The Desert View Tower, built in the 1920's, offers a stunning view of the Anza Borrego Desert. It's also currently available on a short-term rental website listed as "Lighthouse in Jacumba, CA"! If you're driving by, it's worth a stop. Free to look around the grounds and giftshop; but there is a fee to climb to the top for the best and most expansive view ($9.50 as of this writing). The tower is next to "Boulder Park" featuring some truly hideous sculptures created by an unemployed engineer during the depression. The boulders are much more notable for what may be cupules created by Native Americans, cups that are carved out of rock as part of ceremonies and rituals. A smattering of animals live on the grounds including chickens and peacocks. Free parking. read more

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I've been trying to figure out what to write about this fun little stop an hour east of San Diego. It's a wonderful piece of history and definitely worth exploring. My husband and I enjoyed our visit quite a bit. We paid the fee to climb to the top of the tower and go exploring the boulders on the property as well. The tower interior is home to a magical shop full of antiques and second-hand treasures. The boulders next to the tower are fun to explore and have lots of animals painted onto the boulders in the shapes of various animals. As you can tell we really enjoyed our visit BUT... The one road in and out of the Desert View Tower property is absolutely littered on both sides with (maybe) abandoned motor homes, shanties, and whole collections of god-only-knows-what! And the road itself is like driving on the surface of the moon. I felt like I was driving into a scene of "The Hills Have Eyes" (kids ask your Gen X parents about that one). Seriously... I thought we might be murdered and eaten! But if you're feeling brave, come well-armed, and are willing to pop a tire and ruin your suspension, it's a GREAT place to visit! read more

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This tower is a perfect quick day trip or stop from San Diego for some different scenery. The tower itself is fun to explore and checking out the different floors. The view from the top gives you a great view of the mountains and desert. They also have a really cute area called Boulder Park right next to the tower. There are dozens of carved animals into the boulders and you can walk around the boulders into cave like areas. I would recommend checking this fun spot out! read more

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You need to come see these amazing shaped animals that were carved out 1923 Don't forget to check out the gift shop. They got some amazing coral. read more

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If there ever was a stop that you should do off route 8 heading to or from San Diego, the desert Tower is that stop! This is not regularly frequented it seems, but it is such a treasure! A story behind it is so interesting, the tower gift shop is a treasure Trove of truly unique items. The current proprietors family has owned it for about 30 years. The area is really neat with lots of neat little gazebos and animals on the property. The Boulder Park, and the animals carved into the boulders are truly One of a kind, so unique, and definitely a whimsical experience for any road trip. read more

Desert View Tower - Stone Tower and Boulder Park. - Parks Near Me - Jacumba Hot Springs, California

An hour east of San Diego on Hwy 8 lies this one-of-a-kind museum with a lookout tower and boulder artwork. The stone house has a history as unique as the builder and its occupants over the years. The lookout tower is a tricky climb up a narrow staircase....part of its charm and the adventure. The caves are more like bouldering. Fun place to climb and make your own adventure. You'll encounter hidden animal artwork in the rocks around every nook and corner. Take a bottle of water when it's hot out, but in case you forget, the owner has cold drinks for sale inside amongst geodes and other crafts and artwork. Have fun and enjoy the adventure. Worth the stop if you find yourself in the area, but not worth a special trip to the desert. Takes about 30 minutes to see it all but 60 minutes to immerse yourself. read more

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I love this place especially when you go up tower. The wind is so powerful and always feels so refreshing. read more

Desert View Tower - Parks Near Me - Jacumba Hot Springs, California

After randomly scrolling through some websites we found this unique looking place. The drive from San Diego to Jacumba is a beautiful one and the place itself was awesome. The owner is very friendly and knowledgeable about the area. We toured the Desert View Tower for 7.50$ a person and enjoyed the Boulder area as well. The tower itself is full of history, a little store, and a binocular lookout at the top. You receive quarters when you buy your ticket, to use at the top. There are bathrooms on site! The boulders are in a cute space that you can hike around and explore. My four year old had a blast roaming around! Definitely worth the adventure. read more

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We had a blast visiting the Desert View Tower! Lots of wandering friendly dogs, even met a twin to our pug. Tanner. Spent over an hour in the observation tower as you can get a true "birds eye view" of the beautiful desert. Great stop if you're traveling the 8 or a great spot cruising the lower desert. read more

Had a fun trip with the family here. The kids had so much fun climbing and exploring around the boulders and caves. We came on a Friday, no other families around, just a small group of campers. The tower is a neat and interesting place to explore. You park at the side of the tower and go in to pay for entrance into the Boulder caves. The tower is a neat place to explore and has some cool artifacts. No need to bring your backpack and supplies because you're pretty close to the car. It was difficult to squeeze into some parts of the cave with a backpack on. read more

