Spiral Jetty
Monument Iconic earthwork spiral built in Great Salt Lake
Robert Smithson’s Spiral Jetty sits on the northeastern shore of the Great Salt Lake in Utah; visitors approach the black basalt spiral to view large‑scale land art and salt‑crust lakeshore.
Spiral Jetty is a large earthwork sculpture by Robert Smithson built in April 1970 on the northeastern shore of the Great Salt Lake in Utah, United States. The work consists of a right-hand coil constructed of basalt rock, salt crystals and earth projecting into the lake.
The jetty measures roughly 1,500 feet in length and about 15 feet in width, forming a spiral of five and a half turns when visible. Its dark stone surface and the surrounding white salt flats create a strong visual contrast that varies with water and salt conditions.
Smithson created the work as an example of land art that engages geological and hydrological processes; since construction the appearance of the Jetty has changed with fluctuations in lake level and salt deposition. The piece is publicly accessible across the causeway to Rozel Point but conditions underfoot can be uneven.
Spiral Jetty sits at Rozel Point on the Great Salt Lake near Rozel Point Road in northwestern Utah, some distance from the nearest small towns and accessed by an unpaved road.
- Date and dimensions: Constructed by artist Robert Smithson in April 1970, the earthwork is approximately 1,500 feet long and about 15 feet wide, formed of rock and earth arranged in a counterclockwise coil.
- Location and condition: Located at Rozel Point on the northeastern shore of the Great Salt Lake, visibility and exposure depend on lake levels and salt encrustation.
How to Get to Spiral Jetty #
Spiral Jetty is on the northeastern shore of the Great Salt Lake at Rozel Point (Box Elder County, Utah). From Salt Lake City expect a drive of roughly 2-2.5 hours (on the order of 150-200 km depending on route) north/northwest toward the lake’s northeastern arm and then along local county/dirt roads to Rozel Point.
There is limited parking at the site and visitors usually walk across salt flats from the parking area to the jetty; the final walking distance can vary (commonly on the order of several hundred metres to around 1 km) depending on lake levels and access points.
Tips for Visiting Spiral Jetty #
- Check current Great Salt Lake water levels before traveling - Spiral Jetty can be partially or fully submerged at times, so photographs and access vary with the lake's level.
- Use a high-clearance vehicle for the dirt roads to Rozel Point (the Spiral Jetty access road is rough in places) and plan for a short walk from the parking area; many visitors underestimate the road conditions.
- Visit at sunrise or sunset for the best light and fewer other visitors; mid-day can be very bright on the salt flats and the Jetty is most photogenic in low-angle light.
Best Time to Visit Spiral Jetty #
Best visited in spring or autumn for milder conditions and a good chance of seeing the Spiral Jetty exposed; summer is accessible but hot and visibility depends on lake levels.
Weather & Climate near Spiral Jetty #
Spiral Jetty's climate is classified as Cold Semi-Arid - Cold Semi-Arid climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -7°C to 31°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 3°C and lows of -7°C. Light rainfall and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -5°C. Light rainfall and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of -1°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 7°C. The wettest month with 39 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 11°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is the warmest month with highs of 31°C and lows of 15°C. The driest month with just 18 mm and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 14°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 9°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (32 mm).
Comfort
Weather
November
November is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of -2°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is freezing with highs of 4°C and lows of -6°C. Light rainfall and mostly overcast skies.
.jpg?width=600)
