The International Car Forest
4.6(671)google
4.5(48)yelp
Art InstallationMust-SeeDesert
Overview
Situated in the desolate desert expanse near Goldfield, this striking, avant-garde outdoor art installation features over 40 full-sized automobiles driven vertically into the earth. Created as a collaborative canvas for international graffiti artists, the balanced cars, trucks, and limousines are covered in brilliant, ever-changing murals and political statements, creating a surreal and photogenic post-apocalyptic landscape.
Practical Info
Every dayOpen 24 hours
Suggested DurationAbout 1-1.5 hours
Best TimeSunset (5:30 PM - 7:30 PM) is the absolute best time for photography. The angled twilight brings out the vivid hues of the avant-garde graffiti murals painted on the 40+ junk cars buried nose-down in the desert soil, creating a surreal, post-apocalyptic Sci-Fi aesthetic.
Getting TherePerched on the eastern desert fringes of the historic town of Goldfield. Drive north from Las Vegas on US-95 N for about 2.5 hours to Goldfield, then turn east onto a dirt trail (Crystal Ave) for half a mile. The installation is free to access and view, and standard cars can pass carefully in dry weather.
Travel Tips
- An unstaffed, open-desert art monument on raw dirt terrain near Goldfield; tracks lack physical signage and heavily rutted sand traps will easily ground or high-center large RVs.
- The partially buried car bodies feature heavily rusted, razor-sharp sheet metal and decayed frame integrity; climbing onto roofs or crawling underneath frames is strictly prohibited.
- Unauthorized secondary spray graffiti or scratching onto the vehicles is treated as criminal vandalism; local property owners and sheriffs prosecute individuals using fresh paint.
Reviews
Positive
- This is absolutely the craziest and most stunning desert art installation I've seen! Dozens of cars are buried vertically like tombstones, covered in vibrant graffiti against the endless Nevada wasteland.
- It is completely free to the public with zero admission or hidden fees. You can wander freely among the cars, touch them, and take close-up photos, offering immense freedom.
- A true paradise for offbeat car buffs and photographers. At sunset, the sunlight piercing through broken windows creates magical light effects, making every shot look incredible.
- The site is beautifully raw, free from commercial noise and touring crowds. You can walk in peace, soaking up the perfect blend of surreal art and Old West wasteland culture.
Heads up
- The site is completely unmanaged, lacking public restrooms, trash cans, or sun shelters. Under the blazing summer sun and whipping desert winds, it's impossible to stay comfortably.
- The road conditions are terrible. The final unpaved dirt track leading to the cars is full of sharp gravel and deep potholes, a brutal test for low-clearance sedans and tires.
- Due to a lack of security or cameras, vandals have recently sprayed mindless scribbles and profanity over the beautiful graffiti, making the art installation look messy.
- Aside from the buried cars, the surrounding miles are dead desert with no services or supply points. If you aren't a hardcore novelty seeker, a dedicated trip can feel monotonous.