If you enjoy quirky and off-beat experiences, this day trip from Palm Springs California is perfect for you. It’s one of our favorites. Fans of outsider art who find themselves in the area should devote a day travelling to Salvation Mountain.
Along the way, you will explore a lake created by a human-made natural disaster, which became a hip resort, and is now faded and sad.
Finally, your day trip from Palm Springs culminates in the California desert where a single man built his inspired, unique artistic vision.
Plan Your Palm Springs Day Trip
Before you start: This is a long day with few amenities along the way. Please pack lunch, some water, and start with a full tank of gas. And don’t forget a sun hat.
First stop: Dates for Your Day Trip
On the way out of Palm Springs, in Indio, you should stop by the Shields Date Garden for a true mid-century tourist experience. Where else can you see a film called “The Romance and Sex Life of the Date?” For date lovers, there are two important words: Date Shakes. And, while we are on the subject of salvation, you can visit their biblical garden walk.
Second Stop: The Salton Sea
The Salton Sea is California’s largest body of water. It is an inland salt water sea created by accident. Not only is it fascinating to view, it also serves as a cautionary ecological tale.
As such, it has a very interesting history. The sea was created by an accident when a canal was dredged in 1900. In 1905 the Colorado River flooded and created the Salton Sea.
In the fifties and sixties it became a thriving resort community, but now it is rarely visited except for bird-watchers and those who like to view the old and odd. Back in the day, it was popular destination for Rat Pack types and their followers. You can still see many abandoned resorts, restaurants, and gas stations.
What happened to the Salton Sea? It is a terminal lake, meaning water does not flow out of it. Most of its current water comes from agricultural runoff filled with fertilizers. This causes algal blooms which in turn provoke fish die-offs. In recent years, primarily only tilapia seem to survive, and the shores often littered with their carcasses.
On the plus side, it is a huge habitat for migratory birds. In fact, the Audubon Society has a fascinating post where you can learn more.
The state of California now has a project to restore it.
Prepare yourself for interesting odors coming from the persistent fish die-off. Of course, this is a big reason why it is no longer a popular resort area.
There is an interesting state park visitor center and recreation area.
Fans of modernist architecture should take note that the remains of the Albert Frey designed Salton Sea North Shore Yacht Club are still visible in the town just north of the park. Once filled with the Rat Pack and their hangers-on, who visited the area from their mansions in Palm Springs, it fell into serious disrepair. It was restored to some degree in 2010.
Important tip: The park is the best place on the whole trip for a restroom break.
Third Stop: Bombay Beach
Next on the day trip is Bombay Beach. In the fifties it was deluxe resort area, frequented by the likes of Frank Sinatra and his friends. By the seventies it was all but defunct.
However, Bombay Beach is experiencing a small resurgence as an artist and outsider colony. Many call it a living ghost town as there are people living in rusted trailers and broken down buildings.
It is fascinating drive around the area as many residents have put up their own artistic decorations. Don’t expect tourist amenities. There is no gas station and one bar-restaurant which may or may not be open.
Fourth Stop: Salvation Mountain
The main event is Salvation Mountain. Now run by a trust, it is all the work of one man, Leonard Knight, who spent 28 years building the site. Visit their website for opening information. You will be asked to make a donation to the trust when you visit.
When you arrive, the obvious sight is the mountain itself, a riot of color and religious messages. Several painted vehicles are nearby.
Take some time and meander as there is more to see. For example, there is this interesting grotto.
There is even a Wizard of Oz themed section. Yes-there is a yellow brick road! Well, it’s yellow, anyway.
Fun fact: A scene in the movie Into the Wild was filmed at the site. You can view the clip here.
How Can You Not Visit East Jesus and Slab City?
Just a few miles from Salvation Mountain you can check out East Jesus and Slab City, two outsider art towns if ever there were.
Intriguing off-the-beaten-path is East Jesus, where the centerpiece is an expansive, year-round outdoor art exhibit. This is no ordinary display; you can marvel at a backdrop of shattered televisions, each emblazoned with thought-provoking inscriptions, and a car bizarrely festooned with doll heads, among other eclectic curios. But don’t stop there. The air of eccentricity, and unity is captivating in this unusual enclave. Definitely worth a short visit if you enjoy outsider art or the eccentric.
Homeward Bound to Palm Springs
Heading back to Palm Springs, the nearby town of Niland is your best bet for gas. And, if you have time, try to find the Niland mud pots. We probably should not say so, but we snuck in.
We share our favorite travel secrets and tips every week. You can see them all here.
