I’m sharing insider tips including everything you need to know before visiting Salvation Mountain. Including THREE Insta-Worthy places near my hometown, Brawley, CA which is only a 20 minute drive from these three Insta-Worthy places.
These three locations in Slab City are within a 2 mile radius of one another which make it easy to visit all them in one day. Now get ready to scroll & pin. Without further ado… here is my Imperial Valley roundup.
Salvation Mountain
Address: Beal Road Calipatria, CA 92233
The most popular Insta-Worthy location of the three on my list. This colorful handmade mountain has been featured in movies like Into the Wild, some music videos and has quickly become a popular destination to visit in the Imperial Valley.
A local artist Leonard Knight wanted to share his message “God Is Love” with the world and he has through this beautiful and unique art piece. You can explore Salvation Mountain and walk the premises where you’ll find lot’s of other art installations which are perfect for capturing incredible Insta-Worthy photos. While exploring you can climb up the mountain or walk around it to find small rooms where people from all around the world leave bibles, drivers licenses, hand written letters, pictures and other sentimental items. This mountain is unique and truly unlike anything in the world.
I visited just a few weeks ago and they were closed for renovations, so be sure to the check their website for the most updated hours of operation. I was still able to get a few Insta-worthy shots in but couldn’t walk or explore the mountain this trip. This isn’t a big deal for me for me as I’ve visited plenty of times before and I often visit family in the Imperial Valley and can make the trip anytime.
SHOP my look below
East Jesus
Address: E Jesus Road Niland, CA 92257
This was my first time visiting East Jesus, but it definitely won’t be my last. I was in awe, I felt like I was at burning man for a split second. I was out in the middle of the desert surrounded by art installations. Some of which are interactive art pieces like a giant seesaw and a bowling lane. This location is a bloggers playground for capturing one of a kind Insta-Worthy pictures.
This location is less popular than Salvation Mountain but has been featured in music videos like Kesha’s Praying and a handful of others as well as a few documentaries and short films.
SHOP my look below
Slab City Library
Address: 555 Rosalie Drive Niland, CA 92257
Unfortunately, this location was closed due to Covid-19 so I wasn’t able to visit during my last trip. BUT if you make the trek out to the Imperial Valley once restrictions are lifted be sure to check out this gem. The Slab City Library is so unique and strange you can find walls of books covered in dust, vintage magazine racks, board games and stacks of VHS tapes. All which make a perfectly unusual place to get IG Worthy photos!
Tips from a local before visiting
Best Time to Visit
Definitely during the cooler fall and winter months to avoid hot and humid summer days, the desert can be brutal with up to 120 degree heat. All three locations are less crowded during the weekdays versus the weekends. They are normally open from Sunrise to Sunset.
Getting There
Visiting from San Diego the journey is a 2.5 hour drive just take the 8 East > 111 North.
Visiting from Los Angeles (3.5 hour drive) from Palm Springs 1.5 hours you’ll take the 10 East > 86 South > 111 South.
Cost to Visit
The cost and parking to visit each site is FREE, but each location operates on donations for renovations and upkeep of the sites.
Stay
You could easily make a day trip to visit Slab City but if you’re visiting from a further distance and need a place to stay overnight here are the two hotels I’d recommend in the nearest city, also my hometown. Brawley Inn or the Best Western.
Eat
If you’re staying or just passing through Brawley on your way to Slab City for some Insta-worthy photos and you’re hungry you’ll want to stop at Inferno or Johnny’s Burritos a hometown favorite! If you’re headed south of Brawley towards Interstate 8 I have two other local favorites to try Burgers & Beer or El Zarape.
Drink
This may be an odd one but we’re known for our donut shops which are open 24 hours and about 360 days out of the year. Be sure to stop into Donuts Plus in Brawley for a sweet tea.
Be sure to tag me on Instagram if you’ve visited the special Insta-Worthy spot in the Imperial Valley.
What’s the next city or San Diego neighborhood you’d like an Insta-Worthy roundup from? Leave a comment below.
Happy Exploring!!!
