Why Did Everyone Leave the Salton Sea?

I'm 76 years old. We lived in Indio, and my parents would take us to Salton Sea. I can still see my uncle carrying my little brother on his shoulder into the water. Their was a little shack. An old man sold sodas from there. My parents would always stop there before going to the picnic table area.😊

As a kid 40+ years ago my grandpa used to take us there to swim, it didn't stink. There were lots of boating activity, many small stores and restaurants but that was on the side of the 86, not the 111. Whenever I pass there it reminds me of the good times I had there, thanks for the video, it brought back memories.

My family had a "cabin" at Bombay Beach 30 plus years ago. It started as a plot of land that they built a sleeping structure with plywood and 2X4's. Later they added an old airstream trailer for cooking, then came a shower, hot water, and finally a jacuzzi! I remember dune buggy /motorcycle trips all around the area. But, my favorite memory was water skiing during christmas break!!! The salinity levels were very high so you could just float. The area didn't smell, and it looked like this would be a place everyone would enjoy retirement... I have driven past the SS for working in Mexico, but based on this video, I will go visit and hope we can make it a oasis like I remember her.

GTA V was the reason I decided to visit the Salton Sea. But you haven't truly seen post apocalyptic until you visit Slab City! That place is a trip.

Love this episode. Your narration and production value is off the charts

Back in the 80's I remember going fishing there with my dad a few times. It wasn't dead like this back then.

Growing up in the CV my family spent a lot of time at the Sea as we called it. I’ve fished, boated and swam in the Salton Sea. Most if not all of that happened in the 1960’s. Thanks Brad for a peek into the Salton Sea for the viewers who may have only seen it on the map. There is soooooo much to explore there on the east and west sides of the Sea. Great trip and video!!

Interesting about the Seaplane Training back in WWII. I got my Float Rating at the Salton Sea 40 years ago. Flight Instructor would tell me to take off south and climb to sea-level.

Brad, this is my favorite video that you’ve done to date! Maybe because I’m also a Navy Veteran who enjoys our history. Thanks for sharing your experience.

The Salton sea has always fascinated me being that I’m an engineer and the creation of the Salton was one of the biggest engineering disasters in US history. Excited to watch this when I get home.

My wife and I checked out the Salton sea and Bombay Beach a few years ago.. thanks for the reminder. You did an excellent narrative of this cool and historical place. I appreciate the people who live at Bombay Beach. Semper Fi

Sonny Bono worked tirelessly to save the Salton Sea. It's too bad he died prematurely. The Salton Sea was great in 1950's. My dad fished there back then, as did famous people. It was a popular place once.

Brad, not all of your trips have to be otherworld rock crawlers. Packages such as this one are entertaining, too. Keep up the good mix.

Awesome video. Your narration, the stories and the history you bring back to life I am certain will be very well received. Look forward to more stories in your adventures.

I love exploring and seeing what is left over from the past. Thanks for taking us with you. Great video.

It may have been years since the Ranger station was open, but some kind of State official has clearly been there. You can tell because somebody has put up one of those ridiculous social distancing signs.

Thanks for sharing. I droved by the Salton Sea several times and never stopped and explored.

The story, atmosphere, and surrounding areas of the Salton Sea remind me of the story of Centralia, PA. If you ever make it out east you should definitely check out that deserted mining town.

Really Great Vid as Always!!! Thanks for taking the time to make it!

As someone who lives in Florida I had only ever seen this place through the lens of GTAV. Really cool seeing the real life place