Just west of the town of Ocotillo on I-8 in Southern California is the intriguing, fun, & worthwhile stop of the Desert Tower. At the top of the 3,000 foot summit that overlooks the Imperial Valley and the Mojave Desert is an art park with carved and painted boulders, some little caves, a 70 foot tower that lets you see seemingly forever eastward, and a little shop filled with curios, dogs, and a talkative owner.

To reach the tower, take Exit 77 on IN-KO-PAH Road, head down old U.S. 80 past some tow yards filled with aliens, UFOs, mannequins, & rusted out vehicles until you reach the hill that takes you up to the fun spot. There is a fee to climb the stairs and see the art but it’s worth it. The place was built by Bert Vaughn from 1922 to 1928. The man owned the nearby town of Jucumba at the time and figured this would be a good tourist stop for those passing through in the early days of traveling by car. The gift shop that wraps around the tower was added in 1950.

To the west of the tower is the Cave & Boulder Park that was added in 1933 by W.T. Ratcliff and it sports an Indian Head with Headdress, Snakes, Dogs, Bison, a big Skull, & more.

My wife and I loved this place and we recommend everyone who’s passing through the area stop and enjoy the whimsical and goofy art that seems to be missing these days.