577 words, 3 minutes read time.
Visiting Salvation Mountain is like stepping into a living piece of art. Bursting with color, hand-painted messages, and whimsical sculptures, this unique desert landmark in California’s Coachella Valley invites you to explore a world built entirely from love and creativity. Whether you’re a curious traveler, a photography enthusiast, or just looking for an unforgettable roadside adventure, Salvation Mountain offers an experience that’s both inspiring and downright mesmerizing.
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I honestly had never heard of Salvation Mountain until I randomly saw it on Instagram and Pinterest. Then it popped up again in Ke$ha’s music video for “Praying,” and I started thinking maybe it was fate that I should go see it for myself.
The mountain is the life’s work of Leonard Knight, who started back in the 1980s, painting a small adobe mound in the middle of the Southern California desert. Using clay, straw, and a ton of paint, Leonard covered the mound with colorful murals, religious imagery, and Biblical verses, all dedicated to spreading his simple message: “God is Love.” Over the years, that little project turned into the massive, rainbow-colored mountain you see today.
What makes it so captivating isn’t just the spiritual side- there are flowers, patterns, and details everywhere, which is probably why it’s become a hotspot for visitors (yes, hipsters included). No matter where you turn, there’s something to catch your eye.
So is it really worth driving out to a giant painted pile of clay in the middle of the hot California desert? Absolutely. Visiting Salvation Mountain is totally worth it.
Just a few tips for Visiting Salvation Mountain:
- Go early: Arrive around sunrise to avoid crowds and get the best lighting for photos.
- Gas up and bring water and snacks: It’s the desert, and there aren’t many places to stop for refreshments or gas nearby. You’ll be driving through mostly empty roads, so make sure your tank is full.
- Wear sun protection: Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential under that California sun. Even in spring or fall, the desert can get hot. Light layers are best.
- Dress comfortably: Sandals are fine for photos, but closed shoes are better if you want to explore the terrain safely.
- Respect the art: Don’t climb on areas that are fragile or off-limits. Leonard Knight’s work is preserved carefully.
- Take your time: There’s a lot to see- murals, sculptures, and tiny details that reward a slow walk.
- Bring a camera (or phone): But don’t get so caught up in Instagram that you forget to enjoy it in person. Traveling solo? Bring this tripod and remote! Perfect for traveling and easy to put up in a pinch.
- Be patient with crowds: If visiting during peak hours, wait your turn for photos- everyone wants a shot!
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Visiting Salvation Mountain is one of those experiences that sticks with you. It’s colorful, quirky, and inspiring all at once- and knowing the story behind Leonard Knight makes it even more special. Whether you’re there for the photos, the art, or just the sheer curiosity of seeing something so unique in the middle of the desert, it’s worth the trip. Just go prepared, take your time, and let yourself get lost in all the details. By the end, you’ll understand why this little rainbow mountain has captured so many hearts over the years.
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The cool aunt. Plant novice who loves to travel to cool places, eat unadventurous food, and take pretty photos.
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Great photos! I never heard of Salvation Mountain before, but I can see why you’d want to visit. The artwork is beautiful there!
It’s a colorful haven! Thanks ❤️
oh love your beautiful photos girl! Putting this on my list. P.S. Your blog is so cute.
Ahh thanks! My blog has been a labor of love. ❤️
Beautiful photos!! Had no idea about this place.. now I have to hunt it down in my next CA visit.. lol 🙂
Yea – it’s the middle of freaking no where. know that! ?
OMG I have been dying to go here ever since I found out about this place. My fave photo is one of the Pinterest ones that has you walking towards the colorful mountains 🙂
Ah thanks ❤️ I was the same way and made it a priority when I was in the area!
It’s hard to choose which one is my favorite. They are all unique and awesome! Hope to make it there one day.
Hope you do too! It’s definitely a crazy cool place!
Beautiful pictures. Love this!
Thank you so much! ❤️❤️❤️
Whoa! I’m digging all the colors and how incredibly off-the-wall this place is! Somehow I’ve managed to miss this one on Instagram…maybe I’m not following enough hipsters? 🙂
Also, is Kesha finally making music again? Am I super out of the loop and she’s been recording for years? How have I missed this?!
Your whole comment is my fav ?
I don’t follow too many hipsters myself but I saw a BUNCH there when I was visiting. And Kesha started making music again maybe last year? I think she finally got out of that abusive music guy nightmare!
I have always wanted to check this place out and its so pathetic we haven’t gone yet because we live only a few hours away! Your photos are amazing, it looks like you got there during some great light!
Ah you need to make a visit! We went a little before sunset and it was crazy busy but it just happened to be the time we were in the area. Definitely go closer to sunrise and I bet it will be empty and the lighting with me ✨magical✨
I’ve heard about this place before! Apparently it is very special, also because it is in the middle of nowhere.
It was pretty crazy cool. And yes, definitely in the middle of nowhere!
Agh these are great photos too! I’ve always wanted to go here! x
Seriously every nook and cranny was painted and it was a rainbow paradise ?❤️?
I love this! My favorite is the God is Love picture, 6th one down, I think. I’ve never been to California! Thank you for sharing such amazing pictures!
I have only been to such a tiny portion of the state and would love to go back and explore more! The color and message make it epic!