A Colorful Detour: Seven Magic Mountains

While driving through the Nevada desert, I made a quick stop at a place that’s been on my bucket list for a while — Seven Magic Mountains. This vibrant, larger-than-life art installation is located just a few miles south of Las Vegas, and it’s every bit as striking in person as it looks in photos.

Created in 2016 by Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone, Seven Magic Mountains features seven towering stacks of brightly painted boulders, each more than 30 feet tall. The installation is meant to symbolize the contrast between the natural desert landscape and human intervention—earthy boulders stacked high and saturated in fluorescent color.

When I arrived, I definitely wasn’t alone—there were plenty of people exploring and snapping selfies. But thanks to the magic of Distraction Removal in Photoshop, I was able to clean up my shots and create the people-free vibe I imagined when planning the visit. Sometimes, the best way to capture a moment the way you felt it is to give it a little post-processing love.

Photography Details:

• Camera: FUJIFILM GFX100S II
• Lens: FUJIFILM GF 32–64mm f/4 R LM WR
• Shot handheld — no tripod needed for this quick stop

Post-Processing Workflow:

• Culling & organization: Mylio Photos
• Initial raw edits: Adobe Camera Raw
• Cleanup & distraction removal: Photoshop
• Final polish: Radiant Photo 2 – for that subtle pop and polish that brings everything together

Even though I visited mid-day (not exactly the golden hour sweet spot), I leaned into the strong shadows and contrast. The bright colors still popped beautifully, and the vibrant blue desert sky added the perfect backdrop.

Thinking of Visiting? Here Are a Few Tips:

• Located about 10 miles south of the Las Vegas Strip, off I-15
• Free parking is available, but there are no restrooms, no shade, and no facilities—bring water and sunscreen
• Best time for photos? Sunrise or golden hour for soft light, but even midday works if you embrace bold contrast
• The installation is currently expected to remain through the end of 2026, but always double-check before making the drive

Final Thoughts

Seven Magic Mountains is the kind of stop that makes a road trip feel a little magical. It’s unexpected, photogenic, and a great reminder that creativity really can bloom anywhere—even in the middle of the desert.

Got questions about the gear or editing process? Drop a comment below—I’m always happy to share what I used or how I approached the post-processing!

A Couple of Bonus Shots

As I wandered around the towering neon boulders, I spotted a few smaller rock stacks tucked around the edges of the site—likely left behind by other visitors as quiet tributes or spontaneous expressions of creativity. They added a charming, human touch to the vast desert setting and felt like little echoes of the larger installation.