Salton Sea, Rift lake in Imperial Valley, California, US
The Salton Sea spans 35 miles in length and 15 miles in width, residing within a desert basin at 226 feet below sea level.
The lake formed in 1905 when Colorado River waters broke through irrigation canals, flooding the dry valley basin for approximately two years.
During the 1950s, the lake attracted numerous visitors to its shoreline resorts, marinas, and recreational facilities in Bombay Beach and Desert Shores.
The lake currently faces environmental concerns due to increased salinity levels and agricultural runoff, affecting both wildlife populations and air quality.
The water body sits directly on the San Andreas Fault line, releasing minerals and salts through seismic activity into the lake basin.
Location: Imperial County
Location: Riverside County
Elevation above the sea: -71.3 m
Height: 13 m
Website: http://saltonsea.ca.gov
GPS coordinates: 33.33770,-115.83910
Latest update: May 27, 2025 20:43
These California locations lie beyond main routes. The destinations include natural sites like canyons with fern walls, volcanic craters in Mojave Desert, and historical places like abandoned 19th century baths. The route leads to sand beaches, caves and nature parks.
Salvation Mountain
35.3 km
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
52.8 km
Humana Challenge
51.6 km
Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
62.1 km
Salton Buttes
25.5 km
Niland Geyser
25.1 km
Tahquitz Canyon
47.3 km
General George S. Patton Memorial Museum
37.7 km
La Quinta Resort and Club
58.3 km
Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge
23.1 km
Galleta Meadows Estate
50.2 km
Salton Sea State Recreation Area
15.9 km
North Shore Beach and Yacht Club
21.1 km
Mud Caves
56.4 km
Shields Date Gardens
57.2 km
Santa Rosa Wilderness
48.6 km
Fish Creek Mountains Wilderness
43.6 km
Toro Peak
58.3 km
Corn Springs
57.5 km
Martinez Canyon Rockhouse
49 km
Ruby Lee Mill Site
55.7 km
Jack Nicklaus Resort Golf Course
51.5 km
Cottonwood Visitor Center
45.8 km
Betz Beach
18.4 km
Sneaker Beach
20.4 km
Salton Beach
15.3 km
Cottonwood Campground Amphitheater
45.3 km
Sea View Beach
14.4 kmReviews
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