The Smoketree Cottage Hi-Desert Adventures Guidebook
City/town information
Twentynine Palms, or "29" as locals refer to it, is your base when staying at Smoketree Cottage. This historic desert city is home to the world's largest Marine base, and the headquarters for Joshua Tree National Park. It's a great base for exploring the park, the Mojave Trails National Monument, the Mojave National Preserve, and many more destinations.
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Twentynine Palms
Twentynine Palms, or "29" as locals refer to it, is your base when staying at Smoketree Cottage. This historic desert city is home to the world's largest Marine base, and the headquarters for Joshua Tree National Park. It's a great base for exploring the park, the Mojave Trails National Monument, the Mojave National Preserve, and many more destinations.
Joshua Tree's so low key, it's not even incorporated - as a town, city, village, or even a hamlet. It's home to the west entrance to Joshua Tree National Park (the one that gets crowded), lots of art, food, and fun. But don't forget - there's much, much more to the hi-desert, so don't stop exploring!
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Joshua Tree
Joshua Tree's so low key, it's not even incorporated - as a town, city, village, or even a hamlet. It's home to the west entrance to Joshua Tree National Park (the one that gets crowded), lots of art, food, and fun. But don't forget - there's much, much more to the hi-desert, so don't stop exploring!
The Town of Yucca Valley is the commercial hub of the hi-desert. The grocery stores and sporting goods stores here are great places to forage for supplies for your trip. Don't forget to pick up lots of water and snacks - there are no concessions inside of Joshua Tree National Park.
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Yucca Valley
The Town of Yucca Valley is the commercial hub of the hi-desert. The grocery stores and sporting goods stores here are great places to forage for supplies for your trip. Don't forget to pick up lots of water and snacks - there are no concessions inside of Joshua Tree National Park.
It's the Old West! Oh wait. No it's not. It's an "Old West" town built for Hollywood in 1947. Roy Rogers threw out the first bowling ball at the Pioneertown Bowl, and Gene Autry and a long list of western stars filmed here (and some still do). Look for Old West shootouts on Mane Street on weekend afternoons in season, and stroll and browse the shops on Mane Street.
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Pioneertown
53688 Pioneertown RdIt's the Old West! Oh wait. No it's not. It's an "Old West" town built for Hollywood in 1947. Roy Rogers threw out the first bowling ball at the Pioneertown Bowl, and Gene Autry and a long list of western stars filmed here (and some still do). Look for Old West shootouts on Mane Street on weekend afternoons in season, and stroll and browse the shops on Mane Street.
This rural hi-desert community is home to the Integratron, Giant Rock, and Gubler's Orchids.
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Landers
This rural hi-desert community is home to the Integratron, Giant Rock, and Gubler's Orchids.
If you want to explore Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley, it makes a great day trip from Smoketree Cottage.
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Palm Springs
57096 Twentynine Palms HighwayIf you want to explore Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley, it makes a great day trip from Smoketree Cottage.
Want to get your kicks on Route 66? Amboy's just a hop, skip, and a jump (over the Sheephole Pass) from Smoketree Cottage. Gas up before you leave Twentynine Palms though - gas in Amboy can be a bit pricey.
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Amboy
Want to get your kicks on Route 66? Amboy's just a hop, skip, and a jump (over the Sheephole Pass) from Smoketree Cottage. Gas up before you leave Twentynine Palms though - gas in Amboy can be a bit pricey.
This scrappy little rural outpost on the eastern edge of Death Valley National Park is a great place to find brew, barbecue, the fabulous China Ranch Date Farm, and, of course, hot springs.
Tecopa
This scrappy little rural outpost on the eastern edge of Death Valley National Park is a great place to find brew, barbecue, the fabulous China Ranch Date Farm, and, of course, hot springs.
This little outpost on the eastern edge of Death Valley National Park is a great place to stop. Their museum is well worth exploring, and you can grab some grub and gas while you're in town.
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Shoshone
This little outpost on the eastern edge of Death Valley National Park is a great place to stop. Their museum is well worth exploring, and you can grab some grub and gas while you're in town.
You can make Barstow part of a Route 66 day trip from Smoketree Cottage. Barstow is home to the Casa del Desierto Harvey House railroad station, the Route 66 Mother Road Museum, the Western American Railroad Museum, and the Mojave River Valley Museum - all fun stops to explore.
