Visiting the Sun Tunnels in Utah – A Solar & Stargazing Sculpture by Nancy Holt
Tucked away in the remote desert of northwest Utah, the Sun Tunnels are a stunning example of land art created by artist Nancy Holt in 1976. Designed to align with the sunrise and sunset during the solstices, this large-scale sculpture also invites visitors to connect with the stars, light, and landscape in a truly unique way.
What Are the Sun Tunnels?
The Sun Tunnels consist of four massive concrete tubes, each measuring 18 feet in diameter and 68 feet long, arranged in an “X” formation on the desert floor. Holt designed them so that:
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On the winter solstice, the sun aligns perfectly through two of the tunnels
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On the summer solstice, the sun shines through the other two tunnels
In addition to these solar alignments, small holes drilled in the sides of the tunnels cast patterns of light that mirror the constellations of Draco, Perseus, Columba, and Capricorn. Whether you visit during daylight or at night, the tunnels offer a powerful experience that merges art, astronomy, and nature.
Know Before You Go
The Sun Tunnels are located in one of the most remote areas of Utah, so preparation is essential.
📍 Nearest town for supplies: Wendover, UT
📵 Cell Service: None at the site
🗺️ Navigation: Bring a physical map—we recommend the Utah Atlas & Gazetteer for route-finding and landmark info
🏕️ Camping: Free dispersed camping is available on surrounding BLM land
🐶 Dogs: Allowed—just be sure to pack everything your pup will need
🌅 Best time to visit: Plan your trip around sunrise or sunset, especially during the summer or winter solstice for the full visual effect
Directions to the Sun Tunnels
🕒 Total Drive Time from Salt Lake City: ~3.5 hours (one way)
🚗 High-clearance vehicles recommended, especially after rain
From Wendover, UT, head west on I-80
Take Exit 378 toward Bonneville Salt Flats/Lucin
Drive 42 miles, then turn left toward Lucin, UT
Reset your odometer at this turn
Drive 7.7 miles—you’ll cross over train tracks in Lucin
At 7.7 miles, look for a faint sign for the Sun Tunnels at a 3-way intersection
Turn left, drive 2.3 miles, then turn right and go another 0.5 miles
You’ll arrive at the Sun Tunnels
Here’s a driving map.
Trail Info
There is no trail info, since there is no hiking. Simply walk right up to the tunnels.
As you drive to Utah’s Sun Tunnels you will see two of these red metal signs. I had to take these when we left, because it was dark when we arrived.
Waiting for the sun to rise over the cloud.
Thank you random people for letting me get a cool photo!
We stuck around after sunrise to get more photos.
I love the glow inside Utah’s Sun Tunnels during sunrise.
Nearby Hike – Salt Flats
This isn’t really a hike, but more of a “roadside attraction” – taking photos in the Salt Flats off of I-80 near Wendover, UT. There are only a handful of places you can actually get out of your car and walk around the Salt Flats. The Great Salt Lake is the largest salt lake in the Western Hemisphere – you can read more about it here.
Gobble, gobble!
Practicing our balance.
Sarah meditated so deeply she shrunk in size! LOL
Watch out – don’t get squished!
Save me on Pinterest!
