Desert View Tower, Observation tower in Imperial County, California
Desert View Tower is a 70-foot stone structure standing at 3,000 feet elevation, offering views across San Diego County mountains and Imperial County desert landscapes. The building contains five stories with exhibits, an observation deck, and a gift shop at ground level.
Bert Vaughn constructed the structure between 1922 and 1928 as a rest stop for travelers undertaking long desert journeys from San Diego. The site previously housed a stone house from 1862 to 1870 that supported ox teams pulling wagons up steep grades.
The tower and the adjacent Boulder Park display stone sculptures created by Merle Ratcliff during the Depression era. These works from the 1930s convey the spirit of that time and shape how the site feels to visitors today.
The building is open to visitors who can explore the multiple stories and use the observation platform. The site is located in a remote area, so visitors should bring plenty of water and supplies and be prepared for uneven terrain.
Boulder Park beside the tower contains over 30 stone works that Merle Ratcliff hand-carved from local rock blocks during the 1930s. Each piece was chiseled in place and remains a fascinating example of artistic determination during economic hardship.
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