Salvation Mountain

Salvation Mountain is a religious artwork made of clay and straw in the Colorado Desert of California. The five-story structure measures 150 feet (46 m) wide and is painted with Bible phrases, flowers and hearts in bright colors.

The artist began building in 1984 after his plan to present a Bible verse on a hot air balloon failed. Following the collapse of the first version in 1989, he used adobe bricks and straw for a more stable construction.

Leonard Knight worked alone and refused money because he feared the place would become commercial. The words "God Is Love" appear on the front in different lettering styles, and the whole surface carries Bible verses written in simple language.

Access is possible from sunrise to sunset, and there are no fees. The area is remote and reachable only by unpaved roads, so bring enough water and supplies.

A yellow path leads to the summit, and along the way there are caves painted with Bible scenes. Some walls carry over one hundred layers of paint applied over decades.

Location: California

Creator: Leonard Knight

Made from material: paint:latex

Address: Beal Road

Email: bob@salvationmountain.us

Website: http://salvationmountain.us

GPS coordinates: 33.25414,-115.47261

Latest update: December 15, 2025 05:00