Utah Fun Fact: The Spiral Jetty

What do you know about this fun fact the Spiral Jetty located in Utah?

Utah’s 𝙎𝙥𝙞𝙧𝙖𝙡 𝙅𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙮
The Spiral Jetty is a manmade piece of art located in the Great Salt Lake. This art installation has often been a discussion topic and fun fact of Utah. Robert Smithson created The Spiral Jetty in 1970. In his design he used over 6000 tons of black basalt rocks and earth to form a coil. This massive rock coil measures 1500 feet long and 15 feet wide. It winds counter clockwise off the shore into the water.

If you plan on visiting the Spiral Jetty it is important to know the water level. The Jetty is only visible when the water level is below about 4195 feet. It submerged soon after it’s creation and stayed underwater for 30 years. Nevertheless, the current water level of 4192 makes it visible and would make a fun day trip. So plan a visit to the Spiral Jetty of Utah and experience this fun fact of Utah for yourself.

The artist, Robert Smithson, decided to create his art outdoors in the late 1960’s when he became disenchanted with art galleries. He often referred to galleries as “mausoleums for art”. He felt they were to confining for his artistic spirit and he wanted to connect with the environment. In this manner, the Spiral Jetty was a perfect reflection for both his love of art, science and geology. In addition, his work was certainly inspired by outer space. As Neil Armstrong had recently stepped foot on the moon and the entire world was focused on the cosmic galaxy.

To find the Spiral Jetty head roughly 2.5 hours northwest of Salt Lake City on Rozel Point. It’s a 15.5 mile dirt road southwest of the Golden Spike National Historic Site Visitor Center. Complete Directions can be found HERE.