Seeking Salvation: A journey to the top of Salvation Mountain

People from all around the world have been visiting Salvation Mountain, a monument near the outskirts of Slab City, California, that highlights colorful messages of love and unity.

According to Salvation Mountain caretaker, Ron Malinowski, the creator had one purpose in mind when he built the monument in 1984.

“Leonard Knight,” Malinowski said. “That’s the man who created this. And he spent 28 years creating all of this.”

Malinowski said he has been preserving the mountain for nearly 3 years.

“I fixed the yellow brick road four times now,” Malinowski said. “You know, like rebuilt, rebuilt. And I keep rebuilding it, Leonard wanted everyone on it, I want them on it too.”

During his time onsite, Malinowski said he’s enjoyed interacting with visitors from all over the world the most.

“The visitors, everybody comes out with a different stroy,” Malinowski said. “A different smile, doing different things. To me that’s the real art to me right now.”

Moreover, Malinowski said Knight wanted to monument to be a location full of unity, diversity, kindness and love.

Malinowski said. What I tell everybody is to be kind and useful, because that’s basically what I’m doing here.” “Just read it, love,”

Malinowski said all are welcome to visit. Salvation Mountain is free to the public and everyone is welcome to visit.

“People in the world deserve this wonderful place,” Malinowski said. “Someone like Leonard who gave all those years, deserve someone like [that.]”