Desert View Tower, San Diego County Travel Guide

4.6 (1048)

A historic roadside attraction offering panoramic desert views, folk art, and a glimpse into Southern California's past.

The Desert View Tower, a 70-foot-tall stone structure near Jacumba Hot Springs, California, offers panoramic views of the surrounding desert and mountains. Built in the 1920s as a roadside attraction, it stands as a monument to the pioneers and builders who opened up this area. Today, it houses a quirky museum and gift shop, providing a glimpse into California's past.

A brief summary to Desert View Tower

01 In-Ko-Pah Park Rd, Jacumba Hot Springs, California, 91934, US
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Monday 8 am-6 pm
Tuesday 8 am-6 pm
Wednesday 8 am-6 pm
Thursday 8 am-6 pm
Friday 8 am-6 pm
Saturday 8 am-6 pm
Sunday 8 am-6 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Desert View Tower.

Pay the small fee to climb to the top of the tower for the best views.
Explore Boulder Park to discover the unique stone sculptures.
Check the weather before you go, as desert conditions can be extreme.
Allow ample time to browse the museum and gift shop for unique finds.

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Explore Desert View Tower on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Desert View Tower, mapped for you.

Getting There

Driving

The Desert View Tower is located directly off Interstate 8. From San Diego, take I-8 East for approximately 63 miles. Take the In-Ko-Pah Park Road exit. The tower will be on your right. Parking is available on-site. There are no tolls on this route. Parking is free.

Discover more about Desert View Tower

Desert View Tower, a striking stone tower, rises 3,000 feet above sea level in the In-Ko-Pah Mountains near Jacumba Hot Springs. Constructed between 1922 and 1928 by Burt Vaughn, a San Diego real estate developer, the tower served as a roadside attraction on the then-new highway. Vaughn, who owned much of Jacumba, dedicated the tower to the pioneers, highway builders, and railroad workers who shaped the region.The tower's architecture is simple yet imposing, with walls four feet thick. Salvaged wood from the old Plank Road was used in its construction. Inside, a circular staircase leads to the observation deck, offering expansive views stretching to the Imperial Valley and, on clear days, as far as the Salton Sea.Adjacent to the tower is Boulder Park, a whimsical collection of folk art sculptures carved into the local stone by Merle Ratcliff during the Great Depression. These carvings add to the unique atmosphere of the site.Over the years, the Desert View Tower has become a repository of local history and artifacts. The gift shop at the base offers a variety of items, from historical memorabilia to quirky souvenirs. The tower and Boulder Park were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.Today, Desert View Tower remains a popular stop for travelers on Interstate 8, offering a blend of history, art, and stunning desert scenery.