There are two staging areas that will take you to the dam, but the one we will discuss here is the longer route that provides scenic views of both the reservoir and the dam itself.

The trailhead to reach Lake Hodges Dam picks up at the dirt parking lot across from Hernandez Hideaway, a local Mexican food restaurant and a good place to grab a drink after your hike. From the parking lot, follow the dirt trail. Almost immediately you’ll be greeted by impressive views of the reservoir, glistening beneath the sun.

Continue on the dirt trail taking in the majestic scenery surrounding you. On a cold winter day after a decent amount of rainfall, the trail was covered in green. Combined with the blue clear waters of the reservoir, it felt like we’d been transported to Northern California. Continue past the buoys and the SDG&E switchyard and Olivenhaim Pipeline pump house on your right.

Picnic area

Eventually the dirt trail will end, and you’ll begin to traverse along a paved road. This is when the dam begins to come into view and is a welcome reminder that you don’t have too much further to go before your each the prize. The pavement doesn’t last long, ending and becoming a fire road. To your left you’ll see an abandoned house and shack, seemingly out of place. I was curious how long the house had been abandoned and why, but had to continue along the road as both were fenced off to prevent trespassing.

Just before you approach the Del Dios Highway, you will notice a rusted car to your right, covered in graffiti. This served as a good stop for taking pictures, however I would not recommend getting in the car for safety purposes. Shortly after passing the car, you’ll walk along a dirt trail that follows Del Dios Highway.

You’ll reach another parking area, where one could park for a much shorter hike down to Lake Hodges Dam. Turn left at the end of the parking lot and follow the Del Dios Gorge Trail down to the Rattlesnake Overlook. At Rattlesnake Overlook you’ll find a pipe scope which allows for better views of the dam.

Continuing downhill from this point to the dam is considered trespassing. I advise against going any further as there are many areas near the bottom of the dam where you could get injured. If you do choose to explore the dam further, do so at your own risk.

Lake Hodges Dam Tips

Tip #1: The Lake Hodges Dam is a no trespassing zone. Violators may be fined. We did see one security guard making his way toward the dam on our way out, so be aware that they do regularly watch this area.

Tip #2: Be wary of rattlesnakes near the dam. In warm weather, they are prevalent here.

Tip #3: Exercise caution: the area surrounding the dam is dangerous. There are broken bottles, unstable rocks, and a chance of encountering some sketchy people. By the amount of graffiti in the area, it is clear finding trouble is not uncommon here.

Tip #4: Arrive early. Parking spaces are limited and taken early in the morning. Try to arrive for your hike before noon.

Tip #5: Share the trail. You’ll likely encounter quite a few mountain bikers along the way.

Tip #6: After your hike, stop by Hernandez Hideaway for some refreshments and tacos.

Driving Directions

From downtown San Diego, take CA-163N for 11.2 miles and merge onto I-15N. Keep left to stay on I-15N. Drive 8.8 miles and take exit 27 for Via Rancho Pkwy toward Felicita Park/San Diego Wild Animal Park. Turn left onto E Via Rancho Pkwy. Drive 3.3 miles and turn left onto Co Hwy S6/Del Dios Hwy. Drive 2.1 miles and turn left onto Rancho Drive. Park in the parking lot across from Hernandez Hideaway, near the junction of Lake and Rancho drives.

Difficulty: Easy

Total Distance: 5.5 miles

Trailhead Address: Across from 19320 Lake Dr, Escondido, CA 92029

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For the past six decades and beyond, the hills in North County San Diego continue to proudly show off their stunning display of color with a wide assortment of flowers blooming in spring. Each year, between March and May, visitors flock to The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch during this limited window of time to snap a photograph or two and simply admire the surrounding natural beauty.

The flowers grown at the fields are not to be confused with roses. They are Tecolote® Giant Ranunculus, a unique blossom native to Asia Minor. With more than 50 acres of rananculus to explore, it’s easy to spend a few hours walking around the expansive flower fields. For those on a time crunch, with a disability, or who don’t want to walk far, group tractor rides are available and will drop you off at the best flower viewing points.

