In the scorching Sonoran Desert, miles from civilization, lies a makeshift community of people who live off the grid. Slab City is actually not a real city but is an unincorporated community in the state of California and is just 190 miles southeast of Los Angeles. This place invited freedom seekers to leave the noisy cities to live in solitude, far from the prying eyes and traditional norms of the dominant society. The area was once a World War II training camp known as Camp Dunlap. The camp was then abandoned with concrete slabs, which later became the foundations of Slab City.
Soon homeless people, survivors, snowbirds and artists came here to live as squatters. They built makeshift “houses” out of old school buses, tents or broken down trailers. Some live in decent motorhomes with solar panels. Its year-round population is 150, but during the winter months the number jumps to 4000. There are many interesting things to learn about this place; for example, it’s commonly dubbed the “last lawless place” and its residents live in a cashless community where they barter and sometimes hold balls.
Off-Grid Communities in Slab City
Slab City California
Besides the fact that Slab City is a haven for peace lovers, the off-grid community has its own challenges with no electricity or running water. There are no sewers, garbage collection, or even law enforcement, although there are occasional police patrols in the area. The other difficult factor for its residents is the high temperature, which can soar up to 120 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer. Despite these drawbacks, many people live here for its simple philosophy of life. The place has developed many small communities equipped with a few amenities, including a library and Airbnb.
City slab
Those looking to experience Slab City with decent comfort can visit California Ponderosa, which is a particular neighborhood in the region. The neighborhood is tucked away on the outskirts of town and is ruled by Spyder, a white-bearded man. He lives with his wife and children. Spyder built his camp out of plywood, wooden pallets, sheet metal, and other materials. There is a makeshift kitchen, lounge and bar. It charges $125 per person for a month in exchange for daily breakfast and dinner.
Off-Grid Slab City
Another neighborhood to check out when visiting Slab City is East Jesus, which is located on the northern perimeter of the city. Take the dirt road that leads to the art commune, a decent camp similar to those in other neighborhoods. What makes this neighborhood different is the fact that the camp is on land purchased from a local non-profit organization, the Chasterus Foundation, since 2016. The place consists of temporary trailers for a small group of residents and an art museum. , which is the highlight. The art museum is open to the public all year round. It’s adorned with quirky art installations made from repurposed trash, including broken TVs and doll heads.
Landmark: Salvation Mountain, Leonard Knight
Community of Slab City in California
Slab City gained its popularity thanks to its iconic landmark, known as Salvation Mountain, which has been featured in the media, including Sean Penn’s “Into the Wild” movie. Nestled at the entrance to the city, the Montagne du Salut is a famous tourist attraction that attracts around ten tourists daily. The attraction is a technicolor art project created by Leonard Knighta veteran born in Vermont.
Knight was inspired by a hot air balloon and wanted to paint the sinner’s prayer, “God is love”. In 1984, he discovered Slab City and decided to create a small concrete monument and paint it with the message of unconditional love.
He then created a second one, which is the current Mountain of Salvation. He was inspired by the Navajo Indians who settled in the area near the structure. Through trial and error, he began to use materials, such as adobe mixed with straw, that had been given to him. From these he made a domed structure adorned with vivid paintings (which were donated). The Mountain of Salvation is 50 feet high and 150 feet wide; it was built entirely by hand with the help of his friend Bill Ammon (Builder Bill).
Upon completion of his project, Leonard Knight received recognition from the Folk Art Society of America for his excellent work. Senator Barbara Boxer of California called Salvation Mountain a national treasure. Since then, Knight has welcomed many tourists and organized free tours.
In 2011, Knight was placed in a care facility in El Cajon for dementiaand he died in February 2014. His last visit to Salvation Mountain was in 2013.
How safe is Slab City?
Slab City is generally safe as long as visitors remain respectful of residents. Visitors should normally be in the designated movement areas. As an extra precaution, it is best to avoid the area at night. Despite the fact that the place has no rules, it is sometimes visited by local policemen.
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