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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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| 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 1,500 feet long and 15 feet wide that stretches out counter-clockwise 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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| Spiral Jetty Preservation |
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(Updated February 6, 2009)
In early 2008, Dia learned of an application filed by the Canadian oil and gas company Pearl Montana Exploration and Production for exploratory drilling in the Great Salt Lake, to be undertaken 3.5-5 miles from Robert Smithson's iconic Spiral Jetty of 1970. The drilling itself, as well as any subsequent oil extraction, could disrupt the artwork's viewshed, compromise the physical integrity of Smithson's extraordinary sculpture, upset the area's isolated character, and degrade the natural environment of the Lake.
In response, Dia and other interested parties, including the National Trust for Historic Preservation, sent emails to their constituents explaining this situation and asking them to contact the State of Utah to express their concern about the proposed drilling. As a result, during the public comment period for Pearl Montana's application, which ended on February 13, 2008, the State of Utah received more than 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 officials to discuss the long-term preservation of Spiral Jetty. Together, Dia and the State decided to pursue the creation of a buffer zone around the sculpture that would both help protect the artwork for future generations and fit within the Lake's multiple-use resource plan.
In August, Dia learned that the State had denied Pearl Montana's application, thereby preventing any immediate drilling at the site. Moreover, Dia was pleased that Utah Governor Jon M. Huntsman, Jr., had convened the Great Salt Lake Advisory Council, requesting recommendations for ensuring that planning for the future of the Lake includes preservation of its fragile ecosystem as well as the utilization of resources and enhancement of recreational opportunities. In late October 2008, Dia made a presentation to the Advisory Council about the history of Spiral Jetty and the significance of Robert Smithson, and looks forward to reviewing the Council's forthcoming recommendations for the Lake's future. Additionally, in early November Dia met with executives from Pearl Montana to discuss the company's plan to re-file its permit request in early 2009. In January 2009, Dia learned that while Pearl anticipates resubmitting its application, current plans have been put on hold due to a reorganization of the company and falling oil prices.
Moving Forward
Dia remains wholly committed to preventing oil drilling and other development that will negatively affect Spiral Jetty, and remains committed to implementing a buffer zone around the artwork that will prevent Pearl and other speculators from drilling in its immediate proximity. Dia continues to work with its partners in Utah, including State officials, members of the Great Salt Lake Advisory Council, Friends of the Great Salt Lake, the Fine Arts Museum of Utah, and The National Trust for Historic Preservation, among others, on a long-term plan for the protection of Spiral Jetty as an essential American cultural resource. Dia sincerely appreciates the public response to this situation, and will keep its website current with the latest relevant information.
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| Visitor Information |
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Before You Go
Spiral Jetty is located approximately 15.5 miles beyond the Golden Spike National Historic Site (GSNHS). Upon leaving GSNHS, roads are unpaved and high clearance or four-wheel drive vehicles are strongly recommended. In inclement weather, roads can become impassable. Guests are advised to bring water, and Dia asks that visitors "leave no trace," by carrying out anything they bring with them.
Detailed Directions to Spiral Jetty [.pdf] 
Odometer readings vary with each vehicle. The distances given below are only approximations. The Department of Natural Resources has posted signs at each turn/fork to indicate directions to the Jetty. PLEASE DO NOT TAKE THESE SIGNS AS SOUVENIRS.
1. Go to Golden Spike National Historic Site (GSNHS), 30 miles west of Brigham City, Utah. Spiral Jetty is 15.5 dirt road miles southwest of GSNHS'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 turn right onto Route 13 to Corinne. LAST GAS before Spiral Jetty is in Corinne at the Sinclair truck stop.
Past Corinne, continue heading west and veer left on Highway 83 for 17.7 miles.
3. Turn left onto "Golden Spike Road" and continue 7.7 miles up the east side of Promontory Pass to GSNHS. LAST BATHROOMS before Spiral Jetty are at the GSNHS’s Visitor Center.
2. From the Visitor Center, drive 5.6 miles west on the main gravel road to a fork in the road. Continue left, heading west. (From this vantage, the low foothills that make up Rozel Point are visible to the Southwest.)
5. Immediately you cross a cattle guard. Call this cattle guard #1. Including this one, you cross four cattle guards before you reach Rozel Point and Spiral Jetty.
6. Drive 1.3 miles south to a second fork in the road. Turn right onto the southwest fork, and proceed 1.7 miles to cattle guard #2.
8. Continue southeast 1.2 miles to cattle guard #3.
9. Continue straight 2.8 miles south-southwest to cattle guard #4 and an iron-pipe gate.
11. At this gate the Class D (gravel) road designation ends. From here, four-wheel drive, high clearance vehicles are strongly recommended.
If you choose to continue, drive south for another 2.7 miles, and around the east side of Rozel Point, you will see the Lake and a jetty (not Spiral Jetty) left by oil drilling explorations that ended in the 1980s.
12. Southwest beyond the site of the oil jetty, turn right onto a two-track trail that contours above the oil-drilling debris below. Travel slowly--the road is narrow, brush might scratch your vehicle, and the rocks, if not properly negotiated, could high center your vehicle or blow out your tires. Don't hesitate to park and walk. Spiral Jetty is just around the corner.
13. Drive or walk 6/10th of a mile west around Rozel Point and look toward the Lake. Spiral Jetty may be in sight. The lake’s levels vary several feet from year-to-year and from season to season, so Spiral Jetty is not always visible above the water line.
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| Articles |
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• March 22, 2008 article in The New York Times by Kirk Johnson addresses the complexity of the issues at Spiral Jetty and reflects the national and international attention the issue has drawn.
• February 18, 2008 editorial from The New York Times on the proposed drilling near Spiral Jetty
• February 17, 2008 editorial from the Deseret Morning News on the proposed drilling near Spiral Jetty
• October 13, 2002 article from The New York Times Magazine by Michael Kimmelman on the resurfacing of Spiral Jetty in the Great Salt Lake
• An article from the Deseret Morning News about the formation of the Great Salt Lake Advisory Council
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