Barstow
You can make Barstow part of a Route 66 day trip from Smoketree Cottage. Barstow is home to the Casa del Desierto Harvey House railroad station, the Route 66 Mother Road Museum, the Western American Railroad Museum, and the Mojave River Valley Museum - all fun stops to explore.
This quirky outpost on the main route from LA to Vegas is also a great place to fill up on gas and some dicey dining options while out exploring the Mojave National Preserve, or on the way north to Death Valley.
Baker
This quirky outpost on the main route from LA to Vegas is also a great place to fill up on gas and some dicey dining options while out exploring the Mojave National Preserve, or on the way north to Death Valley.
Want to day trip up to the mountains? You can easily get to Big Bear by Highway 247/Old Woman Springs Road in Yucca Valley, up to the Lucerne Valley area, and into Big Bear, where you can enjoy the lake and mountains, shop the Village, and grab a pie from Pickle's Pie Shop (the bourbon pecan pie is to die for). It's a fun day trip!
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Big Bear Lake
Want to day trip up to the mountains? You can easily get to Big Bear by Highway 247/Old Woman Springs Road in Yucca Valley, up to the Lucerne Valley area, and into Big Bear, where you can enjoy the lake and mountains, shop the Village, and grab a pie from Pickle's Pie Shop (the bourbon pecan pie is to die for). It's a fun day trip!
The eastern part of the Coachella Valley has some great music venues, and is home to the Riverside County Fair and Date Festival, along with the Tamale Festival, and, yeah, Coachella and Stagecoach too (as well as polo matches, art festivals, and more). You can find great Mexican and Chinese food here, as well as iconic desert stops like Shields Date Gardens.
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Indio
The eastern part of the Coachella Valley has some great music venues, and is home to the Riverside County Fair and Date Festival, along with the Tamale Festival, and, yeah, Coachella and Stagecoach too (as well as polo matches, art festivals, and more). You can find great Mexican and Chinese food here, as well as iconic desert stops like Shields Date Gardens.
Sightseeing
Our Rhode Island-sized gem of a national park - in our backyard. There's much to discover and enjoy! Just remember - there are no concessions in the park, so gas up, and load up with food and water and whatever you may need. Please respect our park - no dogs on trails, no graffiti or vandalism of natural or historical resources, and please respect all park rules during your visit so everyone can enjoy the park for generations to come. And if you need some suggestions for hikes or places to explore while you're staying at Smoketree Cottage, check our website, or ask.
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Joshua-Tree-Nationalpark
Our Rhode Island-sized gem of a national park - in our backyard. There's much to discover and enjoy! Just remember - there are no concessions in the park, so gas up, and load up with food and water and whatever you may need. Please respect our park - no dogs on trails, no graffiti or vandalism of natural or historical resources, and please respect all park rules during your visit so everyone can enjoy the park for generations to come. And if you need some suggestions for hikes or places to explore while you're staying at Smoketree Cottage, check our website, or ask.
An incredible preserve in the eastern Mojave Desert. Here you'll find "singing" sand dunes, lava tube caves, stunning mountains, vast Joshua tree forests (some burned during the wildfire season of 2020, unfortunately), the Mojave Cross, the Kelso Depot (the National Park Service's visitor center in an old railroad depot), volcanic cinder cones and lava fields, and much more. There's no services in the preserve, so gas up, and bring food and water with you.
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Mojave National Preserve
90942 Kelso Cima RdAn incredible preserve in the eastern Mojave Desert. Here you'll find "singing" sand dunes, lava tube caves, stunning mountains, vast Joshua tree forests (some burned during the wildfire season of 2020, unfortunately), the Mojave Cross, the Kelso Depot (the National Park Service's visitor center in an old railroad depot), volcanic cinder cones and lava fields, and much more. There's no services in the preserve, so gas up, and bring food and water with you.
A wonderful new (2016) national monument that includes parts of the Desert Training Center where General Patton trained troops before the invasion of North Africa in World War II, as well as stretches of America's Mother Road - Route 66. Plenty to explore!
Mojave Trails National Monument
A wonderful new (2016) national monument that includes parts of the Desert Training Center where General Patton trained troops before the invasion of North Africa in World War II, as well as stretches of America's Mother Road - Route 66. Plenty to explore!
