Salton Sea

The Salton Sea is a lake in a California desert basin, roughly 35 miles long and 15 miles wide, sitting 226 feet (69 meters) below sea level. Mineral deposits and high salt content make the water appear cloudy, and it smells sulfurous along some stretches of the shore.

The lake formed in 1905 when the Colorado River broke through irrigation canals and filled the dry valley for about two years. The basin held the water due to evaporation and occasional inflows ever since, but it became increasingly salty.

Abandoned buildings and old pier remains along the shore recall a time when the waterfront was a popular weekend escape for families from Southern California. Locals and artists visit the area today to photograph or paint the empty beaches and slowly decaying structures.

The lake lies far from major towns and requires car travel on straight desert roads where fuel and drinking water are limited. The sun heats the area intensely, especially in summer, so early morning or late afternoon visits work best.

The water sits directly on the San Andreas Fault, through which minerals and salts enter the basin via seismic activity. Tilapia fish were introduced in the 1950s and survived the rising salinity until the balance tipped recently.

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: December 2, 2025 21:39