Who knew we’d find the rainbows in the vast brown of the Mojave desert on our way to Vegas? We didn’t expect it, but when we saw these colorful stack of rocks on the side of the road, we made a road trip pit stop to curb our interest! We found ourselves, along with other fellow travelers, parking on the side of the road to check out these neat sculptures known as, the Seven Magic Mountains.
What are the Seven Magic Mountains?
The Seven Magic Mountains are seven towers of colorful, stacked boulders. These sculptures, all in different, bright colors stand more than thirty feet high. It’s a site specific, large scale, public art display that opened in May 2016 and the work of world renowned Swiss international artist, Ugo Rondinone. According to the artist, the chosen “location is physically and symbolically mid-way between the natural and the artificial: the natural is expressed by the mountain ranges, desert, and Jean Dry Lake backdrop, and the artificial is expressed by the highway and the constant flow of traffic between Los Angeles and Las Vegas.” Originally, it was set as a two year art project display in the desert, but with its popularity among travelers, the artist wanted to keep the structure for the viewing pleasure of many for the time being.
Where Can I Find These Magical Mountains?
Seven Magic Mountains is located along Interstate 15, approximately 10 miles south of Las Vegas, Nevada.
From Las Vegas: Follow I-15 S to Sloan Rd (exit 25). Turn left (east) to Las Vegas Boulevard. Drive approximately 7 miles south on Las Vegas Blvd. and the artwork will appear on your left (east).
From Los Angeles: Drive north on I-15 to Jean, NV (exit 12). Turn right (east) on NV-161 toward Las Vegas Blvd. Drive approximately 5 miles north on Las Vegas Blvd. and the artwork will appear on your right (east).
There is a small parking lot off of Las Vegas Boulevard South and then you will follow the trail to the art display. Parking is FREE.
Here is the google map: https://goo.gl/maps/CMDeFuv5hfxAC3Dr6
Why Visit?
It’s a fun little stop if you are on your way to California, Las Vegas, or simply just driving along the Mojave on a USA Road trip adventure and happen upon seeing these colorful boulders along the skyline of the Mojave, brown desert. I have a unicorn, rainbow loving child, so when we saw this as we were driving along the interstate, I wanted to stop by so my inner child in me and my unicorn loving daughter could enjoy this neat exhibit that you wouldn’t expect to see in the desert. It’s also not far from Las Vegas, so it’s easily a quick stopover. Plus, it’s a neat place for some instagram photo ops!
Helpful Tips:
- Seven Magic Mountains outdoor exhibit is open to the public 24/7
- (Update 01/2021) Corona Rules: Seven Magic Mountains remains open to the public, but please caution and exercise social distancing and other health practices. It is encouraged to avoid visiting at this time.
- There is no admission fee. It is FREE to the public to visit this exhibit
- Wear sunscreen, hat, and other protective clothing since the exhibit is outdoors in the desert. Bring water and other nourishments during your visits since it is in the middle of the desert.
- There is no public restroom. According to the website: The nearest restrooms are approximately five miles from the artwork, at Jean. Alternatively, businesses at the intersection of St. Rose Parkway and Las Vegas Blvd. (approximately 10 miles north of the artwork) offer public restrooms.
- Please do not leave any litter or belongings in the area.
- Pets are welcome but please pick up after them.
- More information can be found on their website here.
- *** Be sure to continue to check their website for any closure updates. The latest on their website states the exhibit was only supposed to be open for two years (since 2016) but has been extended till the end of 2021. Find it here.
I hope you found this post helpful! Be sure to make this a USA Road Trip pit stop when traveling along the Mojave desert, or if you are visiting the Las Vegas area! I’m sure it’ll make your trip to the desert a bit more colorful and fun! Until next time!
