Desert View Tower San Diego Day Trip Jacumba

Desert View Tower is a unique roadside attraction along Interstate 8 between San Diego and Imperial County. The tower reminds us of an old-fashioned roadside attraction and is worth the stop.

The tower is at a 3,000 feet elevation near Jacumba, approximately 70 miles east of San Diego and 45 miles west of El Centro. Constructed out of cut stone, the tower stands four stories tall. It was built in 1922 by Bert Vaughn, a real estate developer who once owned the town of Jacumba.

Desert View Tower was constructed over six years and completed in 1928. The tower base is solid rock, which proved strong enough to survive a year of the fierce desert wind and the blasting to construct the adjacent Interstate in the 1960s.

Vaughn created the tower in memory of early pioneers who labored to travel across the desert. It took about 30 days to trek between Yuma and the Pacific Ocean, with desert temperatures reaching over 110 degrees Fahrenheit on the hottest days. Such travel is almost unthinkable now, with our air-conditioned vehicles.

The tower’s interior has museum-like displays as you walk up the stairway. They hold a “Desert Americana” collection, such as Native American-inspired blankets, taxidermy animals, newspaper clippings, and other ephemera.

Views from the Desert Tower let you see into Mexico, across the desert, and even to the Salton Sea on a clear day. A telescope in the tower takes quarters so you can have an even closer look. You will likely be surprised by just how quiet the desert is, with the occasional punctuation of noise from passing cars.

Desert View Tower Boulder Park

Boulder Park is adjacent to the tower, a collection of wind-weathered rocks forming caves and walkways. Along the sidewalks are unique hand-sculpted animals and faces created by a Depression-era folk artist, W.T. Ratcliffe. He took two years to complete the artwork.

These quartz granite creatures have been painted in some areas to accentuate their form further. Animals include buffalo, bears, birds, and some animals that you may have to use your imagination to figure out.

Kids love exploring the boulders, paths, and animals, and if you have been on the road for a while, it’s an excellent place for kids to expend some pent-up energy.

Adults also enjoy the fun of bouldering and exploring the craggy wind-blown caves. It brings out the kid in even the grumpiest adults. This is also a fun place to snap a few family photos for the album or the holiday cards.

A desert spring on the property also boasts vegetation you would not typically expect to see in such an arid area.

• Winters are cold, and summers are blazing in the desert. Pack and dress accordingly with plenty of water and sunscreen.
• Bring your binoculars to enjoy the sweeping desert view from the top of the tower.
• A nominal admission fee includes entry to the tower, museum, and Boulder Parks.
• There are restrooms on-site, and you can purchase cold beverages to cool down after your boulder adventure.

Getting There

Take In-Ko-Pah Road, about four miles east of Jacumba. Take the In-Ko-Pah exit and follow the signs. Desert View Tower is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM.

The In-Ko-pah exit gets its name from the Kumeyaay Tribe, who lived in the eastern mountains of San Diego County. In their language, “in-ka-pah” means “place of the mountain people.” An apt name for a landscape that is mountainous and rocky.

In the Area: Other attractions include Anza Borrego State Park, which can have stunning wildflower blooms in the spring. The Golden Acorn Casino, east of Alpine, has a travel center to pick up gas, snacks, and hot deli items.

Califonia Roadside Attractions

California Lookout Tower Camping

Pinnacles National Park