If you opt out of the tractor ride, you will likely be walking along the dusty paths of the fields at some point. Because of this, I’d recommended wearing comfortable shoes and an outfit you don’t mind getting a little dirt on. The weather in spring is unpredictable at times, so I’d also recommend bringing a jacket. We walked the fields for several hours in the afternoon and the weather got chillier as the sun set. In addition to proper clothing, don’t forget your most important accessory of all: your camera. There are plenty of photo opportunities here, on the sides of your field and there are even a few paths carved out that allow you to get in the middle of the flowers.

For those that want to eat amid a burgeoning sea of flowers, I’d recommend packing a picnic lunch. There are several benches near the fields, and tables and chairs located near the front of the property. If you don’t want to pack food, there are also vending machines and food vendors on weekends.

The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch History

We can attribute much of the surrounding views at The Flower Fields to Luther Gage, and early settler and grower in the Carlsbad area. He began his floral cultivation in the early 920’s, bringing Ranunculus seeds to the area and growing them in his fields. He joined efforts with Frank Frazee, who owned a small vegetable farm next to his field and started a business named “Luther Gage Giant Tecolote Ranunculus bulbs.

Frazee’s son Edwin continued to grow the family flower operation for years before deciding to retire in 1993. Paul Ecke Jr., a local flower farmer and friend of Edwin’s, convinced him to not fully retire and act as a consultant to help him grow his flower business. Paul wanted to find a way to tie agriculture with tourism, to keep the fields financially stable after a difficult few years. Thus, The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch came to fruition and have been a popular tourist destination since.

2017 Dates: March 1 through May 14

Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily

Best Time to Visit: Late-March to early April, depending on weather conditions

Admission Price: $14 for adults, $13 for seniors and $7 for children, ages three to 10. Kids age two and under are free.

Address: 5704 Paseo Del Norte Carlsbad, CA 92008

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One sunny San Diego afternoon I made the decision to see what the Desert View Tower was all about. Driving in the blazing heat amid the middle of summer may have not been the ideal time to visit the barren east county desert, but the sights at this unusual lesser-known gem made it worth it. After an hour and ten minute drive from downtown San Diego, I arrived at the Desert View Tower and Boulder Park.

The Desert View Tower and Boulder Park is situated in essentially the middle of nowhere, about 80 miles east of downtown San Diego. A somewhat scenic drive through the desert, and past the infamous $7.77 Acorn Casino prime rib dinner billboards, will take you to the town of Jacumba. Most likely, even if you are a San Diego resident, you haven’t heard of Jacumba, which comes as no surprise. This eclectic town is not known for much aside from the Carrizo Gorge Railway and the nearby nudist resort. Yet taking exit 77 and driving to the end of In-Ko-Pah Road will lead you to one of Jacumba’s greatest treasures.

Desert View Tower

In 1923, Bert Vaughn, owner of the town of Jacumba, built a stone lookout tower to attract visitors to the town. He had bought the whole town of Jacumba, with the thought that it would become a border crossing. This never came to fruition, and Vaughn made his fortune in other avenues. The Desert Tower never did become as visited as Vaughn might have hoped, however thousands of visitors still come to visit this eclectic stop each year. Over the years, the Tower has grown to include a gift shop on the bottom floor of the tower, and a museum-of-sorts on each of the floors leading up to the top of the tower.

Admission price to tour the top of the tower and boulder park are $6.50 for adults and $3.50 for children, at the time of this post. Upon entering the Desert View Tower, pay the clerk and take a quick tour of the unique trinkets sold in the gift shop. After exploring the bottom floor, make your way up the stairs. Each floor will have a number of different interesting artifacts ranging from old photos of the Desert View Tower to replicas of the tower to hand-woven blankets.

At the top of the tower, you can check out the sweeping views of the expansive Anza Borrego desert. For views stretching even further, insert a quarter into the telescope at the top of the tower to see all the way to the Salton Sea and Mexico.

Boulder Park

In addition to the Desert View Tower, another point of interest in this same area is Boulder Park, a collection of rocks that have been weathered by the wind into caves and pathways. This collection of rocks is anything but ordinary. Some of the rocks have been painted to resemble animals, humans, and creatures. W.T. Ratcliffe, the artist behind these unique rocks, sculpted a number of quartz granite boulders to reflect creatures popular during the Depression-era. He spent two years during the 1930s completing this masterpiece that is still enjoyed to this date.

