There are many magical things to be seen in Vegas, and no I’m not talking about the neon lights, expansive billboards, and sidewalk street performers. Instead I’m talking about Seven Magic Mountains: bright pillars plopped in the middle of the barren, hot Nevada desert. Your eyes aren’t deceiving you and this isn’t a mirage. These seven neon colored pillars erected by swiss artist Ugo Rondinone are as real as the cactus and sand that surrounds them.
Just a short 30-minute drive from the Las Vegas strip will take you to this colorful rock formation that resembles a stack of children’s toys. But these rocks are anything but child’s play.
Although it may seem this project popped up overnight, these giants rocks have actually been in the works for 5 years.This art installation gives Vegas visitors some much need reprieve from the glitz and glam of the strip. Instead of donning sparkly dresses, visitors can change into their fitness garb to walk along the short, dusty trail to the seven painted rocks. Aside from the noise of cars whizzing down the I-15 in the distance, the seven magic mountains offer solace from the outside world. Visit on a weekend and you’ll be sure to encounter other curious explorers, however on weekdays, this is desert landmark is mostly deserted.
Each rock tower reaches about 30-35 feet in height and are constructed of locally-sourced limestone boulders. All together there are 33 boulders total. The placement of the rocks was pure experimentation, with Rondinone telling the Huffington Post that he began arranging them, “like you play around with Legos.” His “Legos” stacked up nicely, with quite a few different opportunities for visitors to climb atop some of the shorter rocks. Fair warning that these rocks aren’t your typical rocks, they are slippery and difficult to grasp. You may need to use your friends to help you climb atop some of them, but the pictures that can be captured are worth the effort.
While climbing is not encouraged or promoted, if you do climb these painted rocks, it is important to respect them. Do not vandalize the rocks or litter to ensure this spot stays sacred for all the other visitors to come.
This is a limited-time art installation and will be around for the next two years, so act quickly to ensure you are able to take in this beauty, before it’s too late.
Seven Magic Mountains Tips
Tip #1: There are no restroom facilities at the Seven Magic Mountains art exhibit. The nearest restrooms are about 5 miles away in Jean or 10 miles away at the intersection of St. Rose Parkway and Las Vegas Blvd.
Tip #2: This art installation is in the middle of the desert. Bring plenty of water and prepare for temperatures reaching upwards of 105° F in the summer.
Tip #3: Watch out for rattlesnakes. There are signs warning of this around the exhibit.
Tip #4: Be sensitive of the habitat surrounding you. There are endangered desert tortoises, flora, and fauna nearby.
Tip #5: A Guide-By-Cell option is averrable in English and Spanish to learn more about the artists, artwork, and land art in southern Nevada. Call 702-381-5182 for more information.
Tip #6: The path to Seven Magic Mountains is unpaved. Strollers and wheelchairs may have a hard time with access.
Driving Directions
Via Las Vegas: Take I-15 South and exit Sloan Road (exit 25). Turn left on Las Vegas Boulevard. Follow the posted signs for “Seven Magic Mountains” upon exiting the freeway. Drive approximately 10 minutes (7 miles) south of Las Vegas Blvd. and the colored rocks will appear on your left.
Via Southern California: Take I-15 North and take exit 12. Turn right on NV-161 toward Las Vegas Blvd. Drive 5 miles north on Las Vegas Blvd. and the colored rocks will appear on your right.
How to Get There After Parking
Upon parking, you will see the bright totems in the distance. Walk through the divide in the metal gate. Follow the unpaved walking path along a naturally occurring wash from the parking lot. This path will lead you directly to the sculptures. Re-trace your steps to return to your car.
Address: S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89054