Bumps, Laughs & Lava Rocks: Sam & Ryan Take on Spiral Jetty
Quick answer
We wheeled out to Utah’s iconic Spiral Jetty with our all-terrain wheelchair. It’s rocky and uneven, but we made it work—and the view of this giant land-art spiral at the edge of the Great Salt Lake was worth every bump.
We pointed the van toward Utah’s iconic earthwork—Spiral Jetty—loaded up the Extreme Motus all-terrain wheelchair, and cranked the world’s loudest van lift. From there: rocks, banter, and a symbiotic discovery—every time the chair bonks, Sam says “ow.” Coincidence? We think not. Somehow we still reached the center for a desert-art victory lap. 🤘
What (Actually) Happened at the Spiral Jetty
- Rocky reality check: The approach is chunky. We threaded lines, picked our way around embedded stones, and learned (again) that momentum is your friend—until it isn’t.
- “Shortcut through the spiral”: Did we take the direct route? Sort of. Did it add drama? Absolutely.
- Sam’s “ow” sensor: Every bump triggered a perfectly timed “ow,” like the chair and Sam shared a wireless connection.
- Big art, bigger smiles: Standing (and rolling) inside a giant swirl on the edge of the Great Salt Lake is a mood. Even the wind felt artsy.
“If it bonks, I say ow. That’s the deal.” —Sam
Spiral Jetty, Quick Context
Created in 1970 by artist Robert Smithson, Spiral Jetty is a massive basalt-rock spiral extending into the Great Salt Lake. Water levels, wind, and light change the vibe every visit—one reason people happily drive hours to see it.
Real-World Wheelchair Handling (Rock Edition)
Here’s what worked for us with the Extreme Motus all-terrain wheelchair:
- Line choice over speed: We crawled through rock gardens to avoid front-wheel traps.
- Spotting & signals: One person calls the line; the other powers/pushes. Clear “stop/slow/left/right” cues save energy and ankles.
- Short bursts: Push in controlled bursts, then reset. Less spinning, more winning.
- Brake checks: Pause on mild slopes to re-center weight and check brakes before dropping into uneven patches.
Accessibility Notes (Honest & Useful)
- Surface: Expect uneven, rocky, and sometimes salty/muddy sections. It’s not a paved stroll.
- Approach: The last stretch to the artwork is where the bumps live. We took it slow and scanned ahead.
- Comfort: A supportive seat, head/neck stabilization as needed, and gloves for pushers are game-changers.
- Plan B: Wind and glare can turn easy into spicy—build in time to bail, reroute, or just enjoy the view from a comfortable vantage point.
Every body and setup is different. Use your judgment, read conditions, and do what feels right for your crew.
Why This Trip Matters
We’re out to show what inclusive adventure looks like in real life—testing gear, sharing honest takeaways, and laughing our way through the obstacles. If you’ve got a bucket-list spot gathering dust because it feels “too hard,” we hope this nudges it into the possible column.
What You’ll See in the Episode
- Up-close look at Spiral Jetty (and why people drive hours for it)
- Real off-road handling on rocky terrain
- Banter, problem-solving, and a few “family jewels” moments 😅
- Practical accessibility insights—no sugarcoating
FAQ
Is Spiral Jetty wheelchair accessible?
Spiral Jetty is rocky and uneven, but we made it with an all-terrain wheelchair. The approach requires line-finding and spotting, but it’s doable with patience, good gear, and clear communication between pusher and rider.
How long does it take to visit Spiral Jetty?
Plan 2-3 hours including the drive from the main road, approaching the artwork, exploring the spiral, and photos. Allow extra time if you’re using a wheelchair or adaptive equipment.
What’s the best season to visit Spiral Jetty?
Spring and fall offer mild weather. Summer is hot and windy; winter roads can be rough. The water level and light change throughout the year, giving the art different moods each visit.
What should I bring to Spiral Jetty?
Bring sturdy footwear, gloves (if pushing), plenty of water, snacks, sun protection, layers for wind, and a full fuel tank. There are no facilities or services nearby.
Why do people visit Spiral Jetty?
Robert Smithson’s Spiral Jetty (1970) is a massive basalt-rock artwork extending into the Great Salt Lake. It’s iconic land art, the landscape is dramatic, and the experience feels like standing inside a masterpiece.
Tips If You’re Going
- Footwear & gloves: Traction for feet; protection for hands.
- Layers: Desert edge = wind + sun.
- Hydration & snacks: There’s a whole lot of nothing (in the best way) nearby.
- Time cushion: Give yourself extra minutes for route-finding and photo stops.
- Respect the art & landscape: Stay kind to the spiral and the shore.
Gear Shout-Out
Extreme Motus All-Terrain Wheelchair — steady over rocks, confidence in ruts, and a front wheel that loves to lead.
Learn more: extrememotus.com
Tell Us Where to Roll Next
Got a place you want us to try? Drop it in the comments. If someone you love has a bucket-list spot, we’re game to scout it.
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Since 2019, Sam and Ryan have been demonstrating that nature is wheelchair accessible with the Extreme Motus All Terrain Wheelchair. From National Parks to Skateparks, their adventures prove that a manual off-road wheelchair can offer laughter and joy while navigating diverse terrains.
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