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Loved climbing exploring bolder park. Friendly staff and just beautiful view. Long drive out there but enjoyed the experience read more

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I stopped by this Desert Tower on my way to Phoenix from SD. I believe this location is part of SD as well. This tower is interesting. It is made out of small boulders alone the I8. I would mistaken this to be a light house if this was near the ocean. Inside, there's a circular near 360 degree window view of the outside. Inside is a small give soft with all kinds of wonderful stuff if you want to bring back a little souvenir. On the outside, there's a boulder park you can walk up to. it's like a little mini caves and tunnels you can go through, but be careful with your steps. There's also a opening with some picnic tables. it's great to just take a breather from the long drive, visit the tower and the boulder park, have some picnic before continuing the long journey. Oh, by the way, the people there are just friendly. Oh, one more thing. there's a donation box outside by the boulder park. Be sure to contribute a few greens for the great people that is keeping the place nice and clean. It cost money to flush your radiator water. you know. read more

Desert View Tower - Parks Near Me - Jacumba Hot Springs, California

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The first crossings of the area now known as Ko Pah Park was in wheeled vehicles circa 1856. In a journey by Lt. E.B. Williston from San Diego, briefly through México, then up through Jacumba and on to Yuma. A historical plaque marks the site of the Mountain Springs Station, where a stone house was once used from 1862-1870 as a store from which ox teams pulled wagons up a 30% grade. Beginning in 1915, the Old Plank Road provided additional assistance for making the crossing in the first motorcars. Constructed in the Environmental Folk Art style by Burt Vaughn between 1922 and 1928, the Desert View Tower was originally dedicated to the pioneers, highwaymen, and railroad builders who opened up the area. It is an unique three level 70-foot tall rock tower that provides an expansive view of the bouldered mountains of East San Diego County into the flat reaches of the Imperial County desert from a lofty 3,000 feet above sea level. The trek across the desert and mountains from Yuma to San Diego used to take a month or more by car, and Vaughn's tower was a welcome respite from the heat and isolation. You could even refill your radiator (the sign still remains by the shop) The top deck affords a vantage of I-8 winding down to the arid valley floor. Each window was labeled to identify landmarks shimmering in the distance. It's not visible from the Tower, but south through the mountains is the border with Mexico; and for safety reasons. Signs all along this section of I-8 warn drivers not to stop. In 1963, Interstate Highway 8 was completed, which bypassed the park and many of the surrounding towns. You can see some original sections of the Old Highway 80, the first road to Yuma, from the tower's lookout and the road to the tower itself is Old Highway 80. You actually drive across a 1932 bridge complete with original white wooden guardrails right before the Desert View Tower parking lot. I was greeted at the door by one of the local pack working dogs, who gave a quick sniff over before peering out the door, then going back to working hard by lounging (keeping one sleepy eye cracked to watch the place) while we adventured through. Inside are accumulated historic pictures, objects, folk art and of course the quirky construction of the tower itself. Since 1980, the Desert View Tower and adjacent Boulder Park have been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It's worth a stop if in the area, but not worth going out of your way in my opinion. Also keep in mind how remote the location is. I could not get an internet connection for a check-in. 3.5 rounding up. read more

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The Desert View Tower is off Interstate 8 near Ocotillo, California. The tower is at an elevation of 3,000 feet in the In-Ko-Pah Mountains which gives it an amazing view of the nearby mountains and valley below. I've seen the tower from I-8 when driving back and forth to San Diego. The base of the Desert Tower is a gift store/museum filled with such unique and interesting objects that it is worth a visit alone-which is what we did because we felt it was too chilly to go up into the tower. So this review will just cover the gift store/ museum and I will update when we come back when it's warmer. But even from the patio and parking lot the views are amazing so going up in the tower will only enhance that view. I hope they tell you more about the view on the tour. There are so many things in the gift store/museum that I can't even begin to describe them but my photos show examples of them. The curator (not sure if official or not) tells a fascinating story of the tower and area. There are a few player pianos that seemed to be pumped to work. I definitely recommend stopping for a tour of the Desert Tower and the gift shop/museum. I can't wait to go back in the spring to see the tower. read more

