Salvation Mountain and East Jesus – Slab City, California
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Salvation Mountain, Slab City California
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Where is Slab City, and What is Slab City?
In the middle of the Sonoran Desert, midway between San Diego and Los Angeles, you’ll find a community of around 150 permanent residents living off the grid in California with no official electricity, running water, sewers, toilets, law enforcement, or trash pick-up service. Slab City, California, or The Slabs as it’s called, is a large snowbird community in Imperial County used by squatters and recreational vehicle owners from all over North America. It’s known as the last free place in the United States. The Slab City population rises to over a thousand residents in winter as snowbirds flock to the area. Slab City draws its name from the large concrete slabs left behind by the US Marine Corps, who utilized the area as a training ground for field and anti-aircraft artillery units prior to the US entering World War II.
For those of you wondering, “Is Slab City safe to visit?” The answer is yes.
Welcome to Slab City, California.
The training base was commissioned back in October of 1942 on 631 acres of desert land. Originally, the camp had fully functioning buildings, running water, roads, and a sewage system. The base was only operational for three years. By 1956, the structures had all been dismantled apart from the concrete slabs. In 1961, the land was transferred back to the state of California.
The residents of Slab City make do with generators and solar panels to generate electricity. They’ve formed their art installations, churches, bars, and an impressive open-air nightclub with live music performances. There are three main attractions in Slab City: Salvation Mountain, East Jesus, and The Range. I’ll go into each area in detail below.
If you decide to visit this highly unusual and fascinating area, please be respectful and keep to the three areas I mentioned. Remember, people do live here, and the area has no official law enforcement. So, if you trespass on the wrong person’s slab, you’d better be ready to deal with the consequences. It’s better to ask for permission than forgiveness.
Salvation Mountain California
Leonard Knight in front of his brightly colored, manmade hill, Salvation Mountain CA, circa 2010.
Can You Visit Salvation Mountain?
Yes! The area is frequented by tourists and built to be appreciated.
For tourists coming to Slab City, Salvation Mountain is a huge draw. Salvation Mountain is a massive work of art created by local resident Leonard Knight. He began work on the piece in 1984, though his first version collapsed, and it took quite some time to find materials strong enough to withstand the harsh environment. The artwork is made of straw, adobe, and thousands of gallons of lead-free, latex paint. It features multiple bible verses and murals painted with Christian sayings. Knight said God guided him in its construction.
Sadly, in December of 2011, 80-year-old Knight began suffering the effects of dementia and was placed in a long-term care facility. He passed away in February of 2014. After Knight was forced to leave his mountain, a public charity was formed to help support and protect his project. Visitors frequently donate cans of paint to be used by the volunteers who maintain Salvation Mountain, Slab City.
To get to the top of Salvation Mountain, you can walk up the paths on the front of the structure, or if you have mobility issues, you can go around to the backside of the mountain where it meets up with the natural grade of the desert ground. No climbing necessary! It’s much simpler to go around the back of the structure and avoid climbing the steep, sometimes slippery front.
To the side of the main mountain is a smaller area where visitors can walk around inside the structure. Warning: wheelchair users may find this difficult as the ground is uneven and contains several sections where you must step over materials to get through. (See the Slab City photos below.)
There’s plenty of free parking outside Salvation Mountain. The area around this amazing piece of folk art is flat and easy to walk around, but it is the desert, so be prepared for the extreme Slab City weather, which can reach temperatures of 120 degrees or more in the summer months. Make sure you wear plenty of sunscreen.
Though it’s in the middle of nowhere, the area is a popular attraction for Southern California residents and Instagrammers who come to take photos against the colorful backdrop. So, don’t expect to have a personal photo shoot at Salvation Mountain. Palm Springs and Joshua Tree are also close by, so expect a bump in traffic during Coachella.
Maddie the Frenchie
Whether you climb up the front of Salvation Mountain or make your way around the back, you can expect some beautiful desert views from the top. Particularly at sunset.
The View from the Top of Salvation Mountain.
East Jesus California
If you’re visiting Slab City, East Jesus is a must-see. While Salvation Mountain is full of religious text and iconography, East Jesus has no religious connotations. Rather than referencing the lord and savior, Jesus East, Jesus refers to “east of Jesus,” a location in the middle of nowhere, off the grid, and operating without municipal utilities. Home to an incredible art installation in the middle of the North American deserts is East Jesus. East of nowhere.
Entrance to the East Jesus Sculpture Garden.
Back in 2007, Charlie Russell left his job in the tech industry, packed all his worldly possessions into a shipping container, and made his home in the middle of a trash-strewn field in Slab City. He slowly repurposed that trash into sculptures, which became the beginning of East Jesus. After he died in 2011, the Chasterus Foundation took over the curation and further development of East Jesus. What stands today is an experimental, sustainable, and livable art installation. Mixed media art made from various recycled materials covers the property. It’s an impressive sight to behold. East Jesus not only houses sculptures and installations, but also a musical performance space with a PA system, stage lighting, and a studio grand piano. This facility, called The Range, has a solar power system linked to a battery bank made entirely of discarded batteries from local telecom companies. It’s an impressive setup.
Residents offer guided tours of East Jesus throughout the day. I was a little nervous entering the property since people live on the grounds, and I didn’t want to accidentally wander into someone’s personal living space. If you enter through the main East Jesus sculpture garden, you should run right into one of the locals who will be more than happy to show you around. If you decide to explore on your own, just be mindful of the signage and keep an eye on your surroundings, and you should be fine.
