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THINGS
TO DO IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA |
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Desert
View Tower San Diego Day Trip
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By Sophia
Mitchell |
Desert View Tower is
a unique roadside attraction along Interstate 8 between
San Diego and Imperial County. The tower reminds us
of good old fashioned roadside kitsch and is worth the
stop. It is located at 3,000 feet elevation near the
town of Jacumba, approximately 70 miles east of San
Diego and 45 miles west of El Centro.
The round tower is constructed out of cut-stone and
stands four stories tall. It was built in 1922 by Bert
Vaughn, a real estate developer who once owned the town
of Jacumba. It was constructed over a six-year period
and completed in 1928.
The tower base was made of solid rock, which proved
to be strong enough to survive year of fierce desert
wind as well as the blasting that was done 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 make the 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
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The interior of the tower has some museum-like displays
as you walk up the stair way. They hold a collection
of “Desert Americana” items, 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. There is a telescope in the tower that takes quarters
so you can have an even closer look. You are likely
to be surprised just how quiet the desert is, with the
occasional punctuation of noise from passing cars.
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Desert View Tower Jacumba |
Adjacent to the tower is Boulder Park,
a collection of wind-weathered rocks that form a network
of caves and walkways. Along the walkways are unique hand-sculpted
animals and faces that were created by a depression-era
folk artist, W.T. Ratcliffe. He took two years to complete
the art work.
These quartz granite creatures have been painted in some
areas to further accentuate their form. Animals include
buffalo, bear, birds, and some animals that you may have
to use your imagination with to figure out.
Kids love exploring the boulders, paths and animals and
if you have been on the road for a while, it’s a
great 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 fun place to snap a few family photos
for the album or the holiday cards.
There is also a desert spring on the property which boasts
vegetation that you would not typically expect to see
in such an arid area.
Before you go:
Winters are cold and summers are blazing in the desert.
Pack and dress accordingly with plenty of water and sunscreen.
Study shoes are recommended if you plan to climb around
on the rocks. Bring your own binoculars to enjoy the sweeping
desert view from the top of the tower. Bring a camera
to take some photos of the folk art and of the kids enjoying
the boulders.
There is a nominal admission fee of $3 for adults and
$1 for children, which includes entry to the tower, museum
and the Boulder Park. There are restrooms on site and
you can purchase cold beverages to cool down after your
boulder exploring.
If you want to make a weekend of it, camping is available
in Boulevard, at the McCain Valley Recreational Area or
in Anza Borrego Park.
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Buffalo Statues Desert View Tower
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Desert View Tower Vista
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Getting There: Desert
Tower is located off of In-Ko-Pah Road, about four miles
east of Jacumba. Take the In-Ko-Pah exit and follow the
signs. The tower is open daily from 9AM to 5PM, but it is
good to call ahead to confirm at 619-766-4612.
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 in the area 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 and snacks and hot deli
items. Grownups might enjoy a little time in the casino
or a BBQ meal at the casino restaurant. |
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Alabama
Hills near Lone
Pine are a popular destination for movie buffs and
outdoor enthusiasts. |
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The
Living Desert this one of a kind desert
zoo & gardens is an amazing desert oasis. |
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Palm
Springs Tram ride from catus to the
clouds onboard 360 degree rotaing tram cars. |
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