Situated in the middle of the Southern California desert (read that as pretty much the middle of nowhere) is a rainbow paradise called Salvation Mountain where all the hipsters go for Instagram pictures. I am not knocking them because I was there right along with them getting those pics for the ‘gram. And when I say there were a lot of people there, I am not kidding. I was dodging selfie-sticks, iPhones, and tons of people walking around. But aside from the popularity, this place lived up to my imagination and more! Sometimes places can get hyped up in your mind and I was scared that was going to be what happened on my visit. When I actually saw Salvation Mountain in person, I was glad to say I was not disappointed.
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I honestly have never heard about this place until I saw it on Instagram and Pinterest randomly. I then saw it again in the latest Ke$ha music video “Praying” and I think it was kismet that I go visit. Leonard Knight crafted this site out of clay, straw, and a TON of paint. He dedicated his work to God and filled it with religious imagery and Biblical verses. But there are so many colorful flowers and patterns throughout that makes this a popular place for many (i.e. my hipster joke earlier). It’s oddly intriguing and I found something to look at no matter where I turned.
Now you may ask, is it really worth my time to drive out to this big pile of painted clay in the middle of the hot Cali sun? Most definitely. Visiting Salvation Mountain in Southern California is definitely worth it! Just keep that in mind that when you plan your visit, the earlier in the morning you go, the better. Go closer to sunrise instead of around sunset like I did. Because photoshopping out people isn’t fun. Also, be sure the vehicle is gassed up and you have plenty of drinks and snacks because while driving through the area, you quickly realize there really is not much civilization in the area that was open.
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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!