One of our newer (2016) national monuments that offers a range of hiking and recreation opportunities in both the desert and mountains.
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Sand to Snow National Monument
Millard Canyon RoadOne of our newer (2016) national monuments that offers a range of hiking and recreation opportunities in both the desert and mountains.
An unusual oasis in the desert, filled with life. This preserve is a well known birding destination, and has a number of great hiking trails, including a boardwalk trail through the oasis that is wheelchair accessible. Keep an eye on the kids though - bears and mountain lions do drop by from time to time.
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Big Morongo Canyon Preserve
11055 East DriveAn unusual oasis in the desert, filled with life. This preserve is a well known birding destination, and has a number of great hiking trails, including a boardwalk trail through the oasis that is wheelchair accessible. Keep an eye on the kids though - bears and mountain lions do drop by from time to time.
A Wildlands Conservancy preserve that offers great hikes up Pipes Canyon into the transition zone between hi-desert and mountain ecosystems.
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Pioneertown Mountains Preserve
51010 Pipes Canyon RdA Wildlands Conservancy preserve that offers great hikes up Pipes Canyon into the transition zone between hi-desert and mountain ecosystems.
A Wildlands Conservancy preserve that has great hiking trails and relaxing picnic grounds.
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Whitewater Preserve
9160 Whitewater Canyon RdA Wildlands Conservancy preserve that has great hiking trails and relaxing picnic grounds.
Want to hike into the center of a real volcano? Here you go. Beautiful during wildflower season, and a fun place to spot chuckwallas and desert iguanas (as well as rattlesnakes, so be careful!). Please avoid during summer as the black volcanic rock helps superheat the area.
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Amboy Crater
Want to hike into the center of a real volcano? Here you go. Beautiful during wildflower season, and a fun place to spot chuckwallas and desert iguanas (as well as rattlesnakes, so be careful!). Please avoid during summer as the black volcanic rock helps superheat the area.
Running along the southern edge of the Coachella Valley/Palm Springs area, this national monument includes beautiful mountains and the traditional summer home of the Cahuilla Indians.
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Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument
California 74Running along the southern edge of the Coachella Valley/Palm Springs area, this national monument includes beautiful mountains and the traditional summer home of the Cahuilla Indians.
It's a long day trip, but you can visit Death Valley National Park - and should - just not in the middle of summer.
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Death Valley National Park
It's a long day trip, but you can visit Death Valley National Park - and should - just not in the middle of summer.
An incredible outdoor assemblage art installation garden by one of the world's leading assemblage artists, the late Noah Purifoy, who got his international fame by creating sculptures from the debris of the Watts Uprising.
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Noah Purifoy Outdoor Desert Art Museum
62975 Blair LnAn incredible outdoor assemblage art installation garden by one of the world's leading assemblage artists, the late Noah Purifoy, who got his international fame by creating sculptures from the debris of the Watts Uprising.
A funky and fun art enclave in downtown Joshua Tree. Well worth a visit.
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Art Queen
61855 Twentynine Palms HighwayA funky and fun art enclave in downtown Joshua Tree. Well worth a visit.
The Oasis Visitor Center for Joshua Tree National Park, just down the road from Smoketree Cottage (within walking distance), is a great place to begin your visit to the park. Walk the trail through the Oasis of Mara and get all your questions about the park answered - and fill up those water bottles before you go!
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Oasis Visitor Center
74485 National Park DrThe Oasis Visitor Center for Joshua Tree National Park, just down the road from Smoketree Cottage (within walking distance), is a great place to begin your visit to the park. Walk the trail through the Oasis of Mara and get all your questions about the park answered - and fill up those water bottles before you go!
Antone Martin's giant statue of Jesus needed a home, and found it here in Yucca Valley. The park is dedicated to world peace, but has an incredible backstory too. A great place for a visit, and for photographers.
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Desert Christ Park
56200 Sunnyslope DrAntone Martin's giant statue of Jesus needed a home, and found it here in Yucca Valley. The park is dedicated to world peace, but has an incredible backstory too. A great place for a visit, and for photographers.
A wonderful testament to the unique character and life of Cabot Yerxa. Museum tours are well worth the time, and the museum hosts some incredible events as well.
