There are some things that are really hard to write about. Sometimes as a traveler you just come across “things”. Those things usually can’t be equally shared through photos as opposed to experiencing them first hand. One of those things I’ve come across is Salvation Mountain. I’m really at a loss of words to describe this place. On one hand to locate this place you have to be in one of the ugliest portions of California: Imperial County/Salton Sea area. I don’t have a lot of great things to say about this place as it is parched, ugly, and really devoid of anything too interesting.
As with most things, when you open your eyes, even in the worst of places, you can find some cool things to do. Salvation Mountain is one of those things. A cross between something artistic and the “yellow brick brigade” from the Wizard of Oz is a rather unique experience. Let me add, an almost “cartoonish” experience.
This little mountain of painted bliss is hard to put a finger on. On one hand the Christian aspect of the area is hard to miss and the message but arriving you are sure to see some characters. In my case there was a latex and gothic model doing a photo shoot, a very formal couple from Germany, a young couple with the male trying to coax his female half into taking pictures, and a few transient looking types that had road in on vehicles held together with bailing wire and duct tape…on a “pilgrimage” they quipped.
As I said before, this is one of those places that is best just to show you and even better just go yourself if you ever find yourself in the godforsaken desert of Imperial County California. Here is my video blog on the location. I apologize in advance as some of the audio not great quality due to a large dust storm that decided to come in while I was climbing the painted mountain. Enjoy:
As you can see this place is very different and for the most part a lot of fun. Nearby you have an interesting “Free” world place called “Slab City”. I didn’t document any of that here too be honest it just reminded me of a post apocalyptic, Mad Max trailer park!
So there you go friend, a treasure of adventure can be found in even the ugliest places of the world!
Until the next adventure…
“MAGIC HAPPENS WHEN YOU DON’T GIVE UP, EVEN THOUGH YOU WANT TOO. THE UNIVERSE ALWAYS FALLS IN LOVE WITH A STUBBORN HEART” – JMSTORM
Jax Menez Atwell 