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Photo © Robert Smithson, Spiral Jetty, 1970. Long-term installation in Rozel Point, Box Elder County, Utah. Photo: Gianfranco Gorgoni. Collection Dia Art Foundation.
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| UPDATE on proposed drilling near SPIRAL JETTY |
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In February 2008, Dia learned of an application for exploratory drilling in the Great Salt Lake approximately five miles from Robert Smithson’s iconic Spiral Jetty, 1970. The drilling itself, and any potential subsequent oil extraction, could disrupt the artwork’s viewshed; upset the area’s isolated character; and degrade the natural environment of the lake. In the case of a toxic spill, the proposed operation could further cause irreparable damage to the lake environment and threaten the physical integrity of Smithson's extraordinary sculpture.
The public comment period for this drilling application ended on February 13, 2008. By that date, the State of Utah received over 3,100 emails and letters, as well as 300 phone calls, from concerned parties in the United States and abroad.
Subsequently, Dia met with Utah State officials to discuss the long-term preservation of Spiral Jetty. Together we decided to pursue the creation of a buffer zone around the sculpture that will help protect the artwork for future generations and fit within the lake's mixed-use resource plan. The State has also expanded their review process for the current drilling proposal, and has agreed to let Dia comment on the findings prior to making a decision.
A recent article by Kirk Johnson in The New York Times addresses the complexity of the issues at Spiral Jetty and reflects the national and international attention the issue has drawn.
Dia sincerely appreciates the public response to this situation, and will keep our website up-to-date with the latest information about drilling near Spiral Jetty.
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| Overview |
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Robert Smithson's monumental earthwork Spiral Jetty (1970) is located on the Great Salt Lake in Utah. Using black basalt rocks and earth from the site, the artist created a coil 1500 feet long and 15 feet wide that stretches out counterclockwise into the translucent red water. Spiral Jetty was acquired by Dia Art Foundation as a gift from the Estate of the artist in 1999.
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| Visitor Information |
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Note: Access to Spiral Jetty is available through the Golden Spike National Historic Site
Detailed Directions to "Spiral Jetty"
Note: Odometer readings vary with each vehicle. The distances given below are only approximations.
The Division of Natural Resources has posted signs at each turn/fork to indicate directions to the Jetty.
1. Go to Golden Spike National Historic Site (GSNHS), 30 miles west of Brigham City, Utah. The Spiral Jetty is 15.5 dirt road miles southwest of Golden Spike's visitor center.
To get there (from Salt Lake City) take I-15 north approximately 65 miles to
the Corinne exit (exit 365), just west of Brigham City, Utah. Exit and proceed
through Corinne, paying close attention to the signs, and drive another 17.7
miles west, still on Highway 83, turn left and follow signs, another 7.7 miles
up the east side of Promontory Pass to Golden Spike National Historic Site.
2. From the visitor center, drive 5.6 miles west on the main gravel road.
3. Five point six miles should bring you to an intersection. From this vantage point you can see the lake. Looking southwest, you can see the low foothills that make up Rozel Point, 9.9 miles distant.
4. At this intersection the road forks. One road continues west, the other goes south. Take the south (left) fork. Both forks are Box Elder County Class D (maintained) roads.
5. Immediately you cross a cattle guard. Call this cattle guard #1. Including this one, you should cross four cattle guards before you reach Rozel Point and the Spiral Jetty.
6. Drive 1.3 miles south. Here you should see a corral on the west side of the road. Here too, the road again forks. One fork continues south along the west side of the Promontory Mountains. This road leads to a locked gate. The other fork goes southwest toward the bottom of the valley and Rozel Point. Turn right onto the southwest fork, just north of the corral. This is also a Box Elder County Class D road.
7. After you turn south west, go 1.7 miles to cattle guard #2. Here, besides the cattle guard, you should find a fence but no gate.
8. Continue southeast 1.2 miles to cattle guard #3, a fence, and gate.
9. Another .50 miles should bring you to a fence but no cattle guard and no gate.
10. Continue 2.3 miles south-southwest to a combination fence, cattle guard #4, iron-pipe gate - and a sign declaring the property behind the fence to be that of the "Rafter S. Ranch". Here too, is a "No Trespassing" sign.
11. At this gate the Class D road designation ends. If you choose to continue south for another 2.3 miles, and around the east side of Rozel Point, you should see the Lake and a jetty (not the Spiral Jetty) left by oil drilling exploration in the 1920s through the 1980s.
As you continue southwest beyond the site of the oil jetty, turn from the southwest to the west (right) onto a two-track trail that contours above the oil-drilling debris below. Only high clearance vehicles should advance beyond this turn. Travel slowly--the road is narrow, brush might scratch your vehicle, and the rocks, if not properly negotiated, could high center your vehicle. Don't hesitate to park and walk. The Jetty is just around the corner.
12. Drive or walk 6/10th of a mile west-northwest around Rozel Point and look toward the Lake. The Spiral Jetty should be in sight. The lake level varies several feet from year-to-year and from season to season, so the Spiral Jetty is not always visible above the water line.
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