As you drive through the desert south of Las Vegas, you may be surprised to see a vibrant pop of color in an otherwise dull landscape. No, your mind is not playing tricks on you. That’s no mirage, that’s Ugo Rondinone’s Seven Magic Mountains.
Ugo Rondinone created Seven Magic Mountains as a way to challenge visitors to contemplate the desert space and its history of human intervention. You’ll find this unique art installation just south of Sin City, making it an easy stop when traveling to or through Las Vegas.
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What are the Seven Magic Mountains?
Seven Magic Mountains is a public art display created by Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone. Well-known for his 2013 stone sculptures in New York City, Human Nature, Rondinone’s work is extensive and contains highly acclaimed public artworks. His Las Vegas installation consists of seven stone totems ranging from 30-35 feet and made from locally sourced boulders of differing shapes and colors.
How to get to the Seven Magic Mountains
You’ll find Seven Magic Mountains just off South Las Vegas Blvd. It is not accessible by public transportation, and I’ve read that using a rideshare platform to get there can be expensive (and I’d question how convenient it is to get a return trip). If you do not have a vehicle, consider renting one for the day. There are several rental options from the Las Vegas strip, and you could use your day with a car to explore other areas outside of the city (like Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Hoover Dam, or Valley of Fire). If you’re only interested in a quick trip to see the Seven Magic Mountains, consider a car-share company like Zipcar which offers an hourly rental option. You will need to register and pay a small monthly fee in addition to the cost per hour; however, Zipcar’s site indicates the monthly fee is under $10, and hourly car rentals start as low as $7.50. Just remember to cancel your membership after your trip so you’re not charged the next month!
When driving from the Las Vegas strip, you’ll head south on I-15/South Las Vegas Boulevard. It’s about a 25-minute drive. Just type Seven Magic Mountains into the search bar of your GPS and hit the road. The colorful boulders are visible from the highway – you can’t miss them!
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How much does the Seven Magic Mountains Cost?
Good news budget-friendly travelers, this public work of art is free. In addition to no entrance fees, you can also park at no cost. A short path to the colorful boulders begins at the parking lot. Please note, parking anywhere besides the designated parking lot is discouraged.
While there are no tour guides or employees on-site to discuss the artwork, there is an option for a free guide-by-cell. If this is something you’re interested in, dial 702-381-5182 from your cell phone and follow the prompts for the guide. Cell guides are available in English and Spanish.
Who should visit the Seven Magic Mountains?
Everyone! The whole family can enjoy the Seven Magic Mountains. Those with an appreciation for the type of art you can’t find in a traditional museum and people who enjoy experimenting with photography will especially enjoy this stop.
When will the Seven Magic Mountains end?
When the attraction opened in 2016, it was only intended to be on display for two years. Luckily for us, and a testament to how wildly popular it became, the Bureau of Land Management granted a permit extension for the land, and the installation isn’t going anywhere until the end of 2021. That might seem like a lot of time, but we all know how time flies. If visiting this site is on your travel must-do list, don’t drag your feet. The exhibit temporarily closed in 2019 for a touch-up, so it’s fresh and ready for you!
What to know before visiting the Seven Magic Mountains
There are a handful of things to be mindful of when planning your visit to the Seven Magic Mountains.
Seven Magic Mountains are in the desert, so prepare for desert-like conditions. This means sunscreen, hats, and water. I had never been more thankful for my sunglasses. They not only shielded the sun but protected my eyes from the sand and dirt being blown around in the wind. Do yourself a favor and leave your favorite pair in the car; no one wants their expensive sunglasses blasted by sand!
Stick to the path. There is a clear path from the parking lot to the stones. A plaque near the parking lot provides information on the Seven Magic Mountains, as well as the surrounding ecosystem. The installation is located on public lands, and for the sake of preserving plants and wildlife, officials request that all guest stick to the designated areas.
There isn’t much near the Seven Magic Mountains, so plan your meals accordingly. This was my first stop after landing at Las Vegas International Airport, and I opted to eat in the airport terminal so I could head straight there after picking up the rental car. [TIP: if you’re eating at the airport, be sure to do so before you exit for baggage claim. Your only option at baggage claim is Starbucks!]
Don’t expect any facilities. That’s right, no gift shops, no visitor center, and, most importantly, no restrooms.
Do your part. If you bring it in, take it out. This includes trash and pet waste. These actions will help protect the land and wildlife, and ensure an enjoyable experience for future visitors.
Seven Magic Mountains: Is it worth a visit?
The main question I’ve received from people heading to Las Vegas is if it is worth a stop. For me, that’s an easy Y-E-S. Before my visit, I read that due to its popularity, it tends to draw a crowd. I arrived around noon on a Tuesday to a group of about 25 people. Within 10 minutes, the crowd had dispersed, and only a few of us remained. Can I promise that this will be the case when you visit? Not at all. I would be willing to bet that noon on a Saturday looks much different than noon on a Tuesday. But do not let that deter you from adding this to your must-do list! Seven Magic Mountains aren’t your typical art scene, and it will not eat up a large chunk of your time. The colors really pop along the desert background, and if you’re into photography, this is definitely a stop for you.
Now that you have everything you need to know about how to visit the Seven Magic Mountains, it’s time to start planning your trip! Not sure where to start? I can help with that, let’s chat!
Is Seven Magic Mountains on your travel list? Let me know in the comments below!
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