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Cabot's Pueblo Museum
67616 Desert View AveA wonderful testament to the unique character and life of Cabot Yerxa. Museum tours are well worth the time, and the museum hosts some incredible events as well.
A treasure of a small museum, located in Yucca Valley's community center, with lots of great programs for kids and adults.
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Hi-Desert Nature Museum
57090 Twentynine Palms HighwayA treasure of a small museum, located in Yucca Valley's community center, with lots of great programs for kids and adults.
The Old Schoolhouse Museum is next door to Smoketree Cottage, and a perfect place to dive into the history of the Twentynine Palms area and this part of the Mojave. They have great historical programs here, a wonderful bookshop, and don't forget the annual Weed Show and the Old Timer's gathering during Pioneer Days!
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Old Schoolhouse Museum
6760 National Park DrThe Old Schoolhouse Museum is next door to Smoketree Cottage, and a perfect place to dive into the history of the Twentynine Palms area and this part of the Mojave. They have great historical programs here, a wonderful bookshop, and don't forget the annual Weed Show and the Old Timer's gathering during Pioneer Days!
Across from the Smoketree Cottage is the historic adobe 29 Palms Art Gallery. This is a wonderful and relaxed art gallery featuring rotating exhibits from desert artists.
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29 Palms Art Gallery
74055 Cottonwood DrAcross from the Smoketree Cottage is the historic adobe 29 Palms Art Gallery. This is a wonderful and relaxed art gallery featuring rotating exhibits from desert artists.
Run by Hairstorian Jeff Hafler, the Beauty Bubble (at the Art Queen in downtown Joshua Tree), is a fun stop - plus, you can get a haircut. A must-stop in downtown Joshua Tree.
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Beauty Bubble Salon and Museum
61855 Twentynine Palms HighwayRun by Hairstorian Jeff Hafler, the Beauty Bubble (at the Art Queen in downtown Joshua Tree), is a fun stop - plus, you can get a haircut. A must-stop in downtown Joshua Tree.
In World War II, under command of General Patton, much of the Mojave Desert became the training grounds for Allied troops preparing for the invasion of North Africa. This museum is a great introduction to Patton and the training that took place across the desert.
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General Patton Gedenkmuseum
62510 Chiriaco RdIn World War II, under command of General Patton, much of the Mojave Desert became the training grounds for Allied troops preparing for the invasion of North Africa. This museum is a great introduction to Patton and the training that took place across the desert.
These "singing" sand dunes inside of the Mojave National Preserve, are a great place to explore. Hike to the top of the dunes for an awesome sunset or sunrise!
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Kelso Dunes
These "singing" sand dunes inside of the Mojave National Preserve, are a great place to explore. Hike to the top of the dunes for an awesome sunset or sunrise!
George Van Tassel's creation, the Integratron, was originally designed to be a giant negative ionization chamber that would revitalize and rejuvenate our cells, to keep us perpetually young. With the technology of the Integratron stripped after his death by men in black, this Venutian-designed domed building boasts incredible acoustics and you can enjoy a relaxing sound bath.
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Integratron
2477 Belfield BlvdGeorge Van Tassel's creation, the Integratron, was originally designed to be a giant negative ionization chamber that would revitalize and rejuvenate our cells, to keep us perpetually young. With the technology of the Integratron stripped after his death by men in black, this Venutian-designed domed building boasts incredible acoustics and you can enjoy a relaxing sound bath.
The Joshua Tree Retreat Center began as the Institute of Mentalphysics and remains a leading center for spiritual and metaphysical workshops and gatherings. With buildings designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and his son, you can stroll the grounds, attend a workshop or class, and browse their bookstore.
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Joshua Tree Retreat Center
59700 Twentynine Palms HighwayThe Joshua Tree Retreat Center began as the Institute of Mentalphysics and remains a leading center for spiritual and metaphysical workshops and gatherings. With buildings designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and his son, you can stroll the grounds, attend a workshop or class, and browse their bookstore.
If you're a fan of exotic orchids or carnivorous plants, Gubler's is the place for you. Tour the greenhouses and take home your own living souvenir!
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Gubler Orchids
36400 Rabbit Springs RdIf you're a fan of exotic orchids or carnivorous plants, Gubler's is the place for you. Tour the greenhouses and take home your own living souvenir!
