There is something undeniably charming about the Salton Sea and its surroundings. It's not a typical travel destination. Most people wouldn't find this area no where near to be aesthetically pleasing. But surprisingly this Imperial County locale has been featured in countless documentaries and music videos.
Many are intimidated by the unwelcoming looking mobile homes. However, the quirky people who have lived here for decades are some of the nicest people you'll ever meet.
This was my second trip here. I'm lured to it's simplicity, quirkiness and genuineness.
The drive from Orange County is about 2.5 hours.
Itinerary
- 1st stop: North Shore Yacht Club. It's actually a community center where the public is invited to inquire about the Salton Sea's history. This place used to be an upscale yacht club, but then was abandoned, and finally renovated by Riverside County
- 2nd stop: Bombay Beach. Remnants of unidentifiable structures on the beach shore were devastated by floods. Looks like the result of an apocalypse or a zombie takeover.
- 3rd stop: Ski Inn Bar. It's the only bar in the neighborhood unless you count the American Legion Club. It's one of the most charming dive bars.
- 4th stop: Slab City. Follow the road through the Niland neighborhood and pass some kind of utility plant. This is the creation of Leonard Knight to show his religious devotion.
- 5th stop: The Range. It's a concert venue for the "off-the-grid" residents and snow birds of Slab City. Everything from the seating, lighting, and toilet are scavenged.
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| Bombay Beach, a post-apocalyptic wonderland |
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| More of Bombay Beach's shore |
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| Steve is a bartender/cook at the famous Ski Inn |
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| Salvation Mountain |
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| Inside one of the chapels of Salvation Mountain |
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| Landscaping work in Slab City |
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| Bombay Beach |
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| Posing in front of the manger |
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| The Range is the scavenged concert venue of Slab City |
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