go prepared. But when you finally crest the hill and see that massive spiral unfurling into the lake, it’ll take your breath away.
When to Visit
Spiral Jetty looks completely different depending on the season and lake levels. Spring and early summer often offer the best conditions, when the water recedes and the salt flats shimmer in pastel tones.
Sunset brings fiery colors across the Great Salt Lake, making the black rocks pop. Winter visits can be stark but striking, especially if the jetty is dusted with frost. Just check lake conditions before you go, sometimes the spiral is submerged.
The Environmental Twist
The lake’s receding shoreline isn’t just exposing art, it’s exposing a crisis. Utah’s Great Salt Lake is drying up fast due to drought and water diversion.
That makes Spiral Jetty more visible, but it also brings up tough questions. Is it okay to celebrate a site that’s thriving because of ecological decline?
What to Pack for the Trip
There are no facilities at Spiral Jetty, no bathrooms, no water, and zero shade. So bring sunscreen, snacks, and lots of water. A camera is a must, especially if you’ve got a drone.
Good walking shoes are essential, too; the salt-crusted ground can be rough. But don’t bring spray paint or carve into the rocks (it happens more than it should).
How It Compares to Other Land Art in the US
While Spiral Jetty may be the most famous, it’s part of a wider land art movement across the American West. You’ll find works like The Lightning Field in New Mexico and Sun Tunnels, also in Utah, scattered in remote locations.
These pieces aren’t meant to be easy to get to. They’re meant to make you pause, reflect, and connect with nature in a new way.
Spiral Jetty just happens to be the most Instagrammable of them all.
Family Friendly or Solo Adventure Spot
Though it’s remote, Spiral Jetty can be a great family trip with a little planning. Kids love the crunch of salt underfoot and the weirdness of the spiral.
Bring a picnic and make a day of it. If you’re going solo, the silence and solitude are something special. Just let someone know your route ahead of time, there’s no cell service for miles.
You’ll Want to Stop Here on the Way Back
On your return trip, consider swinging by the Golden Spike National Historical Park, just 30 minutes away. This is where the East and West railroads were joined in 1869, forever changing the American landscape.
It’s a totally different kind of landmark, but paired with Spiral Jetty, it turns your road trip into a mini history-meets-art trail through the desert. Bonus: The views at both places are absolutely killer.
Why It’s a Magnet for TikTok Creators
From dance videos to drone flyovers, TikTokers are putting Spiral Jetty back on the map. Its otherworldly look makes it ideal for short-form storytelling.
Some creators document the road trip challenge. Others reflect on the emotional pull of the space. Even musicians are using the spot for moody music videos.
Canyon Views Along Utah’s Scenic Byways
If you’re road-tripping through Utah, don’t miss its legendary scenic byways. Highways like Scenic Byway 12 and State Route 128 wind through some of the most breathtaking canyon country in the U.S. Towering red rock walls, winding river canyons, and surprise overlooks make every mile unforgettable.
Stop for short hikes or simply pull over and soak in the vastness. These drives turn your road trip into an adventure, showing off Utah’s wild beauty in ways photos can barely capture.
Make the Most of an Overnight in Northern Utah
If you’re staying overnight near the Great Salt Lake, there’s plenty more to explore. Consider a visit to Antelope Island State Park for a chance to see bison roaming free against a stunning desert backdrop. Park City, just a couple of hours away, offers off-season charm with scenic chairlift rides and quiet canyon trails.
Whether you crave desert solitude or mountain air, northern Utah has hidden gems waiting. Plan ahead, especially if you’re combining Spiral Jetty with a weekend getaway.
The Utah Museum
Can’t make the trip but still curious? The Utah Museum of Fine Arts in Salt Lake City offers insight into Smithson’s vision and the land art movement. They even run a Spiral Jetty program that helps educate new generations of artists and travelers.
You can learn about other related works and how this desert sculpture fits into global art history. It’s a great way to connect the dots before or after your road trip.
Want to dive deeper into the art-meets-desert story? Start with Bold Southwest Patterns from Santa Fe Museums.
Don’t Skip This If You’re Road-Tripping Through Utah
Utah has no shortage of natural wonders, Zion, Bryce, Arches, but Spiral Jetty belongs in a category of its own. It’s not a national park. It’s not on most tourist brochures. But it has soul, and it tells a story no other destination does.
Whether you’re passing through Salt Lake or planning a detour from your southern Utah hike circuit, this spot deserves a place on your travel radar. Go for the spiral. Stay for the silence.
If land art speaks to you, just wait until you walk ancient lava paths. Discover other places where time, nature, and mystery leave their mark.
Have you seen Spiral Jetty in person? Tell us what it felt like standing in the middle of that spiral.
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This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.