Today both the Desert View Tower and boulder park are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Driving Directions

From downtown San Diego: Take Interstate 8 East toward El Centro for 75 miles. Take exit 77 for In-Ko-Pah Park Road. Turn left toward In-Ko-Pah Park Road. Turn right onto In-Ko_pah Park Road. Follow the road for 1.3 miles until you reach the entrance for the Desert View Tower & Boulder Park. Park in the dirt lot.

Address: Old Hig 80, In-Ko-Pah Park Rd, Jacumba Hot Springs, CA 91934

Phone: 619- 766-9139

Hours: 7 days a week EXCEPT Wednesdays, 8AM-5PM (call to confirm before visiting)

Restroom Facilities

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Just a short 30-minute drive from the Las Vegas strip will take you to this colorful rock formation that resembles a stack of children’s toys. But these rocks are anything but child’s play.

Although it may seem this project popped up overnight, these giants rocks have actually been in the works for 5 years.This art installation gives Vegas visitors some much need reprieve from the glitz and glam of the strip. Instead of donning sparkly dresses, visitors can change into their fitness garb to walk along the short, dusty trail to the seven painted rocks. Aside from the noise of cars whizzing down the I-15 in the distance, the seven magic mountains offer solace from the outside world. Visit on a weekend and you’ll be sure to encounter other curious explorers, however on weekdays, this is desert landmark is mostly deserted.

Each rock tower reaches about 30-35 feet in height and are constructed of locally-sourced limestone boulders. All together there are 33 boulders total. The placement of the rocks was pure experimentation, with Rondinone telling the Huffington Post that he began arranging them, “like you play around with Legos.” His “Legos” stacked up nicely, with quite a few different opportunities for visitors to climb atop some of the shorter rocks. Fair warning that these rocks aren’t your typical rocks, they are slippery and difficult to grasp. You may need to use your friends to help you climb atop some of them, but the pictures that can be captured are worth the effort.

While climbing is not encouraged or promoted, if you do climb these painted rocks, it is important to respect them. Do not vandalize the rocks or litter to ensure this spot stays sacred for all the other visitors to come.

This is a limited-time art installation and will be around for the next two years, so act quickly to ensure you are able to take in this beauty, before it’s too late.

Seven Magic Mountains Tips

Tip #1: There are no restroom facilities at the Seven Magic Mountains art exhibit. The nearest restrooms are about 5 miles away in Jean or 10 miles away at the intersection of St. Rose Parkway and Las Vegas Blvd.

Tip #2: This art installation is in the middle of the desert. Bring plenty of water and prepare for temperatures reaching upwards of 105° F in the summer.

Tip #3: Watch out for rattlesnakes. There are signs warning of this around the exhibit.

Tip #4: Be sensitive of the habitat surrounding you. There are endangered desert tortoises, flora, and fauna nearby.

Tip #5: A Guide-By-Cell option is averrable in English and Spanish to learn more about the artists, artwork, and land art in southern Nevada. Call 702-381-5182 for more information.

Tip #6: The path to Seven Magic Mountains is unpaved. Strollers and wheelchairs may have a hard time with access.

Driving Directions

Via Las Vegas: Take I-15 South and exit Sloan Road (exit 25). Turn left on Las Vegas Boulevard. Follow the posted signs for “Seven Magic Mountains” upon exiting the freeway. Drive approximately 10 minutes (7 miles) south of Las Vegas Blvd. and the colored rocks will appear on your left.

Via Southern California: Take I-15 North and take exit 12. Turn right on NV-161 toward Las Vegas Blvd. Drive 5 miles north on Las Vegas Blvd. and the colored rocks will appear on your right.

How to Get There After Parking

Upon parking, you will see the bright totems in the distance. Walk through the divide in the metal gate. Follow the unpaved walking path along a naturally occurring wash from the parking lot. This path will lead you directly to the sculptures. Re-trace your steps to return to your car.

Address: S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89054

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Sometimes you might make a stop because you’ve been driving for hours and need to stretch your legs. Other times, you stop because something seems so intriguing you feel the urge to check it out. Fort Zion is a combination of both. I saw the Old Western buildings first, the obscure petting zoo second. Immediately we made a U-turn and found ourselves in the parking lot for Fort Zion Gift Shop and Petting Zoo. While you likely won’t read about this stop in magazines or travel brochures, it is worth checking out on the drive to Zion National Park.

