Land Art Tour
Quick Facts
To Spiral Jetty
1½–2 hrs from Brigham City
Jetty to Sun Tunnels
105 mi, about 2½–3 hrs
Why Here
In the early 1970s, artists went looking for places big and empty enough to become part of the work. Robert Smithson chose Rozel Point on the Great Salt Lake in 1970 for its ecology and geology. Nancy Holt wanted flat desert ringed by low mountains, and found it near the old railroad town of Lucin.
Both pieces are still out there, owned and cared for by the Dia Art Foundation, with nothing between you and the art but a dirt road.
Things to Do on the Land Art Tour
Walk the Spiral Jetty
Great Salt Lake · Gravel road · Add 2–3 hours
Robert Smithson’s 1970 coil of basalt, salt crystals and earth curls out into the lake. Park at the shore and walk the spiral to its center.
Climb Rozel Point
Short · Steep · Best view of the spiral
A short, steep hike up the hill above the parking area gives you the elevated view of the Jetty that photographs love.
Stop at Golden Spike
Year-round · Visitor center · On the way
The road to Spiral Jetty goes past Golden Spike National Historical Park. Stand at the Last Spike Site and explore the visitor center if time allows.
Watch the Sun at Sun Tunnels
Dawn or dusk · Remote dirt road · Long day
Nancy Holt’s four concrete tubes sit in an open X in the Great Basin Desert, aligned to the solstice sunrise and sunset. Sun Tunnels is the more remote of the two sites, so plan for a full day.
Stargaze Over Promontory
Summer · Dark skies · Ranger programs when available
Far from city lights, Golden Spike has clear, dark skies. Stargaze from the visitor center parking lot or along the trails, and check the park calendar for summer astronomy programs. It’s a good way to end a Jetty day.
Break It Into Two Days
Day 1 Golden Spike + Jetty · Day 2 Sun Tunnels
Golden Spike and Spiral Jetty fit easily into a single day. Save Sun Tunnels for a second day so you can arrive early and stay for sunset. Brigham City has the closest full services for fuel, food and a bed between days.
Before You Go
Fuel Up First
There’s no food or fuel near the artworks. Fill up in Brigham City and bring water and snacks.
Check Conditions
Roads are dirt and weather-dependent, and the Jetty can be underwater when the lake is high. Check both before you leave.
Cell Service
Coverage is limited and can drop out completely on the gravel roads past Golden Spike and out toward Lucin. Download maps and directions before you head out.
Leave It as You Found It
Take nothing and add nothing. These sites last because visitors treat them with care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Plan Your Land Art Tour
Two artworks, a lot of open road and a big sky. Give yourself time to take it in, then head back to Brigham City for dinner and a place to stay.