Is Slab City Lawless?
In Slab City, crime does happen, but the community is largely self-regulating.
Do Police Go to Slab City?
Police from neighboring Niland, California, will occasionally cruise through to check everything’s OK.
Is Slab City Dangerous?
No. But I would go during daylight hours and be mindful of people’s personal property.
Is Slab City Still Free?
Yes, though I recommend tipping your guide in East Jesus, should one of the locals choose to show you around.
One of my favorite parts of East Jesus is the collection of intricately decorated old vehicles. Cars, vans, boats, and even planes are covered in impressive patterns and designs.
The Slab City art scene is truly unique. Next time you’re in LA, San Diego, or Palm Springs, consider taking a drive out to this fascinating area. If you’re interested in enjoying some live music at The Range, check out their Facebook page. They hold regular musical performances on Saturday nights as well as the annual Slab City Prom. Make sure you use the bathroom before making the trip. The nearest town is about 6 miles away in Niland. So, if you’re picky about having running water when you use the bathroom, you’ll need to make the trip into town.
The Community Board in Slab City.
FAQs About Visiting Salvation Mountain and East Jesus
Where are Salvation Mountain and East Jesus?
Both are near Niland in California’s Imperial County, east of the Salton Sea. Salvation Mountain sits at the entrance to the Slab City area, with East Jesus nearby. You can easily combine them into one outing, allowing time to explore the artwork at each stop.
What is the difference between Salvation Mountain and East Jesus?
Salvation Mountain is Leonard Knight’s colorful folk-art monument, covered in Christian messages and imagery. East Jesus is an outdoor art environment featuring sculptures and installations made from discarded materials. Despite its name, East Jesus isn’t a religious attraction. Expect everything from decorated vehicles to thought-provoking assemblages.
Are Salvation Mountain and East Jesus free to visit?
Yes. Both sites offer free admission and welcome donations to support their upkeep. At Salvation Mountain, use the official donation box or electronic donation options; its visitor rules specifically ask guests not to hand cash to individuals onsite. Salvation Mountain visitor information and East Jesus
What are the opening hours?
Salvation Mountain lists its hours as sunrise to sunset, year-round. East Jesus also welcomes visitors to its art garden from sunup to sundown, 365 days a year. Check official updates before making the drive, since access to individual areas may change. Salvation Mountain hours and East Jesus visitor information
How much time should you allow for both sites?
I’d allow two to three hours for a relaxed visit to both, excluding driving time. That gives you room for photographs, exploring the sculptures, and taking breaks. If you travel with chronic illness or limited energy, keep the rest of your day flexible instead of adding several more desert stops.
What is the best time of year to visit?
I recommend the cooler months, particularly late fall through early spring. Summer heat can make an exposed outdoor visit exhausting. Check the forecast and choose a comfortable daylight window. If heat limits your sightseeing, prioritize a shorter visit and leave plenty of time for breaks in an air-conditioned vehicle.
Is Salvation Mountain wheelchair accessible?
You can appreciate the mountain from ground level without climbing it, but the surrounding desert terrain isn’t a uniformly paved, accessible route. Uneven ground and obstacles can limit access, particularly inside the adjoining structures. Contact the caretakers about current conditions, and don’t assume the route around the back provides wheelchair access to the top.
Is East Jesus wheelchair accessible?
I wouldn’t describe the entire sculpture garden as reliably wheelchair accessible. It’s an outdoor desert art environment, so surface conditions and the space between installations matter. Contact East Jesus before visiting to discuss your mobility device, current paths, and how much of the garden you may comfortably explore. Contact East Jesus
Do you have to climb Salvation Mountain to enjoy it?
No. The colorful front of the mountain is impressive from ground level, making a visit worthwhile even if climbing isn’t an option. Follow current signs and caretaker instructions about permitted routes. Older photographs and travel accounts shouldn’t be treated as confirmation that a particular section is still open.
What should you bring?
Bring drinking water, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and sturdy footwear if you’ll be walking. Pack snacks and any mobility equipment you normally use. Plan a restroom stop before arriving, and confirm facilities in advance if you require an accessible bathroom. This is an outing where a little preparation makes the day much easier.
How can you visit Slab City respectfully?
Remember that Slab City is also people’s home. Stay within designated visitor areas, follow signs, and ask before photographing residents or entering personal spaces. At East Jesus, check which artworks are intended for interaction before touching them. Take your rubbish with you and leave the installations as you found them.
Are Salvation Mountain and East Jesus worth visiting?
Yes, especially if you enjoy unusual art, photography, and places shaped by individual creativity. Together, they make a memorable desert outing. You don’t need to share Salvation Mountain’s religious message to appreciate the work involved, and East Jesus offers plenty of unexpected details to reward a slower look.
Jenn Lloyd is a disabled travel blogger and television writer based in Los Angeles. After a successful career writing for shows like KC Undercover and The Thundermans, she launched Sick Girl Travels to share her experiences navigating the world with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, POTS, and fibromyalgia. Having visited 40 U.S. states, 39 countries, and all 7 continents, Jenn offers inclusive travel guides with accessibility tips for those with mobility challenges. Her work has been featured on CNN, Huffington Post, and Consumer Reports. When not traveling, she enjoys fostering dogs, photographing street art, and spending time with her French bulldog, Miss Madelyn Pew.
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Americas, United States, California, Mammoth
Americas, United States, California, Mammoth
Americas, United States, California, Mammoth