How to Visit the Seven Magic Mountains
You’ve probably seen them all over Instagram – those seven colorful rock columns out in the Nevada desert. But, what Instagram doesn’t tell you is actually HOW to visit the Seven Magic Mountains. In this post, I’ll tell you exactly what the Seven Magic Mountains are, how to get to the Seven Magic Mountains, whether or not there is a cost to visit the Seven Magic Mountains, and the ideal time of day to visit the Seven Magic Mountains.
If you’re spending a few days in Las Vegas, feel free to also check out my guide to the best Instagram spots in Las Vegas, my detailed guide to visiting the Neon Museum, and my review of the most Instagrammable hotel in Vegas.
Ok, now let’s talk about how to visit the Seven Magic Mountains!
What are the Seven Magic Mountains?
The Seven Magic Mountains are a large-scale public art installation by Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone. The installation consists of seven (duh!) colorful rock columns that are between 30-35 feet high. The rocks were locally sourced and painted for the exhibit. Apparently, the exhibit cost about $3.5 million to create and install. That’s a lot of rocks and paint!!
The Seven Magic Mountains are a joyful escape in the desert, but according to the Seven Magic Mountains’ website, are also a powerful critique of destinations like Las Vegas. They combine the natural – the desert backdrop – and the artificial – the location of the installation on a busy road between Los Angeles and Las Vegas.
The Seven Magic Mountains exhibit is produced by the Art Production Fund, New York and the Nevada Museum of Art, Reno.
How Long are the Seven Magic Mountains on Display?
The Seven Magic Mountains are on display until the end of 2021. The installation was originally slated to be removed in 2018. But due to its popularity, it’s been extended through 2021. Will this popular exhibit’s run be extended again past 2021? Only time will tell. So if you’re thinking of visiting the Seven Magic Mountains, it’s better to do it sooner rather than later!
Where are the Seven Magic Mountains?
The Seven Magic Mountains are located in the desert about 20 miles south of the Las Vegas Strip. The installation was erected on public lands. The Seven Magic Mountains are located close to a main highway, but otherwise there is not much else around.
To reach the Seven Magic Mountains from Las Vegas, take I-15 S to Sloan Road and take exit 25. Turn left to Las Vegas Boulevard. Drive about 7 miles south on Las Vegas Boulevard and you will see the installation on your left hand side.
Facilities + Site Rules
There are no restrooms or facilities available on site. So, come prepared with your own water bottles and snacks. But PLEASE make sure to clean up after yourselves and leave no trace of your visit. Camping overnight is not allowed.
Your furry friends (pets) can come with you, but please pick up after them since the site is not staffed.
Nevada can be extremely dry, hot and sunny, so don’t forget to bring sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat! And watch where you are walking – it’s totally possible to see wildlife on or near the unpaved paths. Including snakes! The exhibit IS located in the desert, after all.
Commercial photography at the site is strictly prohibited. Although tripods and lighting equipment are also prohibited, we didn’t see any staff onsite that would stop an uninformed person from using their tripod.
Getting to the Seven Magic Mountains + Parking
The only way to reach the Seven Magic Mountains is by driving. There is no public transport available to the site. You can either rent a car to make the half hour drive from the Las Vegas strip, or take an Uber or Lyft. A free parking lot is available onsite . We rented a car for the day, drove to the Seven Magic Mountains, and then explored Valley of Fire State Park in the afternoon.
Cost to Visit the Seven Magic Mountains
It is absolutely free to visit the Seven Magic Mountains. That’s right, there is NO admission fee or cost to enter and view the installation.
Hours + Best Time of Day to Visit
The Seven Magic Mountains are located outdoors on public lands. Since there is no staff onsite, you can visit any time. However, the website for the Seven Magic Mountains notes that preferred visiting hours are between sunrise and sunset.
The Seven Magic Mountains are best viewed in the morning. This is for two reasons. First, the colors will appear more vibrant if the overhead sun isn’t too strong. If you midday, the Las Vegas sun can be blinding! Second, if you go early in the morning, you can see the exhibit with fewer crowds. If you can go on a weekday, even better.
We visited the Seven Magic Mountains midweek at about 8 AM. There was only one other person onsite. So, it was peaceful and really allowed us to enjoy the installation. At about 9 AM, a tour bus pulled up. So, we were glad to have visited early.
I hope this post has told you everything you need to know about how to visit the Seven Magic Mountains. If you’re a modern art fan like me, visiting the Seven Magic Mountains is an experience that you shouldn’t miss. And if you’ve already been, let me know in the comments!
xx
Vicki
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Thanks for the info! I definitely hope to get out to this area sometime soon and will be looking for things to do.