The owners, Dee and Andy, have outdone themselves with both the interior and exterior design of the shop. The inside of Fort Zion is quaint with plenty of quirky souvenirs to gift to friends and family. Souvenirs range from “good luck rocks” to swords to Utah memorabilia. My personal favorite was a gag gift coffee table coaster that played on Utah’s notorious polygamy writing, “Why have one woman when you could have three.” It was easy to lose track of time and we spent a good 30 minutes roaming the store looking around at all the unique gifts they have to offer.

Aside from a vast array of souvenirs, there is also a restaurant inside Fort Zion. The food is inexpensive, ranging from $6-$8. The most notable food item for purchase is the Buffalo Burger but the homemade dessert is also not to be missed.  Picnic tables are also conveniently located outside, making this an ideal spot to grab a quick bite to eat on a long drive.

The outside of Fort Zion transports you back in time. With a $1 donation you’ll have the opportunity to step outside into an Old West “Ghost Town”, complete with a jailhouse, a bank, a covered wagon, and many other wooden buildings prime for photo-taking opportunities. If you have children, you can also pay an additional $1 to pay for carrots to feet the llamas, horses, deer, and donkey in the petting zoo area. Be warned, the llamas spit and I had to learn this the hard way. If you don’t get your fix at the petting zoo, there is also an ostrich farm is just a mile down the road.

Fort Zion may look like a tourist trap, but is one worth stopping at, even if its just a respite from the desert heat. Be forewarned, this place is tiny. Blink your eyes and you may miss it!

Hours: 10:00am-8:00pm

Address: 1000 W. Highway 9, Virgin, Utah 84779 USA

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The entire ranch of over 200 metal trees decorated in glass bottles, is a testament to one man’s passion for creating a unique form of art he graciously shares for free with anyone who stops by. Elmer’s masterpiece is a sea of bottles that one could spend an hour easily strolling through and admiring right smack dab in the middle of the California desert in the small town of Oro Grande. This oddity is open sunrise to sunset seven days a week and is free to enter.

As I drove the 11 miles down Route 66 eagerly anticipating my arrival at Bottle Tree Ranch, I couldn’t help but feel like I was driving into a scene from “The Hills Have Eyes”. The infamous Route 66 was desolate, not a single car in sight and the long stretch of land was mostly barren. As I got closer to my desired destination, a few small shops jutted out from the side of the highway along with a few signs indicating I was indeed driving on Route 66. That eased my anxiety a bit, traveling alone and as a female to this destination. Upon my arrival, all my fears were swept away the moment I saw the abstract work of art in front of me. I parked right in front of the entrance, on the side of the dusty road turned into a make-shift parking lot where a few other cars had also parked.

Stepping into Bottle Tree Ranch, past the “Welcome Come On In” sign, I was immediately bombarded with hundreds of bottles hanging gracefully from their metal tree branches. There were so many different colors, sizes, and styles it was mesmerizing to stare at, and before I knew it I had been wandering around for a good 45 minutes. I wasn’t the only one admiring this work of art, there were at least 10 other individuals who had stopped to experience this beautiful landscape themselves.

If you’re lucky, Elmer may even be out and about sharing facts and the history of his impressive Bottle Tree Ranch. If you feel inclined to, you can also leave Elmer a donation in his donation box located near the entrance to help him pay for his unique art (Bonus: if you do donate you can take a small piece of glass as souvenir).

History of Bottle Tree Ranch

Bottle Tree Ranch was built the ranch 15 years ago at the turn of the millennium out of a collection of old bottles Elmer began collecting when he was just a child. The inspiration for collecting old bottles began with camping trips Elmer and his father used to take out in the California deserts. The duo would find old dumps out in the desert which inevitably led to bringing their used treasures home.

One day Elmer’s father found a bottle in one of these dumps and brought it back, which led to him collecting more bottles for the next 20 years. Just when his father was going to give his bottle collection away, Elmer stopped him just in time to collect some of the bottles. At the age of 55, after a stint in the military and starting a family, Elmer decided to retire and focus his attention on Bottle Tree Ranch.

