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Slab City is a very unique, off-grid desert community located east of the Salton Sea in Southern California. This community originated in the 1960s on the site of a former Marine Corps base. It has a reputation for being a lawless area, where its residents live away from societal norms and rules. It is also known for its one-of-a-kind art scene and unique culture.
This guide will take you on a journey to discover this off-grid community and its lifestyle.
Table of Contents
Where is Slab City?
Slab City is located in the Sonoran Desert of southeastern California, USA. Specifically, it is located in Imperial County, near the town of Niland.
History of Slab City
Camp Dunlap
Slab City’s history began in the post-World War II period, when the US government was looking for ways to dispose of surplus military equipment and property. The Marine Corps established the Marine barracks, Camp Dunlap, near the Salton Sea in the Sonoran Desert in 1942. The base trained soldiers during WWII and the Korean War before being decommissioned by the Marines in 1956.
Development of Slab City
Once the base closed, the land was transferred to the state of California, but it remained unused. Gradually, RVers and other travelers discovered the area as a free camping spot. In the 1960s, a group of squatters and RVers began to occupy the area and build structures out of the concrete slabs left over from the Marine barracks. This is how the community earned its name, Slab City.
The community lacks official leadership, services and infrastructure, but it attracted people who sought freedom and self-sufficiency by living off-grid.
Over time, the community grew and more people settled in the area. They built homes and sculptures from salvaged materials, and decorated their homes and vehicles with colorful murals and graffiti.
Culture of Slab City
The culture of Slab City is unique and the main reason why people choose to visit. Numerous residences and vehicles in the region have murals and graffiti on them, and the area is littered with sculptures and installations constructed of repurposed materials. The town also organizes weekly performances at The Range, which is an outdoor stage where residents socialize.
The distinctive and unconventional attitude of the neighborhood is reflected in the art and culture of Slab City. The freedom to express oneself in any way one chooses is guaranteed for residents of Slab City. Artists do not feel restricted by societal norms to act in a certain type of way. This free-spirited way of life attracts like-minded people, which has allowed Slab City to continue to grow.
Salvation Mountain
The most popular attraction in Slab City is Salvation Mountain. This colorful art exhibit was made by Leonard Knight, a resident of the area. He began building the mountain in 1984 as a dedication to God, love, and faith. The mountain is made of adobe bricks, car parts, trash, and covered in thousands of gallons of paint. It is adorned with bright colors and religious messages.
Leonard Knight worked on Salvation Moutain for almost 30 years. He passed away in 2014, and Salvation Mountain has since been run by one of his sons.
How Tall is Salvation Mountain?
Salvation Mountain stands about 50 feet tall and 150 feet wide.
There are also a number of vehicles at the base of the mountain that are painted with various religious messages. This is one of the highlights of Slab City and definitely worth visiting!
Life in Slab City
Who Lives in Slab City?
Those who choose to live in Slab City often do so for the freedom. Some people move to Slab City because they want to freely express themselves, while some may be fugitives of the law. They do not have to worry about bills or taxes there, but they also lack the infrastructure and resources of traditional cities.
How do Residents of Slab City Survive?
Residents of Slab City have to be resourceful and innovative to survive in the harsh desert conditions. They rely on solar power, generators, and alternative forms of energy to meet their energy needs. They also grow their own food and collect rainwater for survival.
Life in Slab City is tough, but the residents generally have a positive attitude about it. They share resources, build and fix their homes with available materials, and have learned to get by with what they have. They work together to face challenges that living in the desert brings, such as dealing with extreme heat and cold.
To learn more about the life of Slab City residents, click here.
Tips for Visiting Slab City
Plan Ahead with Water, Food, Sunscreen, etc.
You will be going into a desert with no amenities, stores, etc. Bring everything you will need.
Respect the Culture
If there are signs saying no trespassing, no photos, etc., just don’t do it. If you don’t follow their rules, you might get yourself into trouble.
If Something Gives You a Bad Feeling, Avoid It
Not all the residents of Slab City are friendly, and its possible that they came to this location to avoid the law. While I am not trying to dissuade you from visiting, just like anywhere else, it is important to be smart and aware of your surroundings
Have an Open Mind
You will see a lot of weird stuff there, including sculptures, museums, artwork. But it is an interesting place to visit, and you may leave there with a different point of view on certain things.
