Jeremy Shaw, from Utah State Parks, shared his deep love of the Spiral Jetty and his family connection to the rock formation. His wife's grandfather was the man who built the rock formation in 1970. It all came to be because of the artist Robert Smithson who thought up the project. They decided to make it happen at Rozel Point peninsula on the northeastern shore of the Great Salt Lake. Using over six thousand tons of black basalt rocks and earth from the site, Smithson formed a coil 1,500 feet long and 15 feet wide that winds counterclockwise off the shore into the water.
Jamie Butler, from the Great Salt Institute at Westminster, helps educate people interested in visiting the artwork. Jeremy and Jamie both say right now is a great time to visit the Great Salt Lake, although the rock formation looks different depending on the day. No matter what time of year you go they recommend wearing layers, bringing food and water, and filling your car with gas before venturing out for a visit. For more information on getting there check out the State parks website here.
