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Clara Vista High Desert Retreat

100%

46 reviews

· Ranchita, San Diego, California

30 acres hosted by Tom C.

1 lodging site

· 1 bed

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-lead friendly

Pets can be off-lead at this Hipcamp.

All to yourself

98% of recent Hipcampers say the pitch is private.

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

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Reviews

100% Recommend55 ratings · 46 reviews

Erin S.

2 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· April 2025

Will Be a Frequent Visitor

With pets ·

Crickets Cabin

I feel so lucky that my doggies and I found Tom's Artist's Ranch and Cricket's Cabin. I will be revisiting the place as often as I can. It's the perfect spot to get some quiet time, with nature and the spectacular mountain views inspiring positivity and creativity. Bonus points if you're artistic, as the land is full of art for you to stumble upon as you hike and explore. Tom is a gifted sculptor and ceramicist, and his work is scattered throughout the property, making each foray out on the trails feel like a treasure hunt. Pros: I came out to get some work done in private, and it was the perfect place to do it. I edited on my laptop from the bed while enjoying a spectacular view of the mountains and the desert. Tom has a well-appointed AC electrical system in the cabin, so you can keep all your devices charged while you're there. There are no other pets on the property, making it the perfect place to let your fuzzy kids explore. The cabin is nice and warm (even in below-40-degree evening temps) due to the propane heater Tom installed. No need to bring your backpacking stove, as there is an outdoor kitchenette outfitted with a burner and propane grill. Tom also provides drinking water and a well-water tap faucet for washing. There is a cute outdoor shower, too. Almost Cons: The location is just inaccessible enough to be cool. Make sure you put the address in the GPS - not the coordinates. Overall it's a great place and I hope you love it!

Amelia H.

5 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· February 2025

Crickets Cabin

We feel so lucky to experience Tom’s land and this beautiful cabin! We had such a relaxing and peaceful time taking in the views and features of the place. We especially loved hiking and climbing around the terrain that surrounds the place.

Charlie K.

4 reviews

Recommends

· January 2025

Thank you Tom!!

Crickets Cabin

Crickets Cabin is pretty special. Tom is great- he was there to greet us with a tour of the cabin and a brief history of his time on the land. He is extremely friendly, kept to himself, but was available at a moment's notice if we needed anything. The cabin and porta potty were very clean, the gas heater kept us toasty, and the hot outdoor shower was such a plus. The view of the land, mountains, and big starry sky in combo with the walking trails really sets this place apart. Very highly recommend for a solo retreat or a romantic getaway!

Duco B.

11 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· September 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.

7 reviews

Recommends

· June 2024

Secluded desert getaway!

Crickets Cabin

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.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· February 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.

Location

Ranchita, San Diego, California, United StatesTraditional, ancestral territory of Kumeyaay/Kumiais First Nations according to

Native Land Digital.

To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking