One of our favorite things to do in Utah is to hop in the car and explore out-of-the-way spots around the state. We especially love outdoor art installations, and there are several in the Beehive State worth visiting. Most Utahns know about Robert Smithson’s Spiral Jetty, and if you’ve ever driven to Wendover, you’ve certainly seen Metaphor: The Tree of Utah, created by Karl Momen.
There’s one art installation that most Utahns don’t know about because it’s hidden far out in the desert. It’s well worth a road trip, though. Check out Sun Tunnels:
Fill your car with gas, and head out for a unique Utah adventure. The Sun Tunnels is located in the middle of nowhere, about 206 miles west of Salt Lake City, in the Great Basin Desert.
Google To get there, you’ll take I-80 westbound for 151 miles before crossing over into Nevada. You’ll drive about 30 miles into Nevada, and eventually make your way back across the state line near the little town of Lucin. The Sun Tunnels are about four miles from Lucin. For complete driving directions from Salt Lake City, Click here.
Nancy Holt completed Sun Tunnels in 1976. Holt was a pioneer in her field, and considered one of the most innovative land artists of her time. She was married to Robert Smithson, another talented artist whose Spiral Jetty installation in Utah is well-renowned.
Jake Utah/Google
The art installation consists of four concrete tunnels that are 18 feet long and 9 feet in diameter. They’re arranged in a very specific way.
Angela Messenburg/Google
The tunnels are aligned in a cross-pattern that’s designed to frame the sun perfectly during the winter and summer solstices.
Retis/flickr
If you can plan a visit during the solstice, it’s absolutely worth clearing your calendar! Summer Solstice 2019 is on June 21st.
Sal Giani/Google
Photographers love this place because of all the unique ways to photograph the tunnels and surrounding landscape.
Stephanie Froelich/Google
It’s beautiful year-round, though if you plan on visiting during the winter, check the road conditions before you head out. The installation is located off a dirt road that can get treacherous after a big snowstorm.
John Clarke/Google
One of the best things about this art installation is that it’s meant to be interactive. Go ahead - climb through these tunnels!
Jake Utah/Google
Check out the holes in the top of the tunnels. They make interesting patterns inside, and provide an interesting perspective of the sky above.
John Vest/Google
Though Sun Tunnels requires some navigation skills and patience to reach, it’s well worth the journey. You won’t find any signs directly you to this special place - both Nancy Holt and her husband, Robert Smithson, felt strongly that the journey to their art was part of the experience.
Calvin Chu/flickr
Learn more about Sun Tunnels here. Have you ever visited the Sun Tunnels? Tell our readers about it in the comments!
To get there, you’ll take I-80 westbound for 151 miles before crossing over into Nevada. You’ll drive about 30 miles into Nevada, and eventually make your way back across the state line near the little town of Lucin. The Sun Tunnels are about four miles from Lucin. For complete driving directions from Salt Lake City, Click here.
Jake Utah/Google
Angela Messenburg/Google
Retis/flickr
Sal Giani/Google
Stephanie Froelich/Google
John Clarke/Google
John Vest/Google
Calvin Chu/flickr
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