Finding Salvation

Some objects materialize out of no where and they turn out to be some amazing adventures.

Driving to Salvation Mountain was one of these situations. Google maps can help you get somewhere, but when it said we were five minutes away from salvation and I couldn't see any mountain I had pretty much decided I had driven three hours to the middle of no where.

My designated adventure buddy – my boyfriend – was just as confused while we were driving through these quirky neighborhoods. It felt like a small section of humanity was scattered into a rural community.



Then, a mountain rose from the horizon. We couldn't believe it! We had found Salvation, in the middle of no where.

The bright colored paint gave away its location, glinting in the bright sun. Visitors can park along the side of the road and walk up to it.

Before reaching the mountain, there are motor vehicles strewn about in front. They look completely broken down, but they have been painted and decorated.

They were transformed into beautiful pieces of ancient looking art. Some look like they may have been used as homes. The imagination could run wild here, looking at all these items almost seemingly from a different century.



As you walk past these artifacts, you come up to the base of the mountain. It is a sight to behold, so I took my time standing there to really grasp everything I was looking at.

The awe and emotion of the place captured my attention. The huge heart under the cross was so striking. All of the white, yellow, green, pink, blue and red stood out against the landscape. This huge mound was turned into this awe inspiring piece of artwork.

The painting and mass of work put into this landmark led me to think that a group of missionaries had come and created it. However, there is a little plaque telling the story of one man who made this masterpiece.

Leonard Knight was man who found religion, but who wanted to simplify it. He traveled across the U.S. to settle here in Niland, at Salvation Mountain. He built it using only materials that he could find in his environment. He worked on it for 30 years without electricity or running water. This man must have been passionate and devoted to create this alone because he wanted people to hear his simple statement, "God is love."

This is a testament to what people can really create and how it can make a difference. I stood in front of Salvation Mountain and felt incredibly touched. You can appreciate the artistry, devotion and love that went into this creation.

My father is an artist, and I wish he could've been there with me. Next time he comes to San Diego, I am definitely taking him there.