What to do for free in Las Vegas? Seven Magic Mountains Nevada

Seven Magic Mountains Nevada is one of the best things to do for free in Las Vegas! My kids and I enjoyed the uniqueness of this beautiful art exhibit in the desert. It is so unexpected and so much fun.

One Spring, I took my kids to Las Vegas because we found a great deal on a condo that we could share with friends.  I was excited to take the kids somewhere new to explore but unsure what we could find in Vegas that was kid-friendly and budget-friendly. 

We found quite a few fun things that were great for families.  However, out of everything we experienced while we were there, The Seven Magic Mountains remains one of our best memories of that trip. 

Someone had suggested we check out the Seven Magic Mountains.  When I looked it up online,  it was something that piqued my interest, but the pictures on their website do not even do it justice! 

The kids and I allowed the GPS to guide us by coordinates as we drove out of town for about 20 minutes until we were just along the highway, unsure about the directions. 

Then we spotted these colorful anomalies in the distance.  As we neared, we couldn’t believe what we saw.  The spectacular artwork took our breath away.  It might have been the strange juxtaposition of the natural desert with the enormous man-made totem poles.  It might have been the thoughts of fantasy and imaginative play that the bright colors, standing 35 feet high over us, stirred in our hearts.  I am not sure what it was exactly, but we had so much fun visiting the art piece just south of Las Vegas.   

What are The Seven Magic Mountains?

The Mountains is a large-scale public art exhibit created by the world-renowned Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone.  The exhibit was designed to be temporarily on display from 2016 until 2018.  However, they have been so popular that their stay has been extended and continues to stand in 2023.  This is excellent news because you can still see them if you haven’t visited them yet!  The seven mountains are all made up of locally sourced boulders painted in bright dayglow colors and stacked in the middle of the desert, each standing 30 to 35 feet tall. 

What to expect at the Magic Mountains in Nevada?

This exhibit is completely FREE, which makes the attraction all the more enjoyable!  However, this may be why you will find no facilities or amenities at the exhibit.  It is essential to plan ahead; make sure your kids (and yourselves) use the bathroom before leaving your hotel because there is nothing within 5 miles of the location. 

Be sure to check the local weather to plan ahead and come prepared.  On a cold or windy day, the winds may be substantial.  It gets hot quickly out in the Nevada desert, and there is no shade other than what is made by the Mountains themselves. 

Wear sunscreen if you plan to be out very long, and bring a hat and sunglasses to increase your comfort level.  Bring plenty of water and other snacks if you decide to stay awhile. 

If you need an address to plug in the GPS, use this S Las Vegas Blvd Sloan, NV 89054.  Seven Magic Mountains are about 10 miles outside of Las Vegas.

This is the perfect free spot in Las Vegas for epic vacation photos and Instagram shots!

There are often many visitors during the day.  It may be hard to catch a photo opportunity without someone else in the background, but if you are patient, you might get lucky and grab the perfect shot.

Be sure to head out early or stay late to sit on a blanket and watch the sunset. The exhibit is open from sunrise to sunset, and both of these times offer the best photo opportunities due to perfect lighting. 

Educational opportunities for this free attraction.

While visiting, there is a Guide you can access through your cell phone by calling 702.381.5182 and following the prompts to learn about the artist, the artwork, and other land art in Southern Nevada.  You can also find a video that explains how the Mountains were built and various STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) lessons available HERE.  These would be great resources for homeschooling families and any parent who wishes to enrich the vacation. 

If you are in the Vegas area and want to get off the Strip and see something unique.  Head out of town to see the magic that awaits you in the Las Vegas desert. We believe this was the best attraction we found that was FREE in Las Vegas.