The sun was setting as we sped down HWY 111 headed towards Slab City, home of Salvation Mountain. We began to cheer as we spotted the vibrant heap in the distance, as we knew our final destination was approaching. I jumped out of Natalie’s (yes, 2 Natalies) car and ran straight to the incredible site. Salvation Mountain had long been a place I yearned to visit and the day finally came while in the desert last week. Though religious by no means, I was excited to see this creation of peace and love, constructed by local artist Leonard Knight. Slab City is completely off the grid, may I even suggest bat-shit-crazy. These are these are the magical places I love to investigate.
Salvation Mountain boasts a height of 50 feet and 150 foot breadth, made entirely of local adobe clay and donated paint. As I climbed the mountain I saw large clumps of human hair, a possessed dog who I was convinced was sent to knock me to the ground and a vast desert filled with RVs of folk who didn’t want to be bothered. The colorful mountain was everything I expected and more. If you enjoy a good adventure, then add this spot to your next desert trip. Definitely not for those who don’t like to go off the beaten path and get a little dirty!
Salvation Mountain
Take Highway 111 to Niland.
Turn left (east) on Main Street (look for a stone house)
Travel for a little over 3 miles. Look to the East. You absolutely cannot miss it.
Those are wonderful pictures. You look very cute in 3rd one!
i’ve always wanted to visit here! the large clumps of hair though.. eerie!
I NEED TO COME HERE!
“Slab City is completely off the grid, may I even suggest bat-shit-crazy.” HAHA!
This place looks totally bananas. And I LIKE it!
Soooo awesome that you went here, I’ve been dreaming of going to the Salvation Mountain ever since seeing the documentary too!
I read this post the other day and was in total awe and forgot to comment! Definitely a magical spot and putting on my list of places to visit. I always forget about it!
OK… human clumps of hair!!?????? whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat??! oooooooo…
A homemade, self painted religious monument located in such a place that any who make the trip to see it become unwitting pilgrims. Or witting, as the case may be. The insanity that has driven the artist to create this monument of devotion defines true faith. This distant lump of clay lures the curious on recreational level but its unique setting is a spiritual passage of its own. Disney on acid, televangelists making cartoons…it all fits in this barren version of Shangrila.
I need to join you in your desert adventures ones of these days. lovely photos!