The historic 29 Palms Inn on the Oasis of Mara is a great place to visit, dine, and relax. Lunch and dinner are available, as well as Sunday brunch. Live music is performed daily, so dinner, cocktails, and music poolside is a great way to wind down a day of hiking and exploring. Make sure to walk the oasis and visit the pond and the Faultline Gardens where the Inn grows much of the food that winds up on the menu at the restaurant.
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29 Palms Inn
73950 Inn AveThe historic 29 Palms Inn on the Oasis of Mara is a great place to visit, dine, and relax. Lunch and dinner are available, as well as Sunday brunch. Live music is performed daily, so dinner, cocktails, and music poolside is a great way to wind down a day of hiking and exploring. Make sure to walk the oasis and visit the pond and the Faultline Gardens where the Inn grows much of the food that winds up on the menu at the restaurant.
Our desert night skies are one of our best features, and Sky's the Limit's night sky programs are open to the public to help you enjoy the desert after dark. Located just a short distance from Smoketree Cottage, near the Twentynine Palms entrance to the national park.
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Sky’s The Limit Observatory and Nature Center
9697 Utah TrailOur desert night skies are one of our best features, and Sky's the Limit's night sky programs are open to the public to help you enjoy the desert after dark. Located just a short distance from Smoketree Cottage, near the Twentynine Palms entrance to the national park.
If you're out exploring the Mojave National Preserve and Route 66, consider a stop here in Goffs, an old railroad town that was situated on an early alignment of Route 66. The schoolhouse is now a museum, and the grounds include a working 10-stamp ore mill and other incredible desert artifacts. It's usually a good idea to check in with these folks before going, to ensure they're open.
Mojave Desert Heritage and Cultural Association
37198 Lanfair RdIf you're out exploring the Mojave National Preserve and Route 66, consider a stop here in Goffs, an old railroad town that was situated on an early alignment of Route 66. The schoolhouse is now a museum, and the grounds include a working 10-stamp ore mill and other incredible desert artifacts. It's usually a good idea to check in with these folks before going, to ensure they're open.
A great little museum in Barstow that shares the natural history and human history of the region.
Mojave River Valley Museum
270 E Virginia WayA great little museum in Barstow that shares the natural history and human history of the region.
Drop by the historic Casa del Desierto Harvey House railroad station in Barstow and dive into the history and lore of America's Mother Road - Route 66.
Route 66 Mother Road Museum
681 N 1st AveDrop by the historic Casa del Desierto Harvey House railroad station in Barstow and dive into the history and lore of America's Mother Road - Route 66.
A wonderful Route 66 museum in Victorville. Make sure to get your photo taken in their hippy van!
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California Route 66 Museum
16825 D StA wonderful Route 66 museum in Victorville. Make sure to get your photo taken in their hippy van!
If you're out exploring the desert near Death Valley, then a stop at Death Valley Junction is a must. Here, you can explore the magical world of Marta Becket's incredible Amargosa Opera House, and maybe even catch a performance. If the Amargosa Cafe is open while you're here, stop in for incredible organic farm-to-table meals.
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Amargosa Opera House and Hotel
608 Death Valley JctIf you're out exploring the desert near Death Valley, then a stop at Death Valley Junction is a must. Here, you can explore the magical world of Marta Becket's incredible Amargosa Opera House, and maybe even catch a performance. If the Amargosa Cafe is open while you're here, stop in for incredible organic farm-to-table meals.
As you head out of Tecopa toward China Ranch, you'd be forgiven for thinking you're driving into nothing at all. But once you turn off and drive down the slot canyon, you enter a magical desert oasis worthy of the Arabian Nights! Here, you can grab a fantastic date shake, load up on date bread and varieties of dates grown nowhere else, as well as hike the Amargosa River valley, slot canyons, and the bed of the Tonopah & Tidewater Railroad.
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China Ranch Date Farm & Bakery
China Ranch RoadAs you head out of Tecopa toward China Ranch, you'd be forgiven for thinking you're driving into nothing at all. But once you turn off and drive down the slot canyon, you enter a magical desert oasis worthy of the Arabian Nights! Here, you can grab a fantastic date shake, load up on date bread and varieties of dates grown nowhere else, as well as hike the Amargosa River valley, slot canyons, and the bed of the Tonopah & Tidewater Railroad.
