1 / 74

Clara Vista High Desert Retreat

100%

· Ranchita, San Diego, California

30 acres hosted by Tom C.

1 glamping pitch

· 1 bed

Amazing views

Hipcampers say this spot has amazing views.

Tom is a Star Host

Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.

Romantic

Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is romantic.

Off-leash friendly

Pets can be off-leash at this Hipcamp.

This beautiful high desert retreat is a working artist's property with several stone and steel sculptures of the late artist, Norm Hines, available for viewing on the property. The guest cabin sits secluded on the southern ridge of Montezuma Valley, with spectacular views of Earthquake Valley and the distant mountains of Baja California and a short hike to Anza Borrego State Park. A gas fireplace in the cabin will keep you warm on those chilly winter evenings. Ideal for 1-2 people looking for solitude, stargazing and high-desert nature. Cozy guest cabin with propane fireplace on 30 acre artist's retreat at 4000 feet elevation. One mi. hike to NW boundary of Anza Borrego SP. Four mi. to PCT. Hiking trails to large plutonic rocks, breathtaking view south into Mexico. Private portable toilet, outdoor cold water sink, outdoor grill, small camping stove, teapot, full size bed, Norm Hines sculptures on property for guest viewing. Great for bird watching, stargazing, desert solitude. 13 miles to Borrego Springs. 28 miles to Julian. Guests love staying here: "Tom’s cabin was the perfect weekend getaway to decompress and detach. The site offers all the amenities you need. There are multiple trails located around the property if you’re looking to get a little activity in. Otherwise just sitting and hanging out is about as peaceful as it gets. A great place to go if you don’t want to venture out too far. This place just might be my monthly weekend hideout. Thanks Tom for sharing such a beautiful place."Cozy guest cabin with propane fireplace on 30 acre artist's retreat at 4000 feet elevation. One mi. hike to NW boundary of Anza Borrego SP. Four mi. to PCT. Hiking trails to large plutonic rocks, breathtaking view south into Mexico. Private portable toilet, outdoor cold water sink, outdoor grill, small camping stove, teapot, full size bed, Norm Hines sculptures on property for guest viewing. Great for bird watching, stargazing, desert solitude. 13 miles to Borrego Springs. 28 miles to Julian.

Activities

Biking

Hiking

Horseback riding

Off-roading (OHV)

Natural features

Desert

Mountainous

Ranch

Select a unit

Filter by

Loading units...

100%

52 Ratings · 43 reviews

Duco B.recommends

September 28, 2024

Crickets Cabin

I loved staying at Cricket's Cabin. The cabin was cozy and comfortable, and the view was amazing! It was also a lot of fun exploring the trails Tom set out on his property. You will encounter more vistas, giant boulders, pretty birds, and cool sculptures. Just mind that you need to drive about a mile on dirt roads which might be an issue with some cars (although we managed just fine with a Toyota Corolla) and that it is very hot during the middle of the day even end of September. Nevertheless, I'd definitely recommend a stay to everybody!

Tanya A.recommends

June 23, 2024

Crickets Cabin

Secluded desert getaway!

Such a great stay! Although hot in late June we just cooled off by jumping in the shower for a second and took a long nap during the hottest party if the day. This is truly a magical place to visit the views were amazing especially at moonrise. Be sure to get up early to hike around on the many trails that Tom has cultivated and maintained. So much hidden art among the desert property. Thanks Tom, we loved our stay.

Lacey R.recommends

February 20, 2024

Crickets Cabin

Tom was fantastic and the views were amazing! It was cold out, but the cabin was so cozy and stayed the perfect temperature with the help of the heater. There’s a set of swings that overlook the mountain range and beautiful sculptures all over the place. 10/10 would recommend.

Kira O.recommends

January 22, 2024

Crickets Cabin

Wander the paths, discover delights

There is something magical about Tom’s land that keeps us coming back year after year. We’ve camped there in our tiny trailer at least ten times but this was our first time staying in Crickets Cabin. It was so cozy and the view is breathtaking!! My favorite thing to do there is wander the winding paths that Tom has carved. You never know what treasures you might find! Sculptures tucked around corners. Incredible boulders to climb and take in the view or sit on and meditate listening to the wind. Keep your eyes open for the tiny charming wildflowers. We’ve seen and heard all sorts of wildlife over the years (deer, coyotes, rabbits, lizards, and even a horny toad) and especially enjoyed listening and ID the various birds and their songs this time around. The stargazing is really incredible too!! Tom is a fantastic host. He’s got it set up so you feel like you have the whole valley to yourself. This place is perfect for nature lovers, artists, and mindful meditators. It is peaceful and vast. A place you can go out and explore and then come back to rest and recharge. Lose yourself and find yourself. Reconnect with nature. We can’t wait to go back!!

Nicole F.recommends

January 21, 2024

Crickets Cabin

Very special, magical place

What a special place, Cricket's Cabin! The view is incredible, and the cabin is so cozy and comfortable. It was raining and cold when I was there, but the fireplace kept the cabin really warm, and Tom was incredibly kind and considerate, putting the fire on before I got there to warm it up. The place was clean, organized and immaculately kept with nice touches like a headlamp on either side of the bed, a lantern, and water. I didn't use the outside shower (with hot water!) because it was cold and rainy, but it looked awesome and I for sure want to use when I go back next -- and I definitely want to go back! I went for a solo getaway this time, but it would also be a great couples retreat. The land is so beautiful and I loved walking around to look at the huge iron art pieces scattered throughout. The energy was peaceful, artistic, and beautiful. The rain made it kind of mystical, but I'd love to back when clear to see the sunrise. Thank you ,Tom for sharing this wonderful place!

Tammy L.recommends

June 6, 2023

Crickets Cabin

Peaceful

Loved our two night stay at the cabin. It was so relaxing and the perfect place to de-stress, we would definitely stay again.

Location

Ranchita, San Diego, California, United StatesTraditional, ancestral territory of Kumeyaay/Kumiais First Nations according to To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking