Bombay Beach, CA

In It’s Heyday – A Playground In The Desert

The lake was created in 1905 due to an engineering mistake that caused the Colorado River to flood into the basin. The area became a popular destination for boating, swimming, and fishing.

During this period, Bombay Beach attracted hundreds of visitors and had a robust local community. The area was thriving, with numerous businesses and holiday homes.

The Salton Sea region saw visits from stars like Frank Sinatra, the Beach Boys, Bing Crosby, and Jerry Lewis, among others, who were drawn to the area for its recreational opportunities and vibrant social scene.

Decline

However, the town’s fortunes declined dramatically in the 1970s due to increasing salinity and pollution in the Salton Sea – primarily caused by agricultural run-off – like pesticides and fertilizer.

The Salton Sea does not have a natural outlet, meaning water entering the sea can only leave through evaporation. This lack of a natural exit point causes the accumulation of salts and other minerals in the lake. Additionally, because the Salton Sea is situated in an agricultural region, runoff containing pesticides, fertilizers, and other chemicals frequently flows into the sea from nearby farms.

Since the water only evaporates (leaving behind these salts and chemicals), the concentration of these substances has steadily increased over time, leading to elevated salinity and pollution levels. This situation has resulted in significant ecological impacts, including massive fish die-offs and deteriorating water quality, which in turn affects the wildlife dependent on the sea for habitat, particularly migratory birds. This unique situation poses complex environmental challenges for managing the Salton Sea and maintaining it as a viable ecosystem.

The smell of decaying fish and algae also contributed to its decline as a vacation spot.

There are still fish in the Salton Sea, but the population has been dramatically affected by the increasing salinity and pollution levels. Tilapia, a more salt-tolerant species, is one of the few species still surviving in the Salton Sea, but even they are under stress from the extreme environment.

The future of fish in the Salton Sea remains uncertain as the water evaporates and salinity levels increase.

Population Now

Today, Bombay Beach is often described as a ghost town since the population has dwindled significantly.

Although people do still live in Bombay Beach – It has become known for its stark, almost post-apocalyptic landscape.

The Ski-Inn – https://www.facebook.com/SkiInnBombay/

The Ski-Inn is a well-known establishment located in Bombay Beach, California, at the Salton Sea. It is famous for being one of the lowest bars in the Western Hemisphere, situated about 223 feet below sea level. The Ski-Inn is renowned for its unique, dive-bar atmosphere and serves as a cultural landmark within the quirky and artistic community of Bombay Beach.

Features and Atmosphere:

• Historic and Cultural Significance: The Ski-Inn has been a part of the Bombay Beach community for many years and has witnessed the rise and fall of the area. It retains a nostalgic charm with decor that includes dollar bills signed by visitors adorning the walls, offering a glimpse into the diverse clientele that has passed through over the years.
• Community Hub: It functions as a social hub for both locals and visitors, providing a space where people can gather, share stories, and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere.
• Menu: The Ski-Inn offers a menu featuring typical bar food such as burgers and fries, along with beers and other beverages, catering to a casual dining experience.
• Art and Events: The bar is part of the broader artistic revival of Bombay Beach, which includes various art installations and events throughout the town. The Ski-Inn often finds itself at the center of community activities and gatherings.

The Ski-Inn is a symbol of Bombay Beach’s resilience and transformation. It attracts a mix of artists, photographers, and tourists intrigued by the town’s unique landscape and the story of the Salton Sea. It’s a place to experience a piece of authentic, rustic Americana while observing or participating in the ongoing artistic endeavors of the Bombay Beach community.

Cultural Revival

In recent years, there’s been a cultural revival in Bombay Beach due to interest from artists and filmmakers who are captivated by its unique landscape and history.

This has included art installations, music festivals like the Bombay Beach Biennale, and various creative projects that have brought new life and a different kind of attention to the town.

Quick Tip – If You Go

• Wear closed-toe shoes. The sand is hard and crunchy – a combination of evaporated pesticides, fertilizer, and the sun-bleached bones of dead fish and birds.
• Boondocking is allowed on the beach – keep in mind that the further from the water you are – there is less likelihood of being bothered by the smell.

Nearby Attraction:

The Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge – 30 Miles South of Bombay Beach

The Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge is located on the southern shore of the Salton Sea and includes both the sea itself and the surrounding land. Its primary purpose is to provide habitat and protection for migratory birds and other wildlife, which rely heavily on the ecosystem provided by the Salton Sea.

Hiking Trails within the Wildlife Refuge

Two hiking trails are located within the Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge. These trails offer visitors a chance to explore the unique ecosystems of the refuge and experience the local wildlife, particularly the bird species for which the area is renowned. Here’s a brief overview of each trail:

Rockhill Trail – Trail Rating – Easy

The Rockhill Trail is a short and easy walking path that allows visitors to observe various habitats within the wildlife refuge. It’s a great spot for bird watching, as it traverses areas where you can see shorebirds and waterfowl. The trail is relatively flat, making it accessible for most visitors, including families with children. The proximity to the water often provides opportunities to view the diverse avian population that depends on the Salton Sea.

Hardenberger Trail – Trail Rating – Easy

The Hardenberger Trail is another accessible trail in the Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge. Like the Rockhill Trail, it offers excellent opportunities for wildlife observation, particularly for birders. This trail may feature different types of terrain and lead through distinct ecological zones compared to Rockhill, offering a slightly different perspective on the refuge’s environment.

Both trails are designed to enhance visitor experience while minimizing human impact on the wildlife and natural habitats. Facilities like observation decks and informational signs might be present to enhance educational opportunities and visitor enjoyment.

Key Environmental Challenges

1. Salinity: The increasing salinity of the Salton Sea impacts the availability and quality of habitat for fish and birds. As salinity levels rise, fewer fish can survive, which in turn affects the food sources available for birds.
2. Water Levels: The decreasing water levels of the Salton Sea are altering the landscape and habitat areas within the wildlife refuge. These changes can lead to a reduction in the area available for birds to nest and feed.
3. Pollution: Agricultural runoff and other contaminants that flow into the Salton Sea carry nutrients that can lead to algal blooms. These blooms decrease oxygen levels in the water, resulting in fish die-offs and poor water quality, which can affect the health of wildlife in the refuge.
4. Air Quality: As the lake’s surface area shrinks, more of the lakebed is exposed, releasing fine dust particles into the air. This dust can be laden with agricultural chemicals and naturally occurring elements like selenium, which can pose health risks to wildlife and humans alike.

Despite these challenges, the Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge remains a critical habitat for over 400 bird species, including several endangered species.

Efforts continue to manage and mitigate the environmental problems to preserve this important ecosystem.

Conservationists and government agencies are actively involved in projects aimed at improving water quality, managing salinity, and restoring habitats to support the wildlife that depends on the refuge.