If you head up to Big Bear for a day in the mountains, and you have a vehicle with fairly high clearance, then you should consider an afternoon at the Wildland Conservancy's Bluff Lake Reserve. It's a beautiful alpine lake with an abundance of trails for hiking, lots of wildflowers, and tall fir and pine trees. No concessions or anything here, but a wonderful off-the-beaten-path reserve to enjoy (closed in winter).
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Bluff Lake Reserve
Mill Creek RoadIf you head up to Big Bear for a day in the mountains, and you have a vehicle with fairly high clearance, then you should consider an afternoon at the Wildland Conservancy's Bluff Lake Reserve. It's a beautiful alpine lake with an abundance of trails for hiking, lots of wildflowers, and tall fir and pine trees. No concessions or anything here, but a wonderful off-the-beaten-path reserve to enjoy (closed in winter).
If you're into off-roading, Johnson Valley is the place to go. Home to the King of the Hammers racing and rock-crawling event, there are miles of off-roading trails and areas for your enjoyment. Stop off and say hi to King Clone too - one of the oldest living beings on the planet!
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Johnson valley OHV
If you're into off-roading, Johnson Valley is the place to go. Home to the King of the Hammers racing and rock-crawling event, there are miles of off-roading trails and areas for your enjoyment. Stop off and say hi to King Clone too - one of the oldest living beings on the planet!
The Colorado River is a fun day trip from Twentynine Palms. You can take Route 62/29 Palms Highway all the way to Parker, and enjoy one of Arizona's state parks on the river, or drive north from Earp on the California side to visit with friendly wild burros.
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Parker
The Colorado River is a fun day trip from Twentynine Palms. You can take Route 62/29 Palms Highway all the way to Parker, and enjoy one of Arizona's state parks on the river, or drive north from Earp on the California side to visit with friendly wild burros.
Red Rock is a stunning state park in the northern Mojave Desert.
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Red Rock Canyon State Park
37749 Abbott DriveRed Rock is a stunning state park in the northern Mojave Desert.
If you're not used to cholla cactus, then this trail is a must when visiting Joshua Tree National Park. Just don't back up without looking! Ouch!
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Cholla-Kaktusgarten
Cholla Cactus Garden TrailIf you're not used to cholla cactus, then this trail is a must when visiting Joshua Tree National Park. Just don't back up without looking! Ouch!
A great hike in Joshua Tree National Park for those who want a sweeping view of the desert!
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Ryan Mountain Trail
Ryan Mountain TrailA great hike in Joshua Tree National Park for those who want a sweeping view of the desert!
When Gram Parsons overdosed and died in Room 8 of the Joshua Tree Inn, his body was supposed to be flown back to Louisiana for burial. Instead, his friends stole his body and drove it out to Joshua Tree where Gram was (partially) cremated under the desert stars, near Cap Rock (watch Grand Theft Parsons for a look at this quirky story).
Look for informal shrines to Gram here. The National Park Service tried to ignore and eliminate references to Gram for years because of his death's connection with drugs, but they're slowly coming around to understand Gram's musical and cultural importance.
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Cap Rock
Cap Rock Nature TrailWhen Gram Parsons overdosed and died in Room 8 of the Joshua Tree Inn, his body was supposed to be flown back to Louisiana for burial. Instead, his friends stole his body and drove it out to Joshua Tree where Gram was (partially) cremated under the desert stars, near Cap Rock (watch Grand Theft Parsons for a look at this quirky story).
Look for informal shrines to Gram here. The National Park Service tried to ignore and eliminate references to Gram for years because of his death's connection with drugs, but they're slowly coming around to understand Gram's musical and cultural importance.
A great day use area in Joshua Tree National Park with some good easy hiking in a place where cattle rustlers were reputed to once hide their stolen goods.
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Hidden Valley Nature Trail
74485 National Park DriveA great day use area in Joshua Tree National Park with some good easy hiking in a place where cattle rustlers were reputed to once hide their stolen goods.
Ryan Ranch trail is an easy, fun hike that takes you back in time to when homesteaders and prospectors worked this area.
Ryan Ranch Trail
Ryan Ranch TrailRyan Ranch trail is an easy, fun hike that takes you back in time to when homesteaders and prospectors worked this area.
An easy loop trail that is often extremely crowded. Tip: Go very early morning and you may stumble upon desert bighorn sheep coming down for water!