Shaped like hat racks, colorful glass bottles hang from slanted metal hooks. The Bottle Tree Ranch has now grown to 200 installations and whirr in the wind. His creation still stands today and is open for all to see. Elmer states, “All you gotta do is look around and it looks like a nightmare, and it is a nightmare, but it’s mine.”

Stop by, say hi to Elmer, and check out this glorious creation the next time you’re driving to or from Las Vegas. You won’t be disappointed.

GPS Coordinates: 34°41’25” N 117°20’25” W

Address: 24266 National Trails Hwy, Oro Grande, CA 92368

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Art and Beer, about 30 miles north of Cabo San Lucas on the Pacific Ocean side, is a must-stop when taking a day-trip to Todos Santos or Playa Cerritos. It’s been featured on Rick Bayless’ PBS “Mexico-One Plate at a Time”, has received rave reviews in magazines, and been outlined in multiple blogs. Blink while you’re driving and you might miss this side-stop attraction. But if you know what you’re looking for and what you might expect, it is a worthwhile visit.

After spending the majority of the day in the small, quiet town of Todos Santos my group and I decided to continue our art tour and head to Art and Beer on our way back to Cabo. We had passed by it on the way to Todos Santos, a small “WTF is that” attraction on the left side of the freeway. Art and Beer isn’t situated next to the glitzy resorts found in the heart of Cabo. No, this stop is found literally in the middle of the desert, with a faint view of the ocean in the distance.

Because of its solitude, Art and Beer at most times is uncrowded. In fact, you may find you have the entire place to yourself. When we arrived in the late afternoon as the sun was just beginning to set on a Friday, there was only one other group—just to give you an idea of how quiet this place usually is. Art and Beer, is perhaps best known not only for the diverse art-sculptures but also for their two menus. One that features their collection of fresh ceviche tostadas and the other with their delicious fruit margaritas. These margaritas are no joke, they are not only huge but also perhaps the most tasty alcoholic beverages we’ve consumed to date.

While we sipped our margaritas, we took a tour of the grounds. Boardwalks guide you through the enchanted garden the owners have so eloquently created, filled with other-worldly sculptures that look even more space-like at night. Returning back inside the bar/restaurant we walked up the spiral staircase to get a panoramic view of the entire landscape. Even now that the sun had set, the décor was lit up in varying neon colors to illuminate the masterpiece below. Once you’ve had your fill of art, take a seat at the tables outdoors to admire the whole crazy, yet mesmerizing scene.

What’s most impressive at Art and Beer is the fact that the owners, Alfredo Ruiz and Lourdes Campos are responsible for all of their artwork. In fact, their paintings are even for sale. Additionally, they sell T-shirts, CD’s, and more.

Whether you want to take a stroll through their outdoor art gallery, take a seat at the interspersed mini-tiki huts along the way, or indulge in some of the best craft beers in Baja, Art and Beer is not to be missed.

Hanging out with the main man, “Alfredo”.

Art and Beer Tips

Tip #1: It may come as a surprise but Art and Beer doesn’t have a phone or internet access. No free Wi-Fi for you. #firstworldproblems

Tip #2: Bring cash, a lot of it. The drinks here aren’t cheap but they are worth trying, at least once. There is also a minimum charge of 40 pesos.

Tip #3: The toilet is just as strange as this place. You will need to use water from a bucket to wash down the toilet after using. You’re better off holding it, if you can.

Tip #4: Try the original Bloody Mary, there is truly nothing else out there like it.

Tip #5: Be sure to make your way to the top of the roof. The view from the top is not to be missed.

Located on Mexico 19 at the Km 69 marker, beachside, a few miles south of Pescadero.

Photo Credit: Lana

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What would be an ordinary hilly residential lot has been transformed into a vertical wonderland of pristinely trimmed, recognizable figures. Edna shows no sign of being satisfied with her garden of creatures and continues to come up with new, exciting shapes for her gardener, Pedro Duran, to transform.  The collection of impressive shrubbery includes over 50 creatures, such as: pyramids, a surfer, elephants ridden by monkeys, a buddha, a whale, dogs, rabbits, a rooster, and a number of other animals.

Many people ask, why keep up their topiary garden? Alex Harper told the San Diego Union Tribune, “This is how we give back to the community. We’re just thrilled when occasionally a school bus of children stop by and they see things we don’t see.”

