The Hidden Gem That Everyone In Utah Should Visit At Least Once
By Catherine Armstrong|Published December 13, 2018
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Catherine Armstrong
Author
Writer, editor and researcher with a passion for exploring new places. Catherine loves local bookstores, independent films, and spending time with her family, including Gus the golden retriever, who is a very good boy.
Utah has plenty of popular gems that are easy to view. Take in the amphitheater at Bryce Canyon National Park by driving right up to its many overlooks, photograph Mesa Arch by taking a short stroll, and witness Utah’s stunning Wasatch mountains from just about any spot in the Salt Lake Valley. Some gems are more hidden than others, and this one requires quite a drive – but it’s well worth your effort.
In 1970, artist Robert Smithson brought his talent to Utah and created an incredible outdoor art installation: Spiral Jetty. If you've never seen it in person, you'll definitely want to pay this place a visit.
Keep in mind that you'll likely have no cell service. The last opportunity for gasoline is in Corinne, so make sure to fill your tank there. Check your spare tire to make sure it's full of air - getting stranded out here is no fun.
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Spiral Jetty is 1,500 feet long, and 15 feet wide. It's made of more than 6,000 tons of black basalt rock.
Robert Smithson was fascinated with the concept of entropy, and his concept of Spiral Jetty included its continual transformation and decay. If he was alive today, he would be fascinated by the way his land art has changed over the decades.
This piece of land art is meant to be experienced up close. Bring a pair of boots along and walk the jetty.
It's difficult to get a sense of the size of this amazing art until you're standing right at the site. You can see from the this photo how large it is in comparison to the visitor who's walking along on it.
Right after Spiral Jetty was built, it was covered with the waters of the lake, and didn't appear again for almost 30 years. It's been visible again since 2002.
Just three years after creating Spiral Jetty, Robert Smithson died at the age of 35 in a plane crash. He was surveying a site for another piece of land art.
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Spiral Jetty is a lasting legacy that every Utahn should see.
When you venture out to find Spiral Jetty, make sure you're prepared for the trip. It's in a very remote location, so make sure you have some water and snacks, and that you're dressed for the weather. Don't forget your camera - this is one piece of artwork you'll want to remember!
Have you ever visited Spiral Jetty? Share your photos and stories with us in the comments! A trip to Spiral Jetty pairs nicely with the nearby Golden Spike National Historic Site – plan to see both on a day trip.
