The Lightning Field

Hidden on a remote high-desert plain in western New Mexico, The Lightning Field is an unusual works of art. American sculptor Walter De Maria completed the installation in 1977, arranging 400 polished stainless-steel poles across a grid measuring one mile by one kilometer. The poles stand 220 feet apart and average about 20 feet, 7½ inches tall. Their heights vary slightly so that the pointed tips form a level horizontal plane across the uneven landscape.

Visiting The Lightning Field

Unfortunately, the Lightning Field cannot be visited casually. Access is limited to one-night stays arranged in advance through the Dia Art Foundation. Day visits, camping, and driving directly to the artwork are not permitted.

Visitors check in at Dia’s office in Quemado by 2 p.m., leave their vehicle there, and are driven 45 minutes to the site in a vehicle provided by Dia. Guests stay overnight in a three-bedroom cabin beside the field and are returned to Quemado at approximately noon the following day. A simple dinner and breakfast supplies are included, although the cabin and its common areas may be shared with other reservation groups.

Visitor Information

Season: May 1 through October 31 Maximum party size: Six people Reservations: Required and limited to one night Not permitted: Day visits, camping, pets, or children under five

Reservations for the 2026 season opened in February and are handled on a first-come, first-served basis. Check the Dia Art Foundation’s official visitor page before making plans, since procedures can change.

Is It Worth Visiting?

The Lightning Field is expensive, difficult to reserve, and intentionally isolated. It is not a good choice for someone simply hoping to photograph a lightning strike. For visitors interested in land art, the isolation is a major part of what makes the experience special.