Edna also told the Union Tribune she spends three to four hours a day taking care of her garden of creatures with the help of Pedro, who is at the residence daily.

They take pleasure in having people drive by to admire their beautiful creation, however ask views to not climb amongst the shrubs. The topiaries are delicate works of art with no internal structure and a portion of the tree could snap and break with little pressure.

The Harper’s topiary garden is free to view and preserved solely out of love. If you are near downtown, stop by and admire the charm of this sight. Remember, even though this wonderfully creative local treasure is viewable to all, please respect this is also located in a quiet residential neighborhood.

Harper’s Topiary Garden Tips

Tip 1: Read every word and mind the sign that says: “Please Don’t Touch or Climb Hill”.

Tip 2: While this topiary garden is majestic, it only requires about 15-30 minutes to soak in. Plan this as a quick stop on your way to another site, such as the nearby Spruce Street Suspension Bridge.

Tip 3: Weekend crowds can be overwhelming. Try to visit this site during a weekday if possible.

Tip 4: Street parking is abundant and free. Just don’t park your vehicle in front of the topiary garden!

Driving Directions: From I-5 South, exit Sassafras. Turn left onto Sassafras continuing all the way uphill until you reach West Upas Street. Make a right at West Upas Street and a right onto Union Street. The Topiary Garden will be at the intersection of Union Street and Vine Street.

Address: 3549 Union St, San Diego, CA 92103

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Fabulous hikes aside, many are drawn to the spectacular Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, two hours from downtown San Diego, to see 130 amazing full-sized metal sculptures that are inspired by creatures that roamed this same desert millions of years prior. The Anza Borrego sculptures vary from prehistoric dinosaurs such as the Tyrannosaurus Rex to modern-day animals like scorpions.

As you drive down the roads in the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park you’ll see sculptures of wild horses in nearby fields, sabertooth tigers on the prowl, and desert tortoises slightly camouflaged by brush. So how did these magnificent yet strange pieces of art come to life and who designed them, you may be wondering.

T Rex Sculpture (Flickr)

The genius artist behind each of these sculptures is Ricardo Breceda, who brings to life his work by capturing each animal in motion. The late Dennis Avery, land owner of the Galleta Meadows Estates in Borrego Springs came up with the vision of adding ‘free standing art’ to his property with original steel welded sculptures created by ‘Perris Jurassic Park’ owner/artist/welder Ricardo Breceda of Perris, California. Thus came the creation of the metal sculptures sprawled across the desert.

(Flickr)

Perhaps what is most curious about Brecada’s artwork is that he originally didn’t consider himself to be an artist. Brecada originally lived in Durango, Mexico and a series of twists and turns led to his true calling. One day he created a dinosaur statue for his daughter, and the rest is history. Now close to 130 of Breceda’s sculptures lie in the Anza Borrego desert and while he claims he is finished this may not be the case. Each time Brecada claims to be done another sculpture ends up popping up.

(Flickr)

Lucky for us San Diegans and those visiting, taking in these Anza Borrego sculptures is as easy as a short car ride. Plan an entire day trip by visiting a few hikes in Anza Borrego such as the Borrego Palm Canyon Oasis and The Slot. On the way to The Slot, you will pass by many of the sculptures, allowing you plenty of photo opportunities.

(Wikipedia)

To get to the Anza Borrego sculptures in Borrego springs form Los Angeles or San Diego you will proceed down S22 into the valley that houses Anza Borrego. From there, the sculptures are literally scattered over the next 10 square miles. Since there isn’t much else to see in the surrounding landscape, aside from barren desert, the sculptures are easy to view while you are driving. Some are right off the side of the road, while others are off in the distance. You can drive to almost all the sculptures, or there are dirt roads that lead to some of the sculptures. None of the dirt roads are too long, most less than a quarter mile.

(Wikipedia)

Anza Borrego Sculptures Tips

Tip 1: These sculptures are out in the open, available for viewing twenty four hours a day, seven days a year.

Tip 2: A detailed map of the different sculptures is available by clicking here, or you may purchase a pocket guide from the Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association.

Tip 3: A car is required to see these sculptures as they are spread too far apart to walk to.

