- Easy; 1-2 hours
- Child carrier: no
- No restrooms
- Primitive camping permitted
- Unique land art with spectacular views
- Travel by long dirt road; no amenities
The Spiral Jetty is a unique spiral land art created from over 6,000 tons of black basalt rocks by Robert Smithson in 1970. With the backdrop of the great Salt Lake, this unique experience is surrounded by beauty that is out of this world.
What to expect
Even with its popularity, you can expect the Spiral Jetty to have plenty of space to park and explore. There is a large parking area with absolutely no amenities. There are no bathrooms and no water.
Expect to bring everything you will need. Please remember to pack it in, pack it out.
The parking lot is only about 500 feet from where the 1,500 foot long Spiral Jetty begins. There are also a few short trails near the parking area so you can get different views of the Spiral Jetty.
We have heard that you can do primitive tent camping here however, please note that firepits are not permitted around the Jetty. Also much of the land leading up to it is unavailable to camp.
When to go
We suggest arriving in the evening about 1-2 hours before sunset. You will get spectacular sunset views as the light reflects off the Great Salt Lake.
Additionally, this is a good time to go to miss the crowds. The busiest time of the day is in the afternoon. The crowds start to taper off in the evening.
Each season brings a unique beauty to your experience at the Spiral Jetty.
We break down what going at different seasons will look like. Check out the official Spiral Jetty website to get up-to-date information on water levels surrounding the land art.
Spring
Did you know that not long after the Spiral Jetty was created in 1970 it was submerged in water and not seen for years? The Jetty has not been completely submerged since 2002.
Spring is when you are most likely to find the highest water levels surrounding the Jetty.
Summer
Late summer into early fall is when you are most likely to see the rose-colored water. According to Westminster’s Great Salt Lake Institute, the lake gets its color from the salt- loving microbes that live in this part of the Great Salt Lake. These microbes flourish when the water is a little warmer and a little saltier. Drier years will make these colors even brighter.
Unfortunately, this is when you are most likely to encounter bugs.
Fall
The pink water continues into the early fall. Mid-late fall the water levels drop and the land surrounding the Spiral Jetty will be completely dry.
This time of year is spectacular as the sand surrounding it is so white that the black rocks of the Jetty really pop!
This is when we went and it is when you are less likely to encounter bugs.
Winter
The Spiral Jetty is still accessible during winter and is absolutely beautiful surrounded by snow and water. It still can have some of the pink color too.
The road to get there can get muddy if there has recently been any rain or snow. So we suggest checking weather conditions and taking an AWD vehicle.
Photo Tips
Head on over to the bench just north of the parking area. This gives you an elevated photo of the Spiral Jetty without the parking lot in your picture. Go at sunset! The sunset reflects beautifully off the Great Salt Lake.
What to bring
Depending on the season there are some things you will want to bring with you, especially as you or your children play on the rocks and/or in the water:
- Drinking water is a must all year round.
- Bug spray during the warmer months.
- Swimsuit if you plan to swim in the Great Salt Lake.
- Extra clothes if the water levels are higher. If your kids get even a little wet, the water dries and is very salty. They will be itchy from the salt.
- Baby wipes to wipe the salt off your children's legs.
How to get there
The Spiral Jetty is located 44 miles west of Corrine & I-15.
Take the Promontory road exit 365 off I-15 and head west for 18 miles. Turn left onto 7200 north road, following signs towards the Golden Spike National Historical Park. Directly after the Golden Spike the road turns into a dirt road for the last 16 miles. Follow the signs to the Spiral Jetty.
A sedan will make it just fine on the dirt road, you will just need to drive a little slower.
There is no cell phone service. Put the location into Google Maps before you leave Corrine and the maps will still direct you there.
Happy Trails
The Spiral Jetty is known for both its natural and man-made beauty. It truly is a unique experience at any time of the year. Happy trails to the Spiral Jetty until we meet again!