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Barker Dam Nature Trail
Barker Dam Nature TrailAn easy loop trail that is often extremely crowded. Tip: Go very early morning and you may stumble upon desert bighorn sheep coming down for water!
A quirky, fun monument to the kind of individual who was drawn to the desert. Samuelson was a Swedish immigrant who made this area his home for a time, carving his political insights onto the boulders around the small hill he called home. In spring, this area boasts some great fields of wildflowers if you're lucky enough to come during wildflower season!
Samuelsons Rock
A quirky, fun monument to the kind of individual who was drawn to the desert. Samuelson was a Swedish immigrant who made this area his home for a time, carving his political insights onto the boulders around the small hill he called home. In spring, this area boasts some great fields of wildflowers if you're lucky enough to come during wildflower season!
Once home to George Van Tassel's UFO gatherings, Giant Rock used to have a home carved out underneath the immense boulder, along with some outbuildings, such as a small cafe Van Tassel's wife ran. Her pies were so famous that Hollywood celebrities would fly out and land on Giant Rock's dry lakebed, just to have a slice! Howard Hughes enjoyed stopping here, and brought along one of Nikola Tesla's notebooks for George.
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Giant Rock CA
Once home to George Van Tassel's UFO gatherings, Giant Rock used to have a home carved out underneath the immense boulder, along with some outbuildings, such as a small cafe Van Tassel's wife ran. Her pies were so famous that Hollywood celebrities would fly out and land on Giant Rock's dry lakebed, just to have a slice! Howard Hughes enjoyed stopping here, and brought along one of Nikola Tesla's notebooks for George.
Another wonderful preserve from the Wildlands Conservancy, with great hikes!
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Mission Creek Preserve
60550 Mission Creek RdAnother wonderful preserve from the Wildlands Conservancy, with great hikes!
Take the tram up the side of Mt. San Jacinto to the 8,000 foot level where you can hike the forests and enjoy sweeping views of the desert below! You can dine up the tram as well.
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Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
1 Tram WayTake the tram up the side of Mt. San Jacinto to the 8,000 foot level where you can hike the forests and enjoy sweeping views of the desert below! You can dine up the tram as well.
A wonderful zoo in Palm Desert, with plenty of great family-oriented events.
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The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
47900 Portola AveA wonderful zoo in Palm Desert, with plenty of great family-oriented events.
Looking for world-class art in the desert? Look no more. This museum boasts great permanent and rotating exhibits in the heart of downtown Palm Springs.
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Palm Springs Museum Trail
101 N Museum DrLooking for world-class art in the desert? Look no more. This museum boasts great permanent and rotating exhibits in the heart of downtown Palm Springs.
If you're an airplane buff, then this museum is for you. With a fantastic World War II aircraft collection, and a range of other planes including a stealth fighter, this is a great place to spend a day. The volunteers are wonderful and will chat your ears off if you let them. Many planes are still flyable, and there are opportunities to get airborne!
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Palm Springs Air Museum
lot 745 N Gene Autry TrailIf you're an airplane buff, then this museum is for you. With a fantastic World War II aircraft collection, and a range of other planes including a stealth fighter, this is a great place to spend a day. The volunteers are wonderful and will chat your ears off if you let them. Many planes are still flyable, and there are opportunities to get airborne!
Coyote Hole, directly south of the town of Joshua Tree, is a wonderfully accessible little canyon with Native American petroglyphs. Unfortunately, its accessibility has also led to a great deal of vandalism and destruction.
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Coyote Hole Canyon
Coyote Hole, directly south of the town of Joshua Tree, is a wonderfully accessible little canyon with Native American petroglyphs. Unfortunately, its accessibility has also led to a great deal of vandalism and destruction.
Food scene
Fine dining and cocktails poolside, with a lot of ingredients on the menu grown right at the Oasis of Mara in the Inn's Faultline Gardens. Try lunch, dinner, or Sunday brunch at the Inn. You won't be disappointed.
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29 Palms Inn
73950 Inn AveFine dining and cocktails poolside, with a lot of ingredients on the menu grown right at the Oasis of Mara in the Inn's Faultline Gardens. Try lunch, dinner, or Sunday brunch at the Inn. You won't be disappointed.
