How to See Seven Magic Mountains near Las Vegas
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At the far southern end of Las Vegas Boulevard, placed in the Ivanpah Valley like a colorful mirage in an otherwise desolate desert, an art exhibit unlike anything else draws visitors to it like a beacon of light.
That beacon is Seven Magic Mountains, a public artwork by famed Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone. It’s a series of seven, 30-35 foot high dayglow totems comprised of painted, locally sourced boulders.
In the post below, I will cover several topics about Seven Magic Mountains, including how to get there, the parking situation, fees, the artist’s inspiration to create it, and more. Let’s get into it!
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Seven Magic Mountains Location and Parking
Contrary to popular belief, Seven Magic Mountains is not located in Las Vegas. It is, however, just an easy 25-30 drive away along Interstate 15. Coming from Vegas, you’ll take the Sloan Road exit, go left to the other side of the freeway, and turn right on Las Vegas Boulevard.
You’ll follow this road for several miles for what seems like an eternity. Eventually, Seven Magic Mountains will reveal themselves out in the distance on your left. You can’t miss them as their bright colors contrasts with the desert landscape nicely.
You’ll pull into a semi-large, dirt and gravel parking lot that’s absent of any marked parking spots. Simply use common sense when parking and try not to block anyone in. Parking and entry into the art installation is free of charge.
Furthermore, there are no restroom facilities or drinkable water at the site. Nearest restrooms are located five miles down the road in Jean, further down the freeway in Primm, or at local businesses at the intersection of St. Rose Parkway and Las Vegas Boulevard.
Welcome to Seven Magic Mountains
The first thing you’ll need to know about Seven Magic Mountains is it’s 100% sun exposed. Aside from the shadows of the pillars cast by the sun, there is no shade to speak of. If you know anything about the Las Vegas area, you’d know that isn’t ideal.
Thankfully, you can see the pillars from the parking lot and it’s just a short walk to them along an obvious unpaved path. Still, I advise checking that day’s heat advisory and avoid going if extreme heat is forecasted.
Seven Magic Mountains was meant to present a creative critique of the superficial environments of places such as Las Vegas. Its location is symbolic and deliberate, in that it’s placed between the natural and artificial.
The natural element is represented by the mountains, desert foliage, and Jean Dry Lake. Conversely, the adjacent interstate, the constant flow of traffic between Los Angeles and Las Vegas, and the near-by Vegas strip itself, represent the artificial.
It’s an open exhibit, meaning you’re permitted to wonder about at your leisure and get as close as you want. It’s ok to touch the pillars, but please refrain from vandalizing or climbing on them.
There’s been talk in recent months about putting barriers around the base of the pillars due to ongoing vandalism. Hopefully that doesn’t become a reality as their appearance of being “naturally” positioned in the desert gives it more intrigue.
Another discussion involved moving them up north to Reno due to its association with the Nevada Museum of Art, Reno. Seven Magic Mountains first opened in 2016 and was initially meant to be a temporary exhibit.
However, artist Ugo Rondinone has full authority over the artwork and decided against the move. His reasoning being the landscape in its current location represents much of the artwork’s deep meaning.
If you want to do more than just look at them, there are interpretive signs at the installation at the start of the path near the parking lot. Furthermore, there’s a free “Guide-by-Cell” option, offering a deeper look at the pillars.
Simply call 702.381.5182 and select your language of preference (currently, only English and Spanish are offered). By following the prompts you’ll learn more about the artist, the land, and the artwork.
Best Time to Visit Seven Magic Mountains
The answer to this question entirely depends on your goals and preferences. During my visit, I was here during the late morning hours (right around 10am) on a Tuesday in August. For context, it was already over 100 degrees when I got there.
As you can see in the photos in this post, there were quite a few others already there and more who showed up after me, but it wasn’t too bad. I was able to take many photographs without others in them, though it took some effort.
That said, it wasn’t ideal timing. To be honest, I was on my way to see the Bonnie and Clyde death car in Primm when I saw signage for Seven Magic Mountains. I had completely forgotten they were there and stopped on a whim.
Sunrise/Early Morning: It’s a good option for thin crowds, cool temperatures, and soft light. You’ll mostly find photographers at this time.
Midday: Harsh shadows, scorching heat, and heavy crowds. If you can help it, avoid this time of day.
Late Afternoon/Sunset: Best time to see warm, vibrant colors on the pillars. Again, this is another favorite for photographers and Instagrammers. But it could also still be too warm.
Know Before You Go
There is no shade. Be sure to wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, especially if you’re coming midday.
Open during daylight hours. The installation is open between sunrise and sunset daily.
There is no cost. Both parking and admission into the installation is free of charge. Don’t let any scammers tell you any different and don’t pay for unofficial “tours”.
Cell reception is good. I have Verizon and had no issues with connectivity there.
No bathrooms on site. You’ll need to travel further down to Jean or Primm, or closer to Vegas at one of the local businesses off the freeway.
If you’re looking for more to do after exploring Seven Magic Mountains, consider a trip to nearby Primm and checking out the Bonnie and Clyde death car! Additionally, if you’ll be in Las Vegas, here are a few recommendations:
Mob Museum (post coming soon)
*If you’ve found this post helpful, please consider leaving a tip through the “Buy me a Coffee” button below. These tips help with ongoing expenses such as parking fees, entry fees, meals, etc. Thank you!
At the far southern end of Las Vegas Boulevard, placed in the Ivanpah Valley like a colorful mirage in an otherwise desolate desert, an art exhibit…