Seven Magic Mountains: The Ultimate Guide
Just outside of Las Vegas, the Seven Magic Mountains tower above the desert floor against the backdrop of the McCullough and Goodsprings Mountains.
Created by Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone the public art exhibit features seven thirty to thirty-five foot pillars of boldly colored boulders.
The exhibit unveiled in May 2016 was intended as a two-year public art project. But the popularity of the unique, unforgettable towers of vibrant color, persuaded the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to extend the permit through the end of 2021.
Seven Magic Mountains is an easy day trip from Las Vegas, family-friendly, pet-friendly, and Instagram worthy.
It's also one of the best free things to do in Las Vegas.
Seven Magic Mountains Cost
Seven Magic Mountains is free and open 24 hours a day.
Pro-tip: You can listen to the free audio guide, available in English and Spanish, by calling 702-381-5182.
Parking at Seven Magic Mountains
Parking at Seven Magic Mountains is free. The parking lot is fairly large but it can get crowded during peak season. If you can't find a spot, don't park on the street because it's not safe. Semitrucks travel that two-lane road. Better to wait until someone leaves and then take their spot vs chancing getting hit.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Seven Magic Mountains is early in the morning if you want to avoid crowds. If you want rich vibrant photos, visit in the late afternoon. And if you want the 7 Magic Mountains all to yourself plan your trip for early in the morning on a weekday in the off-season.
What to Know Before You Visit
There are no bathrooms or any type of services. The closest restrooms are 5 miles away in Jean, Nevada.
Flash floods and monsoons are possible from June to September so check the weather report before you visit.
Although the exhibit is open 24 hours a day, camping is not allowed.
Seven Magic Mountains is in the desert and there isn't any shade. No trees, no large bushes. The only shade you get is what's cast from the sculptures.
The sculptures are 100 yards or so, several minutes' walk from the parking lot.
Pro-tip: Watch out for rattlesnakes.
What to Bring to Seven Magic Mountains
Be sure to include these items when you're packing for your trip to Las Vegas.
Sunscreen & Hat
Be sure to wear and bring sunscreen and a hat or some type of covering for your head. The desert sun is brutal.
Water
You should bring plenty of water. The desert is dry and it gets very hot especially during the summer.
Camera or Phone
Whether or not you have an Instagram account, you'll want to take a few photos so bring a camera or phone.
Professional photography gear such as tripods, external light sources, etc. aren't allowed. Photography can only be taken for personal use.
Directions to Seven Magic Mountains
Here's how to get to Seven Magic Mountains.
If you're coming from San Diego or Los Angeles, take the 1-15 North to Jean, Nevada, exit 12. Turn right on Nevada 161 toward Las Vegas Boulevard. Then drive about 5 miles and the Seven Magic Mountains will be on your right.
If you're coming from Las Vegas, take the I-15 South to Sloan Road, exit 25. You'll turn left on Las Vegas Boulevard and drive about 7 miles. The sculpture is on the left side of the road.
Conclusion
Just outside of Las Vegas, Seven Magic Mountains is an easy day trip from Las Vegas, family-friendly, and Instagram worthy. It's also one of the best free things to do in Las Vegas.
The seven brightly colored stacked boulder towers are free to visit and open 24 hours a day. When planning your trip, be sure to bring water, sunscreen, and a hat.
Have you visited the Seven Magic Mountains?
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How pretty! I have heard of this place before, but I haven't been yet. I need to get there.
Seven magic mountains sound like an amazing place to explore.
I'm a Las Vegas native and I've been to Seven Magic Mountains a few times. It's a fun little roadside attraction and makes for some cool photos for sure!
Wow, this place is so amazing and it looks very refreshing for me to visit a beautiful and relaxing place like this.
Oh wow! I would love to visit here soon! M<y wife will surely love to see those Seven Magic Mountains.
This place is so nice, thanks for the detailed guide. I'll keep these in mind.
What a cool place! I have seen this on social media before, and I think my friend has been there. It would be really cool to check this out in person.
This trip sounds very interesting! I think that my family will love it!
I have seen these 'seven magic mountains' in photos etc and kinda haven't got round to researching about them until I read this post. I thought there would be an amazing story behind them but its just an art display. he he. However, I would totally go if they are still there after 2021. They look so colourful in the daylight so I can see why people come here, for a good photo. I also thought they be in the middle of NV or AZ but they are so close to Las Vegas. So easy to hit up. Really hope the permit gets extended beyond this year as I hope to be in USA next year after Covid-madness.
I've seen photos of that place many times and I really like how colorful that place is. I'd love to go one day.
I've never heard of this place before. Might have to take a look the next time we go to Vegas. I'd love to go again.
I have been to Seven Magic Mountains, it is a great spot to pull off the freeway and stretch your legs when driving to Las Vegas from Southern California. I never understood why Seven Magic Mountains was only to be a 2-year project and hope they continue to extend the installation. Great to know there is a free audio guide, I will be sure to listen next time I drive through the area.
I’ve seen plenty of photos of Seven Magic Mountains, but I’ve never been. It looks wonderful, and I hope to see it one day.
That looks like an awesome place to visit. I will definitely have to check in to it. I think this would be great for my family.
Not been to Vegas yet, worried I’d lose all my money so delighted to hear there are cool free things to do in the vicinity. I live on a small island so it sounds really funny to read the nearest toilets are five miles away. Didn’t realise that area is prone to flash flooding, interesting!
Thanks so much for sharing this guide. I can’t wait to visit.
I loved visiting there, we went early in the morning so it wasn't too crowded and we were able to get cute pictures
I am kicking myself because I flew through Las Vegas and spent one night there about a month ago, and completely forgot about these magic mountains! I love the colors and the stunning photo opportunities. Next time I'm out west I definitely won't forget!
The last time I was in Las Vegas the Seven Magic Mountains didn't exist. That's too bad, because I would have enjoyed photographing those colorful rocks, but at least now I know about this place. Good to know there are no restroom facilities around. This is a pretty open place, so you definitely have nowhere to hide if nature calls, lol!
OMG, the irony.................... Two things:) 1. I have included Seven Magic Mountains in a Vegas round-up that I wrote. 2. I am going to Vegas for my 7th time in May and Seven Magic Mountains is on my must-see 🙂 Lastly, this display was originally meant to end in 2018/2019 and they got an extension through the year-end of 2021. Thank goodness for me, I can't wait to see it. I just hope that it eventually gets granted permanency 🙂 Nikki
A total WOW! Seven Magic Mountains is in my bucket list and I hope we can visit really soon.
It has been quite awhile since our last visit to Vegas. But if we head back, we would certainly want to visit the Seven Magic Mountains. We would definitely head out in the morning to avoid the crowds. What a fun display!