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This was a super fun little day trip for the family. We've been looking for things to do to get some fresh air and exercise and this is exactly what we needed! A hidden gem if you like weird local history or road side fun! We paid to go to the top of the tower and enjoy the view. There were tons of things to see inside and a ton of stuff for sale. There were dogs, cats, peacocks and chickens roaming the property - they were all so friendly. We went to boulder park after and got lost in all the best ways. My kiddo had a blast. We found our way up the hill afterwards to find the "hot springs" There was a bathroom on site and the guys running the place were very knowledgeable. Bring snacks and good shoes! read more

Desert View Tower - Parks Near Me - Jacumba Hot Springs, California

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So you're driving back from Arizona and need a break from driving? Well, get off in Jacumba and check out the Desert View Tower. For a small fee, you get to go up the tower and see the views from there. Once inside, you can browse around and check out all the souvenir and gift items. After you've checked everything out and checked out the views atop, you can climb some rocks in Boulder Park adjacent to it! You will see some painted boulders, some are animals and some are, well, let's say, non-animals. Just be sure you have the proper shoes since you will be climbing up, down, and through the boulders. You could spend at least an hour or so here. Then, you can be on your way to your next adventure...or home! read more

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Worth a stop if you like cute, quaint and quirky antique style stores. A dog lovers paradise as you will be greeted by at least 5 or 6 very sweet dogs. Yes, the entrance drive is mildly sketchy but keep going! It's a gemstone in the rough. read more

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We randomly stumbled upon the Desert View Tower on the road to San Diego from Phoenix. We could see the little tower peeking above the highway and decided to drive past the UFO Recovery & Repair to check it out. It's a quirky little corner of the desert, evocative of Route 66 and Area 51 cookyness, with a little community of folks hunkered down in run-down Winnebagos, making dune-buggy spaceships and etching political statements in graffiti around the area. The Tower itself has historic significance as a lookout tower for folks collecting road tolls in the 1800's. It's stood the test of time, and gives a sweeping vista of the area. Lots of wind gusts up and over the ridge, so if you need a refreshing breeze, you've found your spot. This isn't somewhere I'd go out of my way for, but if you're passing through, time your break wisely and check this place out. read more

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Well here's a fun historic place to stop of your driving in the desert along I-8 and need a break. I won't tell you the history, instead I'll direct your attention to the signs that do. There very informative and interesting. The tower is a combination of museam and giftshop. I'd recommend stopping in of you have a half half hour or more time to spend before you reach your destination. An old girlfriend brought me here 10 years ago or so. I sometimes stop here to stretch my legs and look around when I'm on road trips. When I do I think fondly of her and wonder how differently my life would have turned out if things worked out. But this is not the proper platform to discuss that.... read more

Desert View Tower - The tower... - Parks Near Me - Jacumba Hot Springs, California

Amazing views and great vibes , Time Capsule , wisdom of the rocks/boulders transmitted in silence,

Passing through the area on Highway 8 we stopped to check out the tower for the first time @3 years ago. (i've literally driven by it hundreds of times but just didn't have the time to stop) It was beautiful to see the desert floor from that high vantage point and enjoyed the quirkiness of the store. Thursday we were passing through again and I had family from New Hampshire with me I thought it would be cool to stop in and let them check out the view. Well the view is still great but was disappointed and embarrassed as apparently the Schultz family has been triggered by the results of the 2016 election and have absolutely ruined the fun of the tower with their anti-trump crap everywhere. It's a shame that some people can't seem to separate politics from a Beautiful historical landmark. FYI the property is for sale for six something so maybe the next owner can separate their politics and embrace the beauty of the location and keep it fun for everyone. read more

Desert View Tower - Parks Near Me - Jacumba Hot Springs, California

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If you're a San Diego local you've probably visited the Desert View Tower once in your life. Little has changed over the years but it's one of those places that your kids will remember all of their lives. Such was the case with me. We stopped by on a trip to Yuma and spent maybe an hour here touring the tower and letting the kids run through all of the caves. Cost was about 6.50 for adult and maybe 3.5 per child over 8? Was it worth it? I think so.. You get to see an interesting gift shop, all three stories of it, you'll also get a great view at the top. If you don't want to pay anything, it's free to look from the parking lot. Maybe the best part of this place are the caves (piles of boulders) where you and your kids can crawl through. - There's a bathroom facility on the property ( look for the sign stating Radiator Water) - A few dogs live on the property ( unleashed). They were kid friendly. - Have a cool 1.25 million bucks? Well it's currently for sale. read more

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On the way back from business in Calexico , decided to stop and check the tower out with some family . Everyone had fun , and we got some souvenirs. The air was pretty clear , and we could see el Centro . There was also a nice breeze at the top of the tower , that was great after sitting in a hot car for a few hours . These type of places aren't as prevalent as they used to be , so everyone should check them out while they still exist . There are bathrooms available as well by the caves . read more

