California

Travel Guide to Salvation Mountain in California

Salvation Mountain

Palm Springs’ Salvation Mountain is one of the most amazing, unique and interesting things to visit in Southern California from San Diego to Joshua Tree National Park. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience that you won’t find anywhere else on earth. Regardless if you’re looking for some ideas for where to go on vacation or just want to get away from work for the day and need things to do in Southern California with friends, this blog post will tell you everything you need to know and more about Salvation Mountain in Coachella Valley, CA.

Experience a world of color and creativity at Salvation Mountain. This is an experiential desert oasis that has to be seen to be believed. Be prepared to walk around and bask in all the vibrancy that surrounds you.

How to Get there

From Palm Springs, it’s a 90-minute drive via Highway 111 South. You’ll be following along the Salton Sea, and will take a left turn onto Main Street in Niland. Once you’re on Main Street, you’re just a few miles from Salvation Mountain, on the right-hand side this colorful mountain will appear. To get to Slab City, keep going past Salvation Mountain for a mile or two. I just pulled off the side of the road to park, no fee was required.

When to Visit

I visited Salvation Mountain in January and the temperatures were cold but not freezing during the day. Because this location, I would highly recommend visiting when it is cooler outside. Plan to visit anytime from October-May and you shouldn’t hit any heat.

Before You Visit

  • Make sure to fill up your gas tank before heading out there.
  • Bring sunscreen and hats, there is no shade.
  • Stay on the path, the mountain clearly shows where you can and can’t walk. Please respect this beautiful place so that’s everyone can enjoy in the future.
  • Bring water and snacks, it’s pretty much in the middle of nowhere and no one wants the get hangery or dehydrated.

I really love it here. I think the freedom of this place is just so beautiful.
To me, I wouldn’t move for $10 million, unless I had to.
So I’m contented here in the desert, and I’m living where I want to live.
And I think good gets better.”

Leonard Knight,
Artist & Creator of Salvation Mountain

The vibe at Salvation Mountain is unforgettable and the beauty of the landscape is breathtaking. It’s a must visit destination for anyone willing to take the time to drive out to the middle of nowhere and be inspired. Every detail about Salvation Mountain was thought out with meaning and it’s truly inspiring when you sit there pondering all that went into this one of a kind art project.

Visiting Salvation Mountain will be an adventure like no other. Many people have visited the mountain, from all across the globe, and have captured the magic of this magnificent landscape on film. If you want to experience this life changing magnificence then I strongly suggest that you plan a trip!