Can Salvation Mountain Be Saved?

It took artist Leonard Knight almost 30 years to build a mountain out of adobe and paint in the middle of the Imperial Valley desert. It's called Salvation Mountain and it draws thousands of tourists to the area. KPBS arts reporter Angela Carone finds out why a monument to religious salvation, now needs its own savior.

[@TheCommUNITYServiceGuy]

Salvation Mountain is both a work of art and a national treasure. I have been there some 10 times and met people from all over the world. I was there just last week and when I left some 20 cars were in the lot. People love this place and Leonard Knight is a living example of what true passion and calling can produce. I have learned many positive things from Leonard and pray God's will be done in his life and the life of the mountain.

[@jackmehoff6302]

i was so close to this place in 2008. problem is i didnt know it existed at the time. 20 more miles and i could have met Mr. Leonard Knight. He seemed like a real genuine person

[@JayV30]

This needs to be preserved! It is an amazing place that really deserves more recognition and perhaps a wealthy benefactor who might create a trust for its upkeep.

[@arlsant]

Salvation Mountain maybe built upon the sands but Leonard Knight and The Message is built upon The Rock.

[@jerryjb]

They found a guy to live there and take care of the place in case you're wondering

[@lindy2]

Yes and he does an amazing job.

[@48HALFHOURS]

There is nothing mythical about LOVE. God is Love. From obscurity to globalization the message stayed simple... God is Love.

[@sdwhitesox8039]

I wish people like this would live forever

[@tayloralesia96]

Was that girl seriously posing in lingerie in front of a prayer? 0:46

[@U.S.SlaveOfficial]

tayloralesia could have done it nude and been fine. only a perverted mind would question such a beautiful woman posing with inspirational text

[@Raiqun906]

@Defnitly One 😭😭😭😭😂😂😂😂

[@leianea3342]

When I was little I would always go to salvation mountain. Much love and memories for the mountain, I would hate to see It go. My families been going to salvation mountain for years and we love it there. Niland is a place I feel comfortable and I would live there if I could. I have family over there. That’s my place💿

[@elysemf8506]

I just remembered that salvation mountain is the where kesha's music video Praying.

[@aridan9023]

That's my uncle and my passion I want to live there

[@UberPilot]

Leonard is?

[@jifyfish]

Saw this in the movie into the wild.

[@jonmacdonald5345]

That movie sucked donkey!

[@barbarahorn7748]

It is not the same place without Leonard. The caretakers use it as a cash cow for monetary donations and are not really keeping up on it. The last time I was there was in 2020, it was not in great shape and I have heard it has gotten worse. The large room has again fallen in.

[@robertgift]

How fun and colorful and unique! Sad that such effort is expended on myth. What did Leonard do for a living that he could buy paint? Ever married? Children?

[@Linescrew1Canada]

The 200,000 gallons of paint were donated.

[@goober3463]

Still there, at least until the gruberment sells the property when developing urban sprawls farther.

[@moonbeamsnsage]

R.eset I.n P.eace........

[@SixSpeedShorty]

did they find a caretaker?...i would so totally love to do this...

[@jonmacdonald5345]

Yeah some fat lady that sits out there and yells at people!

[@1dot1dash]

Who's the girl defiling herself in front of The Lord's Prayer?

[@48HALFHOURS]

Salvation Mountain by Leonard Knight (81 years old 2012). Leonard will finally be able to see his work of art after his two separate eye operations this April 2013. He has not 'really' seen the "mountain" in many years. His vision has been blurred for a very, very long time. The good news is that he will be visiting Salvation Mountain on MAY 19, 2013 SUNDAY! So those who would like to celebrate, May 19th, with us COME on out to SALVATION MOUNTAIN :-)

[@DanaBidlake]

The whole Salton sea can be revived and the slabs preserved for snow show birdies

[@maxinerhynes2183]

Salvation mountain is public domaine in case the military wants to regained the use of it

[@TheJordanb98]

This is on GTA V

[@joshvan2923]

Slab city reminds me of Fallout

[@jamiep7322]

awww I want to meet him I hope he's still alive

[@slothdrop2928]

Jamie P he's not😳

[@TonysLawnCare215]

This needs to be gated to protect this historic land mark CAN NOT CLIMB ON THIS MOUNTAIN ANYMORE

[@Ganjamon356]

all of this was in gta 5

[@WitchKing-Of-Angmar]

Never thought I'd use the words "a mountain of manipulation and legend worthy dedication" in one sentence for a name. It is very.....uh...existent and...very........ playdough nightmare color hill filled to the brim with various implements of vile and..creative graffiti and molded letterings like a picturesque scrap book for a church of Jesus Christ. Very....very....ya

[@danycontreras4145]

Gta 5

[@WestbustahSaucedo]

stfu noob, go back and play ur videogames

[@mikestrimbu1071]

Maybe the Salvation Army could take it over...just sayin'

[@forgiveness2670]

Girl at 0:43-00:47 is very disrespectful.

[@kinniwright1642]

She is not from there. They are shooting a video. Many bands, models and documentaries are filmed out there.

[@Linescrew1Canada]

God: "Why did you paint my dirt?" Knight: "Cuz you're love!" God: "I love my dirt the color I made it! Knight: "God you must be stupid and color blind!" God: "You're right, I'm wrong". Amen.

[@artsytyger3222]

That entire place is disgusting. They should raze it all.

[@jonmacdonald5345]

@Jarihely and Jurieth Alvarado Because all those people are living rent free In their head that's why!

[@TheJordanb98]

This is on GTA V

[@Linescrew1Canada]

God: "Why did you paint my dirt?" Knight: "Cuz you're love!" God: "I love my dirt the color I made it! Knight: "God you must be stupid and color blind!" God: "You're right, I'm wrong". Amen.