These Massive Concrete Tunnels in the Utah Desert Are a Quirky Hidden Gem

Utah is home to a wide range of landscapes, from the red rocks in the south to the incredible mountains up north. Yet, some of the quirkiest places in Utah are the most memorable. For instance, tucked away in plain sight in the Great Basin Desert is something unusual, unexpected, and wonderfully creative. Manifested in the mind of artist Nancy Holt, the Utah Sun Tunnels is a large-scale concrete installation standing still among the desert landscape. Photographers or anyone seeking inspiration will find themselves in awe at this artistic creation, especially once the sun sets over the desert landscape. Come see why you should visit this roadside attraction in Utah.

What the Sun Tunnels Are

Unlike the coolest gas station in Utah, built in the side of Hallow Mountain, the striking Sun Tunnels are in the open and make their own statement in the wide-open Utah desert. More than that, the tunnels were built to integrate with nature, with the sunrise and sunsets, to inspire artists and photographers in Utah and beyond. This masterpiece was created in 1976 by Holt, who was considered one of the most incredible land artists of her time. Fun fact: Holt was married to artist Robert Smithson. You may know one of his most famous works – the Spiral Jetty on the Great Salt Lake, one of the noteworthy stops on this budget-friendly road trip in Utah.

Naturally, as with any artwork, they’re open for interpretation. Some people find this installation quite strange, but it will also pique the curiosity of others, who will find the tunnels fascinating. A recent visitor raved about the installation, saying, “Wow. Incredible. Peaceful and beautiful. It’s a unique experience. The constellations drilled into the tops are so cool. We were the only ones there. We saw lots of wildlife driving in and out. A few foxes, antelopes, tons, I mean tons of rabbits and mice. Drive carefully.”  

Where Are the Sun Tunnels Located

The Sun Tunnels are located in the middle of nowhere (literally). You will find them more than 200 miles west of Salt Lake City and near the Utah and Nevada state line. They are nestled in Utah’s Great Basin Desert, and you'll need to drive down a gravel road to get here. So, for most visitors, it's a quick detour on a road trip. It's a great add-on after exploring the Bonneville Salt Flats or the attractions in the nearby town of Wendover. For those who venture off the beaten path, these tunnels offer something unique and interesting in the heart of the desert, and chances are, you'll leave with a lasting memory.

What You’ll Experience When You Visit

This large art installation features four large concrete cylinders. These cylinders are 18 feet long and 9 feet wide, large enough that you can easily walk inside and through each tunnel. And not only are four large cylinders in the middle of the desert a bit bizarre, but the way they are placed is very, very specific. These tunnels are arranged on the desert floor in a cross pattern. They align perfectly with the sunrise and sunset on both the summer and winter solstices.

But that’s not all. These cylinders also feature numerous small holes, which represent four constellations: Draco, Perseus, Columba, and Capricorn. Today, you are welcome to explore, walk through, and photograph this unusual and quirky artwork. The Sun Tunnels may seem a little unexpected and quite bizarre, but they are the definition of a true hidden gem in the Utah desert.

Tips for Visiting Utah’s Desert Installation

Depending on the time of day and the weather conditions, these tunnels can create quite a remarkable sight and a photograph that is certainly a conversation starter. However, be aware that the drive out to the sun tunnels can be quite difficult during the winter months. You must drive on an unpaved road to reach this massive art installation. Bring a camera with you and your sense of imagination. The best times to see the tunnels? Either at sunrise or sunset, but they do come alive under the dark skies, too.

If you plan to visit the Sun Tunnels, please respect the area around the installation and leave no trace of your visit. Be sure to visit the DIA Art website to learn more about Holt's artwork. Have you been to the Sun Tunnels? Did you know the Sun Tunnels aren’t the only unusual artwork in the desert? There’s a massive tree sculpture located along I-80 West toward Wendover, which you can check out when you're in the area.