Desert View Tower - Exploring the caves and stone art. - Parks Near Me - Jacumba Hot Springs, California

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There are lots of reviews that mention the dogs. Yes, they're there, just laying around blocking your path. If you're not a dog person, they are a little scary. The view is perfection and worth the cost of entry. This place is eclectic and has a funky vibe. Like you've wandered into someone's hippy aunts living room. The gift shop is EVERYTHING!! Bathrooms were clean-ish. As clean as you're gonna get in the desert. You just have to get past the guard peacock to get to them. My heart dropped to my feet when that sucker turned around and made that shrill noise. Watching other people have the same experience from the tower was hilarious. I asked about rattlesnakes because momma don't do snakes. The owner said there was only one so far this year but that it was a baby and probably has 8 brothers and sisters. So just watch out for them. Bonus: there's a bunch of vans, etc and UFO's on your way up to the tower. read more

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Came here last summer on our way to Yuma. Such a unique spot. The man who lives here with his dogs is really kind and welcoming. It was nice talking to him about the history of this place and his life journeys. He offered us coffee and taught us how to play some instrument like a piano but you play it with your feet lol definitely a fun stop and the views of the desert from here is beautiful! read more

Desert View Tower - Parks Near Me - Jacumba Hot Springs, California

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Really fun to stop into, it has a little rocky road but manageable to climb if you drive slow. Definitely worth checking out if you like little cool spots like I do. Little bit of stuff outside on the way up there. You'll run into a police car and maybe a UFO! read more

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The Great American Road Trip can't be done properly without a visit to a good tourist trap, and this one actually dates to the 1920s, which means your great grandparents might have been swindled here too. How can you possibly pass it up? I personally love a good tourist trap, and you already know whether or not you do too, so a lengthy review is probably not necessary. Still, I'll admit the "museum" is sorta lame and there are no five-legged calves or shark feedings. But you do get some good ole patriotic schtick, and you can climb on boulders and get a great view. Check out the photos of the carved boulders! If you still can resist going once you've seen these, then I have no use for you. read more

Amazing and fun place to stop by and probably even stay overnight, place is old as old can be , really Amazing to still have at least one roadside attraction left between San Diego county and imperial county. read more

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What is not to like about this place? Amazing.

This is such an awesome site to see! Don't drive past its a landmark that has to be seen. The owner is super nice and gave us the speal on the history of this place. We even decided to buy a magnet amongst all the random gadgets laying around to buy. The tour price was reasonable and they even take credit cards out here lol! I ventured all the way to the top where you can see many important landmarks throughout California all the way to the Salton Sean and Chocolate Mountains. There is a petrified turtle you have to rub his shell for good luck ;) The coolest part was after the tower seeing how creative the artist was with his animals painted on rocks. that takes a lot of time and talent! On your way in or out check out the abandoned Tv that says "Turn off the TV" or the UFO with Aliens that's right Aliens and their balancing/floating rocks everywhere. The funniest part was seeing the random easter looking bunnies lurking around lol. Totally random place but a must to see! So be adventures and take a stroll its better then sitting in the car looking at the mountain of rock haha! read more

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My parents had stumbled here by accident on a previous trip to Cali and stopped with me so I could see it. It's a neat find and the tower is visible from the freeway, which is what gets most people's attention in the first place. I love local flavor, so this was right up my alley. The owners were chill folks and there were so many dogs! If you don't like them, no worries because they keep their distance. I liked the gift shop, lots of unique finds and I picked out a sweet mood ring as a keepsake. We didn't have much time to do anything else but walk through so we didn't go up the tower, but it was a cool find. The scenery is beautiful and there are good photo ops. read more

Desert View Tower - Parks Near Me - Jacumba Hot Springs, California

When you live in San Diego, you are 2 hours away, from, well, anything. What is, east of east county (and rarely drive east of Santee)? Well, there is desert, and this desert tower. The only reason I passed this location was because I had a job interview in Winter Haven. There are people who can apprecaite the desert landscape. The sunsets can be beautiful, the silence is calming and plenty of room for the dogs to run around (a friendly dog roams around the desert tower). Once I saw this location, I knew I had to stop and see. To get to Desert Tower, one must drive a long stretch past vehicles and home made flying saucers (made by hippies who might be fans of the X-Files). The tower is cool to see, there is a shop that sells drinks. I was able to walk around, it has a chill vibe, no pressure to spend money. If you wanted to, you could pay a fee and tour some kind of rock maze, but I passed. I was there to check out this place I have heard of. If you go to the city for your entertainment, I am not sure why you are out this far into the desert. But, if you are the type that explores the more remote countryside, then I suggest checking it out. read more

