There’s something about a road trip and connecting with nature. If you add the desert to the equation you have a chance to become a little more grounded and focus on your well-being. Welcome to Joshua Tree, set in Southern California’s Mojave Desert. This is the guide for where to stay, eat and play for a weekend.
A Day Trip from Los Angeles
Joshua Tree National Monument is two and a half hours away from Los Angeles. Desert folk are definitely their own breed as the locals are protective of retaining the authenticity and spirituality of Joshua Tree. Even the lack of good hotels is by design; it dissuades the LA shaman chic from inundating the area. After all, there’s nothing more disruptive than weekenders looking for Insta-worthy snaps. Ask anyone who lives in the Morongo Valley or Joshua Tree where you can find a luxury hotel nearby and they might just laugh.
There are luxury vacation rentals and Airbnbs spread throughout the nearby rock formations. Some are literally built into the side of rock cliffs and are architectural wonders of stone. They are so cleverly designed that they are almost invisible – blink and you might miss them. The main thing is that accommodations celebrate the ethos of Joshua Tree. A weekend here involves star gazing, exploring the alien landscape, and relaxing in nature. It’s like the opposite of an Instagram moment: a digital detox for the weekend.
Top Places to Stay in Joshua Tree
If you are looking for a true luxury hotel, travel an hour away from the park to La Quinta Resort and Club. In Palm Springs, The Colony Palms Hotel or The Parker in Palm Springs are some other mainstream options. But, if you truly want the authentic Joshua Tree experience, you don’t need to go anywhere. Spend the morning hiking around Joshua Tree National Park. Finish your day with live music and stargazing. The food may be simple but it’s authentic and damned good. Enjoy a BBQ dinner at the famous Pappy and Harriet’s in Pioneer Town.
Here are the top 5 luxury rentals within Joshua Tree for your relaxed stay.
The Kellogg Doolittle House
One of the most exclusive homes in the world is available for the first time as an Airbnb Luxe exclusive. This architectural wonder was handcrafted by architect Ken Kellogg and Master Craftsman John Vugrin. Ken Kellogg took organic architecture to new levels. His outstanding design is inspired by the breathtaking landscape of Joshua Tree National Park. The Kellogg Doolittle House offers unparalleled privacy and quiet, with park access steps right from your front door. The house itself forms around 26-winged piers composed of organic material built into the natural landscape. The kitchen and living room stretch softly around an unmoved, million-year-old rock formation. The glass panels let you sneak a peek at every sunrise or sunset, not to mention the Milky Way stretching across the sky.
Sol to Soul House
Named the coolest Airbnb in California in 2021, Sol to Soul is a private 10-acre sanctuary set in a mystical theater of boulders. It is set 3 miles down a private dirt road past a wild terrain of Joshua Trees and granite boulders. It is crowned by a massive whale-shaped rock that towers above the house. The stark design makes it one of the most featured and iconic images of the desert. At sunset, you’ll want to dip into their saltwater hot tub and watch the Milky Way overhead. In the evening, it’s time to hop over to the fire pit to dry off and start cocktail hour. Sol to Soul uses furniture from world-renowned designers like Christian Liagre with handmade Moroccan rugs.
The outdoor living room has an Alejandro Artigas-designed Zig Zag sofa from Artless, Philippe Starck Bubble Chairs, and a fire pit. Every room has floor-to-ceiling sliders with a view of the sky and surrounding boulders, and decks to transition you from inside out into the wild. Only 15 minutes from the local lively hotspot, Pappy and Harriet’s, it’s easy to slip out for some local BBQ and music. You can even make your way back by foot if you’re adventurous.
Rancho Contento
If you are looking for a good-times desert getaway and “dude ranch feels” with chickens and horses, then Rancho Contento is your perfect spot. Originally built by the local character “Cowboy Ed,” this recently renovated ranch house combines a modern cozy design with some of Cowboy Ed’s original art. The property is set on 10 acres and is ideal for family getaways, romantic escapes, or any creative retreat or outdoor event. There are spots for up to 10 people and the ensemble appears as if you have stepped into a retro farmhouse.
Boulder House
We’re adding this one in because its provenance is unique. Boulder House was originally built by the only Native American Playboy Bunny, Sandra Edwards. It is aptly named because it is set on 15 acres of private rock-strewn land in Joshua Tree. As its name implies, it’s built directly into the desert rock. The master bedroom literally has boulders spilling into it and the entire house is colorfully painted in Southwestern décor. The kitchen is decorated in an over-the-top religious “Day of the Dead” motif, so it’s eclectic, to say the least.
This large 2-story 4-bedroom house has jaw-dropping views of the desert and the clearest sky for star gazing. The best part is that you don’t even need to travel anywhere for hiking and bouldering. Although this property is quiet and secluded and your front door feels like a portal into the middle of nowhere, you’re actually quite close to civilization. You are minutes away from some of the local hangouts.
Homestead Modern Properties
Homestead Modern Properties boasts over 60 ultra-modern and unique properties, each set amid the lunar landscapes of Joshua Tree. High-end services and amenities are just a touch away on your home tablet, which comes with each homestead. You can book local activities, specialty grocery, and wine delivery services, organize pre-arrival fridge stockings, and discover local attractions. The best part is that your property managers are available 24-7. They will book their local private chefs, mixologists, photographers, yoga instructors, masseuses, and sound healers for you to enjoy. This is the full-service option in Joshua Tree, to attend to your every whim.
Mingle with the Locals
There is no doubt that the desert has always attracted local characters with its bizarre landscapes and stark solitude. The Mojave is a clean slate for any and all creative souls to come and find their own sanctuary. Just a day or weekend trip from LA and Palm Springs, most people come out to escape the lights of the city and actually see the stars. You can also explore the exotic desert landscapes of Joshua Tree National Monument, go antiquing in Yucca, or book a sound bath in the famous Integratron. Integratron was built by another desert character who claimed he was abducted by a UFO and told to build this building to slow down the aging process. Joshua is filled with such delightful characters. And they are the essence of Joshua Tree.
Pioneer Town
The most famous landmark is Pioneer Town, a local enclave that was originally built as a wild western movie set. The town had housing for their actors in the 50s, which now is the “Main Street” of the Joshua Tree area. Pioneer Town maintains its quaint frontier town facades. As mentioned earlier, its crown jewel is the world-famous Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace, You are guaranteed to eat the best BBQ and hear live music any night of the week. This spot embodies the true spirit of the high desert. You never know who will show up to perform or stop for a bite. Paul McCartney, Leon Russell, and Robert Plant are just a few who stop by for a set. This lively bar is like a vortex for all walks of life; bikers, celebrities, cowboys, LA influencers, and quirky locals.
Overall, the place is a bizarre desert melting pot but it makes Joshua Tree one of the best-preserved desert road trip destinations. The park has something for everyone – from luxury to peace of mind.
