Round The Twist: The Spiral Jetty, Corinne, Utah

Utah‘s Great Salt Lake contains an extraordinary earthwork sculpture made from crystals, salt, and basalt. However, 1,500 ft tall counterclockwise spiral can only be seen when the water level is lower than 4,197 ft.

Spiral Jetty

Constructed in 1970 by artist Robert Smithson, the jetty is situated on the north shore of the lake. It was covered by the water only two years after completion. It was not until 2004, with a drought, when the lake finally gave up one of its best-kept secrets.

Over time, the jetty colors have changed, from the black of the original basalt rocks to white, due to the salt encrustations that now cover them. Meanwhile, the water surrounding the jetty has a pink tinge from the lake’s algae, lending an otherworldly quality to an already incredible example of land art.

Spiral Jetty

Photo by Todd Hakala

Spiral Jetty

Spiral Jetty

For anyone nature and art lovers alike, Spiral Jetty offers a rare and unforgettable experience. Visit it and walk on one of the most celebrated creations of Smithson’s life.

Location:
Rozel Point
Great Salt Lake
Corinne, Utah, 84307
United States
Coordinates: 41.4377, -112.6688

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