Looking for some awesome mesquite barbecue and great live music? Then Pappy & Harriet's Pioneertown Palace is a must-stop. It's also a must-reservation for dinner stop, since the old adobe roadhouse has become extremely "discovered." Don't look to meet too many locals here - we can't get in much anymore. Pioneertown's now very hot with the LA crowd.
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Pappy & Harriet's
53688 Pioneertown RdLooking for some awesome mesquite barbecue and great live music? Then Pappy & Harriet's Pioneertown Palace is a must-stop. It's also a must-reservation for dinner stop, since the old adobe roadhouse has become extremely "discovered." Don't look to meet too many locals here - we can't get in much anymore. Pioneertown's now very hot with the LA crowd.
Locals remember a time when the Saloon was off-limits to Marines returning from Iraq and Afghanistan because it was too dangerous! Not anymore. It boasts good pub food, great beers on tap, and live music. Locals don't go as much as we used to, because the Saloon's crowded with visitors (and the prices were adapted to LA standards).
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Joshua Tree Saloon
61835 Twentynine Palms HighwayLocals remember a time when the Saloon was off-limits to Marines returning from Iraq and Afghanistan because it was too dangerous! Not anymore. It boasts good pub food, great beers on tap, and live music. Locals don't go as much as we used to, because the Saloon's crowded with visitors (and the prices were adapted to LA standards).
It's in a little strip mall in Joshua Tree, but this family-run Indian food and pizza place is worth checking out. We love the chicken korma pizza, personally, but explore away!
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Sam's Indian Food & Pizza
61380 Twentynine Palms HighwayIt's in a little strip mall in Joshua Tree, but this family-run Indian food and pizza place is worth checking out. We love the chicken korma pizza, personally, but explore away!
Trendy and often times a bit overrun, this is a popular dining destination in Twentynine Palms.
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Kitchen in the Desert
6427 Mesquite AveTrendy and often times a bit overrun, this is a popular dining destination in Twentynine Palms.
A decent craft pizza place in Yucca Valley.
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2 Guys Pies Brick Oven Pizzeria
56969 Yucca TrailA decent craft pizza place in Yucca Valley.
Foraging for supplies in Twentynine Palms? Then check out the farmers market. Yummy stuff!
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29 Palms Certified Farmers' Market
73484 Twentynine Palms HighwayForaging for supplies in Twentynine Palms? Then check out the farmers market. Yummy stuff!
The granddaddy of farmers markets in the hi-desert, every Saturday morning you can get great produce, plenty of prepared foods, Joshua Tree Coffee, and arts and crafts here. We have our favorite farmers, you'll discover your own.
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Joshua Tree Certified Farmers' Market
61651 Twentynine Palms HighwayThe granddaddy of farmers markets in the hi-desert, every Saturday morning you can get great produce, plenty of prepared foods, Joshua Tree Coffee, and arts and crafts here. We have our favorite farmers, you'll discover your own.
Live Theater
Home to a great community theater group with fun, family-oriented productions.
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Theatre 29
73637 Sullivan RdHome to a great community theater group with fun, family-oriented productions.
While the Hi-Desert Playhouse hasn't been renovated since the flood of 2007, the Black Box Theater behind it still holds regular theater performances and special events.
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Hi Desert Playhouse Guild Inc
61231 Twentynine Palms HighwayWhile the Hi-Desert Playhouse hasn't been renovated since the flood of 2007, the Black Box Theater behind it still holds regular theater performances and special events.
Route 66 in the Mojave
Elmer Long's iconic Route 66 roadside attraction, on the Mother Road between Victorville and Barstow.
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Elmers Flaschenbaumranch
24266 National Trails HwyElmer Long's iconic Route 66 roadside attraction, on the Mother Road between Victorville and Barstow.
If you're a railroad buff, then head over to Barstow's Casa del Desierto Harvey House railroad station, home to the WARM musuem. You'll love their museum and collection of railroad cars and locomotives, and you can watch the trains from this historic railroad station that still serves Amtrak trains.
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Western America Railroad Museum
685 N 1st AveIf you're a railroad buff, then head over to Barstow's Casa del Desierto Harvey House railroad station, home to the WARM musuem. You'll love their museum and collection of railroad cars and locomotives, and you can watch the trains from this historic railroad station that still serves Amtrak trains.