Can't We All Use a Little Salvation?
This is one of the best day trips from Palm Springs.
Fans of outsider art who find themselves in Palm Springs California should devote a day travelling to Salvation Mountain.
Along the way, you will explore a lake created by a man-made natural disaster, which became a hip resort, and is now faded and sad.
Finally, your this day trip from Palm Springs culminates in the California desert where one man took built his singular vision.
If you like the quirky and off-beat you will enjoy this day trip as well.
Before you start: This is a long day with few amenities along the way.
Please pack lunch, some water, and start with a full tank of gas. And don’t forget a sun hat.
First stop: Dates for Your Day Trip
On the way out of Palm Springs, you may wish to stop by the Shields Date Garden for a true mid-century tourist experience. Where else can you see a film called “The Romance and Sex Life of the Date?” For date lovers, there are two important words: Date Shakes. And, while we are on the subject of salvation, you can visit their Biblical garden walk.
Second stop: The Salton Sea
The Salton Sea is a large body of salt water created by accident. Not only is it fascinating to view, it also serves as a cautionary ecological tale.
As such, it has a very interesting history. The sea was created by an accident when a canal was dredged in 1900. In 1905 the Colorado River flooded and created the Salton Sea.
In the fifties and sixties it became a thriving resort community, but now it is rarely visited except for bird-watchers and those who like to view the old and odd. Back in the day, it was popular destination for Rat Pack types and their followers. You can still see many abandoned resorts, restaurants, and gas stations.
What happened to the Salton Sea? It is a terminal lake, meaning water does not flow out of it. Most of its current water comes from agricultural runoff filled with fertilizers. This causes algal blooms which in turn provoke fish die-offs. In recent years, primarily only tilapia seem to survive and the shores often littered with their carcasses.
On the plus side, it is a huge habitat for migratory birds. In fact, the Audubon Society has a fascinating post where you can learn more.
The state of California now has a state project to restore it.
Prepare yourself for interesting odors coming from the persistent fish die-off. Of course, this is a big reason why it is no longer a popular resort area.
There is an interesting state park visitor center and recreation area.
Fans of modernist architecture should take note that the remains of the Albert Frey designed Salton Sea North Shore Yacht Club are still visible in the town just north of the park. Once the ultimate in Rat Pack glory, it fell into serious disrepair. It was restored to some degree in 2010.
Important tip: The park is the best place on the whole trip for a restroom break.
Third stop: Bombay Beach
Next on the day trip is Bombay Beach. In the fifties it was deluxe resort area, frequented by the likes of Frank Sinatra and his friends. By the seventies it was all but defunct.
However, Bombay Beach is experiencing a small resurgence as an artist and outsider colony. Many call it a living ghost town as there are people living in rusted trailers and broken down buildings.
It is fascinating drive around as many residents have put up their own artistic decorations. Don’t expect tourist amenities. There is no gas station and one bar-restaurant which may or may not be open.
Bombay Beach
Fourth stop: Salvation Mountain
The main event is Salvation Mountain. Now run by a trust, it is all the work of one man, Leonard Knight, who spent 28 years building the site. Visit their website for opening information. You will be asked to make a donation to the trust.
When you arrive, the obvious sight is the mountain itself, a riot of color and religious messages. Several painted vehicles are nearby.
Take some time and meander as there is more to see. For example, there is this interesting grotto:
There is even a Wizard of Oz themed section. Yes-there is a yellow brick road! Well, it’s yellow, any way.
Fun fact: A scene in the movie Into the Wild that was filmed at the site. You can view the clip here.
Heading back to Palm Springs, the nearby town of Niland is your best bet for gas.
Fans of outsider art? We are! Check out our post about outsider art in Detroit. We have more posts planned in the near future, join our mailing list to make sure you don’t miss one. Also, if you enjoy quirky trips like this, we recommend a visit to Roadside America.
There are other outsider art projects in the area–but we will save them for another post!
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