Tip 4: A majority of the sculptures are located north of Christmas Circle (the traffic circle in the center of Borrego Springs) between Bighorn Road and Henderson Canyon Road.

Tip 5: If you have any questions, the people at the local tourism bureau are very enthusiastic and eager to show you exactly where to go (although it is very easy to navigate).

Tip 6: Be wary when driving around Borrego Springs. There are some deep potholes and big rocks you may need to avoid. Keep your eyes peeled while also taking in the magnificent sculptures.

(Flickr)

Address: 786 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA 92004

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Salvation Mountain may feel like it is in the middle of nowhere, but once you pull up to the sign that reads: “God Never Fails” and catch a glimpse of the mountain in the distance, the drive will be worth it. A gloriously decorated landmark awaits the moment you pull into the dirt parking lot at Salvation Mountain, along with a few trucks that have also been beautifully painted.

Salvation Mountain was created by Leonard Knight as a tribute to God and as a gift to the world he created the mountain with a powerful message: “God Is Love”, etched in large letters on the side of the mountain. Leonard’s passion has created this intricately designed “outsider art” masterpiece resplendent with not only biblical and religious scriptures such as the Lord’s Prayer, John 3:16 and the Sinner’s Prayer, but also includes flowers, trees, birds, waterfalls, suns, and many other colorful objects.

The mountain stands at 50 feet high and 150 feet wide, made entirely of local adobe clay and donated paint. The bottom part of the mountain is a tribute to the Sea of Galilee, with a big red heart in the middle and a cross appropriately placed at the top of the mountain. The reoccurring them of “Love” can be seen all around the mountain. A “yellow brick road” staircase will lead you to the top of this painted mountain, providing the ideal photo opportunity to capture this mesmerizing sight. Pictures can’t do this landmark justice, and must be seen to be truly appreciated.

Climb and explore this majestic mountain to fully experience its splendid construction and its natural surroundings. There are a slew of “rooms” to explore filled with bibles, religious quotes, a guest book, and plenty of beautiful murals. A donation station is conveniently located at the bottom of Salvation Mountain to maintain this unique and eclectic monument.

Looking down near the cross.

So what exactly happened to the creator of Salvation Mountain? Up until Knight’s death in 2014, he had lived in the back of his truck, sharing his living space with a number of cats without names, undeterred by the brutal head of the desert or the howling winds. “Love Jesus and keep it simple,” he once said, explaining his philosophy of life (source). Salvation Mountain is anything but simple but the love of Jesus is clearly depicted in every square inch of this masterpiece.

Salvation Mountain Tips:

Tip 1: This is a free attraction, however you can still give donations and donate paint.

Tip 2: Plan to come on a “cooler” day or around sunset as temperatures can spike to over 100 degrees on a summer day and mostly everything is exposed here.

Tip 3: Be cautions when coming down the mountain. It may not be wet but it can be slippery. I came down by proceeding to the right along the dirt side of the mountain and found it was much easier to navigate.

Tip 4: Make a trip out of your time at Salvation Mountain and venture to Salton Sea – particularly Bombay Beach – to take in even more diverse sights such as abandoned homes covered in graffiti and frames of what once were houses.

Tip 5: Slab City (Or “The Slabs”, a WWII-era Marine facility where squatters live in buses and vehicles) is nearby and also interesting to see.

Driving Directions:

From Los Angeles or Phoenix, take Interstate 10 to the 86S (just east of Indio.) Travel south (11 miles) to 66th Avenue (Hwy 195.) There is a big gas station and truck stop on the left. If you miss this turn, you’ll end up on the wrong side of the Salton Sea. Turn left and go about a ½ mile to Highway 111. Turn right (south) and go about 42 miles to Niland, California. Turn left on Main Street (which eventually turns into Beal Road) and travel for a little over 3 miles. You’ll pass by a few deserted buildings and eventually will drive into the desert for a few miles. Look to the right, you won’t be able to miss it.

From San Diego or Yuma, take Interstate 8 to Highway 111 north. Niland is about 32 miles. Turn left on Main Street (turns into Beal Road) and go a little over 3 miles to Salvation Mountain.

Address: Salvation Mountain, Beal Rd., Niland, CA 92257

Yellow brick staircase to the top.

Close up of the top of the mountain.

Tribute room to those who have passed.

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