Salvation Mountain is a hillside visionary environment created by local resident Leonard Knight in the California Desert area of Imperial County, north of Calipatria, northeast of Niland, near the Slab City squatter/art commune, and several miles from the Salton Sea.
Salvation Mountain is located in the lower desert of Southern California in Imperial County just east of the Salton Sea and about a hour and a half from Palm Springs. Salvation Mountain is Leonard's tribute to God and his gift to the world with its simple yet powerful message: "God Is Love." Leonard's passion has lovingly created this brilliant "outsider art " masterpiece resplendent with not only biblical and religious scripture such as the Lord's Prayer, John 3:16, and the Sinner's Prayer, but also including flowers, trees, waterfalls, suns, bluebirds, and many other fascinating and colorful objects. Salvation Mountain must be seen to be fully appreciated as those who have made the journey will attest. Its 50 foot height and 150 foot breadth is made totally of local adobe clay and donated paint and is truly unique in the United States and probably the world. From its Sea of Galilee at the bottom, to the big red heart in the middle, to the cross at the very top, the reoccurring theme of "Love" is everywhere at Salvation Mountain.
Although this Southern California artistic creation is located about 35 miles off Interstate 8, it’s definitely worth the detour. Just take exit 118 B, east of El Centro, and follow Highway 111 north. When you hit Niland, make a right on Main Street. Soon you’ll pass the city dump, and the makeshift community of Slab City, before you spot Salvation Mountain on the right.
This colorful masterpiece was crafted by Leonard Knight, who sadly passed away in 2011. His vision was to create a piece that reflected God’s love; and the 100-foot wide concrete mountain colorfully announces that belief to all who visit. And even though Leonard is gone, his predecessor Ken keeps watch over Salvation Mountain, and lovingly touches up the fading paint as he chats with inquisitive visitors.
There’s no striped parking at the site, but there’s plenty of room to parallel park an adapted vehicle in the dirt parking lot. Although there are steps up to the top of the mountain, you can get an excellent view of the entire piece from below. Plus there’s plenty of room to roll around the companion pieces, including the Jesus scooter, the God is Love truck and the Acts 2:38 station wagon (complete with cat food on the hood), which are parked in front of the mountain. There’s also level access to a small cave on the right, which includes more colorful messages about God’s love and contains everything from tires, hay bales and tree branches, to an odd collection of prayer cards, and even a trophy. The pathway may be a bit bumpy for wheelchair-users, but it’s certainly manageable for most slow walkers.
In the end, everyone can take something away from a visit to Salvation Mountain.
Site Rules
Parking
Parking around the Mountain is allowed. Please stay in marked areas and respect any painted or display areas by at least 10 feet. You can park outside the site anywhere you feel it is safe for you to do so.
Camping
Camping is allowed, just not on or inside the mountain area. Slab City is a free place, so you're welcome to find a spot, just be sure to respect others and anything that looks like a camp site! We have recommended some areas directly around the mountain on the site map. You may ask the site manager for a recommendation. Immediately across the mountain is also a free place to camp.
