Desert View Tower is a fun and unique historic roadside attraction from the 1920s. It is great for all ages and especially for kid fun, with children able to play and climb around in the rocks of Boulder Canyon. Visitors pay a small fee to climb the tower for priceless views over the whole area, using a telescope and taking great photographs. The location features rock caves to crawl through, many different folk art sculptures, and handmade installations from the 1930s. It is a historic landmark with state and federal designations.
The spot includes a gift shop with friendly and welcoming people offering information and unique items. It has bathrooms and shady benches, making it a great resting spot and worth stopping on a trip. The place has remained the same in the best possible way, feeling stuck in time. It is a unique piece of history with lots of beautiful views.
This place is very cool and worth the stop. Great views, the people there are very kind, and they have some cool items for sale around the tower.
April 2026
Best stop ever. How fun and interesting. Make sure you stop in the main building and talk to the amazing man and his dogs in the Tower. He is so funny.
April 2026
Cool spot to stop and check out some of the mountain views. I guess this used to be like a way station or something to let your car cool down after climbing the hill back in the 50's or 60's? Worth checking out at least once if you're ever rolling along I-8 towards San Diego.
