Salvation Mountain is one of the most improbable and undiscovered locations in Southern California. It is a terrain of small hills surrounding a small desert that has been painted bright colors with different types of designs with birds, flowers, hearts, and other fantastical forms. Although its name may sound serious, it’s presence brings joy and happiness to all that visit the site. located next to Slab City, in the California desert, it has become a popular site for roadside attractions due to its ability to contrast the desert landscape.
The mountains prominence in pop culture is certainly not accidental. It has been featured by Lonely Planet as one of the most notable American destinations, and has also been featured in National Geographic. Paper, a magazine that features fashions, used the mountain for one of its editorials in 2015 which further popularized the sight. The editorial featured several models wearing bold colors and striking patterns, coupled with the mountains bright paint the photos turned out amazing and helped show the versatility in the mountains. It also included a collage with the music videos for Jessy’s “Fly” and Coldplay’s “Birds.”
Most importantly than its pop culture and current relevance Salvation Mountain is the work of the Korean War veteran Leonard Knight. He began work with a small adobe structure in 1984 where he used a myriad of discarded objects, and for 24 years shaped and hand painted the mountain to reflect his message of “God Is Love.” Within the Bible covers, Knight paints a message of compassion and devotion along with the importance of the human connection and the love of God.
Knight persevered through extreme heat and dryness to work in the desert. He continued until near blindness from eye trouble. He died in 2014, but the mountain remains open and cared for by volunteers committed to preserving it.
The location is inseparable from its setting. Salvation Mountain is a part of the Slab City desert settlement, which is built over a World War II military base. Slab City is one of the last remaining free places in the US. It is also home to artists, drifters, veterans, and free-spirits. Knight's mountain serves as a contrast to the harsh desert.
Salvation Mountain is best approached as a piece of folk art rather than a simple photo opportunity. Its emotional center, the white cross and the “God Is Love” sign can be seen from all over the desert and provides great contrast to the blue sky. Other painted paths lead through arches and caves in an unfinished museum. Knight’s vehicle, camper, and mailbox can also be found on the mountain. Knight worked alone for years to build the mountain.
The mountain is fragile, and desert sun causes paint to fade and peel faster than preservation work can keep up. Every visitor surface deserves utmost care. Please stick to marked paths, do not climb on unapproved sections, do not touch the painted structures, and do not wear high heels. These are not fussy rules;
these are the laws of the land in order to protect a handmade artwork that was never designed to withstand careless crowds.
When it comes to photographs, less is more. Overwhelming Salvation Mountain with a clean silhouette and a solid color, especially white will work well in the desert light. Simple layers will do better than a lot of clothes. Your summer sunglasses and some distinct accessories like headbands, necklaces, or earrings will suffice. Many couples are drawn to this location and the hearts, flowers, and loving messages make it a fitting place. But the best photos are the ones that show the mountain as more than a prop. It's a personal monument to faith, love, and perseverance.