Desert View Tower - desert tower, has a store inside - Parks Near Me - Jacumba Hot Springs, California

My guy and I read about Highway 80 and we wanted to explore it. Honestly, we couldn't find much, except for passing through a couple of quaint, unincorporated communities. This was one of the few landmarks suggested when going through Rte 80. I'll be honest, getting here kinda weirded me out. There aren't a lot of homes around here, which is fine, but the homes that *are* around...let's just say the locals are really into UFOs and the alien community (hehe). The guy who runs/owns the tower is nice and laid-back and he has these friendly dogs who get excited when you pet them. There's also some merchandise to buy and random books to look at (mainly about Southeast CA). It's $4.50 to examine the tower and play on the rocks across from the tower. We had a good time for the most part. It was an interesting experience and I recommend coming here if you are crossing the CA/AZ border. read more

Desert View Tower - Description of the Tower - Parks Near Me - Jacumba Hot Springs, California

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One of a kind unique place in Southern California. Beautiful. Very nice proprietor. Must check it out!

The moment you arrived their is a chill vibe. We were immediately greeted by the friendly pack of dogs. The people who run this place are very cool and friendly. They were very helpful and they even have some sofas inside if you want to chill for a bit. You should definitely check out the local spring read more

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Just saw this place passing through and did not get to explore the cave yet but so far this place is amazing and super artistic. The feel of it is very bohemian Just saw this place passing through and did not get to explore the cave yet but so far this place is amazing and super artistic. The feel of it is very Native which is awesome! A lot of rocks to buy and choose from along with a lot of antiques from the era the tower was built. which is awesome! read more

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I don't know about you but adventuring is what keeps me going in this life; I'm sure Huell Howser shared a similar sentiment. I was on a daytrip with the friend headed from Calexico to San Diego when we happened to catch a glimpse of this tower from the old highway. Without hesitation, I took the next exit and we made our way up the dirt road. The first thing we noticed were these two really cool vehicles that looked like flying saucers. The second thing we noticed was the pack of dogs that came running and barking as soon as we parked. It was a bit jolting at first but we soon realized that the dogs belong to the owner of the land so as soon as the friend cleared the coast, I quickly followed him inside the tower. Once inside, we met the owner. The man said he had been coming to the tower since he was seven and at some point in the 70's, his family bought the property. They own the tower and the surrounding 93 acres which includes 4 houses, one spectacular view, and a mini "rock sculpture" garden.. only it's more than just a garden.. it's a set of rocks that you can climb and enter. It's difficult to explain exactly what it is so I'd suggest you fork up the $6.50 and check it out for yourself. In addition to being able to climb the rock sculptures, $6.50 also grants you access to the top of the tower which can get pretty windy. All in all, I'd definitely recommend taking that exit and catching a glimpse of this bit of CA gold: https://blogs.chapman.edu/huell-howser-archives/2003/01/08/desert-tower-californias-gold-5007/ read more

We had a wonderful time visiting this very eclectic with astonishing views venue! Ben, the owner was a warm personable friendly welcoming persona! So glad we stopped and experienced this memorable venue! read more

On a free weekend when the wanderlust hits, I like to throw a dart at a map of Southern Calif. and just go wherever it sticks. Thankfully, that dart often lands on the strange and avoided barren stretches. The tumbleweeded outskirts where everything starts to vibrate at a different pitch. The forbidden zone where weathered creatures rise from the sand. If you don't have a deep love for this kind of spice, the inherent magic will escape you. Desert view tower is a necessary stop on your Weirdest Parts of San Diego Weekend Day Outing. Chances are, if you're reading this, you already know about the strange animals carved into the rocks, the view, and the 'Hot Springs' at the top of the mountain. So here goes: Chris' Weirdest Parts of San Diego Weekend Day Outing: Unarius Academy Museum Desert View Tower Forbidden Zone Creek (pictured) Jacumba Spa and Cafe (great Chille Relleno and Beers!) If you have time, keep going on the 8 and hit Salvation Mtn and the Ski Inn! read more

A folk art site with amazing views. The tower is located off the side of the highway at the top of the mountain pass. The tower is made with planks from the Plank round in the dunes outside of Yuma. It has some outdated exhibits, but the views are awesome. I really liked the wide variety of animals/figures carved into the rocks behind the tower, definitely worth exploring. read more

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