Whether you’re a rock scrambler, a trail rambler, or just want to soak up the vibes of our peaceful desert paradise, Rancho Rockotillo will soothe your soul.
Original homesteaders believed that the more giant rocks on their property, the greater the desireability – and our newly restored, cool, cozy 50’s cabin sits steps away from some of the most towering, beautiful boulders bordering Joshua Tree National Park.
Perfect for artist retreat, romantic getaway or longer rental!
The space
Acres to roam, hiking trails right outside the door, and of course stunning visuals including ocotillo, pine, eucalyptus, juniper, fruit and Joshua Trees as well as jackrabbits, tortoises, chuckwallas, coyotes, bobcats, bighorn sheep and yes, even the occasional glimpse of a mountain lion, all combine for the true desert experience. Rancho Rockotillo is about 3/4 mile from the national park's west entrance, and 7 minutes from the vibrant Joshua Tree Village cafe, art gallery, farmers market and nightlife scene. The music of the wind playing through the canyons, along with our living soundtrack provided by doves, quail, owls, ravens, hawks, hummingbirds and singing coyotes, will relax and inspire, making Rancho Rockotillo the perfect short or long term artist, musician or writers retreat, as well as a romantic oasis for couples. And the starry night sky must be seen to be believed – the Milky Way in all its majesty, and if you time it right, spectacular all night meteor showers to take your breath away!
Redesigning and refurbishing the simple cabin where a family of four adventurous homesteaders once lived has truly been a labor of love for us, from my husband Curt’s custom door-mount coat hooks made from antique railroad spikes to his handcast concrete bathroom counter. And we’re proud to have created unique furniture and cool desert decor from recycled cabin features and local Sky Village swapmeet finds, too! The cabin's rear wall has the perfect huge picture window for wildlife watching, stargazing and desert dreaming, plus soaring ceilings with clerestory window accents allow passage of light and a cooling breeze throughout. Fully draped sliding glass doors to the east also open the central cabin space to the sunrise, an outdoor seating and BBQ area, and even more amazing scenic vistas with pillars of weather-worn rocks sculpted by time - all of which can be seen from the comfort of our latest, brand new, super comfortable Nectar premium memory foam mattress/queen-sized bed, perfect for guests of all sizes and sleeping positions. There's also a cozy full-size convertible sofa in the same common cabin area right next to this platform bed, so please note that these are not in private bedrooms. The fully-equipped open kitchen features breakfast bar seating and all new appliances, along with all the cookware, spices and tools you need to whip up a meal...plus take your pick - both French press and pour over coffee makers. There’s also a fun, cool story behind the 900 pound boulder conveniently placed in the bathroom's open shower as well – just one more one-of-a-kind aspect of Rancho Rockotillo!
We’ve waited almost 20 years from when we first settled in to renew the original homestead cabin on our property and to invite you, our very special guests, to come share and enjoy your own memorable time in rural Joshua Tree. Curt and I also have a house on the property and enjoy visiting as often as we possibly can, but there will only be as much interaction as you desire. Whether we are onsite or off, we look forward to instantly responding to any questions you may have. And for your security and protection, we now have a Ring Video Doorbell, but rest assured this is our ONLY camera on the property, and we only confirm front of door activity upon arrival. Also please note – due to liability issues and as stated in our house rules, we are unable to welcome any non-registered guests or extra vehicles onto the property without prior consent. Thanks for understanding.
We hope you’ll visit our Joshua Tree haven soon, and make it your high desert homestead away from home!
Thank you,
Laurie & Curt
Guest access
The large, well-maintained Jacuzzi adjacent to the cabin has amazing jets, plus colorful "light show" and mini-waterfall features - please note, prior to arrival guests will need to sign our separate hot tub safety/liability rider, which you can preview under House Manuals section of listing...there is also a 20 ft diameter geodesic dome frame that's perfect for early morning outdoor meditation and yoga - bring your mat! The cabin has a bluetooth stereo ready to play your favorite music from your smartphone and CDs, plus quiet Air Conditioning/Heat and private outdoor seating and BBQ area.
Other things to note
We're in the Monument Manor area of Joshua Tree, which is the closest residential neighborhood to the west entrance of the national park. Our private dirt roads off the highway can be bumpy, but definitely passable. 20 mph or less is recommended for the dirt road drive up to the cabin as wildlife abounds and to kick up less dust - no streetlights of course, so we can all enjoy the dark, starry nights. We'll be happy to guide you in, especially if you're arriving after dark.
Cactus, cholla, and other native prickly desert plants live here too, so please be careful. Respect the wild animals and do not feed or attempt to touch - this is their turf, and keeping cabin front door and screens closed is always a good idea. No smoking, please, and for your own safety no fires/grillling permitted other than the propane BBQ on property. The Jacuzzi is for your enjoyment - please use responsibly and shower before use, as jets can clog due to body oils and lotions. We ask that you please sign a separate hot tub safety/liability rider prior to your arrival, which we will provide once you book. This document can be previewed in Guest Resources/House Manual section of listing and also specifies no drug or alcohol use in or around the hot tub - thank you. We do not allow photo shoots or filming, and absolutely no drone photography, unless arrangements are made with us in advance - same goes for parties, events, and all other gatherings and visitors.
Registration Details
CESTRP-2021-02733
