Cabin

Rancho Rockotillo - Breakfast in the Boulders next-door to National Park !

Cabin with a hot tub, near Joshua Tree National Park

Photo gallery for Rancho Rockotillo - Breakfast in the Boulders next-door to National Park !

Rancho Rockotillo - your Homestead away from Home!
This kitchen is stocked for your stay!    Nicholas James Photography


Additional dining chairs chairs on site!    Nicholas James Photography
Everywhere you look - views!    Nicholas James Photography
Cooling clerestory windows fill the cabin with light! Nicholas James Photography

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 30.1 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Air conditioning
  • Barbecue grill
  • Outdoor space
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

View map
  • Place, Joshua Tree National Park West Entrance
  • Place, Joshua Tree National Park Visitor Center
  • Place, Joshua Tree Courthouse
  • Airport, Palm Springs, CA (PSP-Palm Springs Intl.)

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 3)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed and 1 Double Futon

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Kitchenette
Separate dining area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Rancho Rockotillo - Breakfast in the Boulders next-door to National Park !

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 Joshua Tree homesteaders believed that the more giant rocks and boulders, the greater the desireability of their property – and our newly restored 1950’s homestead cabin sits steps away from some of the most towering, beautiful boulders bordering the park.
Perfect for writer/musician/artist retreat, or romantic getaway - sleeps 1 - 3 in clean, light-filled, airy space with full view windows and doors. Newly refreshed comfortable cabin with open bedroom/common area includes 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. Fully-equipped open kitchen features breakfast bar seating and all new appliances, along with all the cookware, spices and tools needed to whip up a meal, separate dining area/work station, wi-fi and both French press and pour over coffee makers. We provide the coffee and tea, you bring the food! Soak, chill and stargaze in the large, well-maintained Jacuzzi hot tub with powerful jets and amazing view, enjoy the rainfall showerhead and boulder seating in the cabin's cool open shower bathroom, and play your favorite music from your smartphone or CDs on the in-house Bluetooth stereo.
Rancho Rockotillo offers acres to roam, private hiking trails, 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. The Rancho sits less than 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 writer's retreat, as well as a couple's oasis. 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 now has the perfect huge picture window for wildlife watching, stargazing and desert dreaming, plus the new 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 spectacular sunrises, an outdoor seating and propane BBQ grill area with comfy full-size hammock, and even more amazing scenic vistas to enjoy with pillars of weather-worn rocks sculpted by time. 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. Also, this is the SoCal desert, and local wildlife you may encounter on and off the Rancho property can possibly include bobcats, coyotes, rattlesnakes, mountain lions and various insects. Please stay aware when out and about! 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

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Amenities

Hot tub
Kitchen
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
Parking available
Barbecue

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Kids must be pre-approved and 100% supervised !
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Events

No events allowed
No film/photo shoots-no non-registered guests
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Pets

No pets allowed
No animals at this time - we have wildlife!
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Smoking

Smoking allowed: in designated areas
20 mph on dirt roads. No loud music, no fires except for our propane BBQ, no drones, no feeding/disturbing wildlife, no guns or weapons!
Guests must sign hot tub safety/liability doc prior to arrival. No film/photo shoots w/out prior approval !
No All Terrain or Off Highway Vehicles.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Note from host: no film/photo shoots-no non-registered guests
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
Property Registration Number CESTRP-2021-02733

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Joshua Tree

Located in Monument Manor, a neighbourhood in Joshua Tree, this cabin is in a rural area. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Joshua Tree National Park and Joshua Tree National Park West Entrance, while World Famous Crochet Museum and Joshua Tree Art Gallery are cultural highlights. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Joshua Tree, CA

What's nearby

  • Joshua Tree National Park West Entrance - 3 min drive - 1.9 km
  • Joshua Tree National Park Visitor Center - 9 min drive - 8.6 km
  • Hi-Desert Cultural Center - 10 min drive - 9.7 km
  • Joshua Tree Courthouse - 13 min drive - 13.0 km
  • Hi-Desert Medical Center - 13 min drive - 13.0 km

Getting around

  • Palm Springs, CA (PSP-Palm Springs Intl.) - 62 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Más o Menos - ‬17 min drive
  • ‪Joshua Tree Saloon - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪The Station - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Joshua Tree Coffee Company - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪JT Country Kitchen - ‬10 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Rancho Rockotillo - Breakfast in the Boulders next-door to National Park ! pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Rancho Rockotillo - Breakfast in the Boulders next-door to National Park !?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Rancho Rockotillo - Breakfast in the Boulders next-door to National Park !?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Rancho Rockotillo - Breakfast in the Boulders next-door to National Park ! located?

Located in Monument Manor, this cabin is 1.8 mi (2.8 km) from Joshua Tree National Park West Entrance and 1.8 mi (2.9 km) from Joshua Tree National Park. Joshua Tree National Park Visitor Center and World Famous Crochet Museum are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 162 out of 165 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 165 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 165 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 165 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 165 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

9.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Lydia O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great for Joshua Tree NP

The place was exactly like it listed. We were within a mile of the west entrance to the national park and got going early so totally beat the heat and a lot of other people. The owner was super friendly and checked in regularly. I would definitely recommend this place.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sarah S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Absolutely beautiful

Gorgeous property with lovely views, perfect clean hot tub, clear directions to the place and good communication from host. Super close to the national park entrance. We loved it here.
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Karen W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful Joshua Tree!

We loved staying at Rancho Rockotillo, from the views to the cute cabin and comfy bed to soaking in the hot tub after a day of hiking in the park. Highly recommended!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Terri R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful setting in Joshua Tree

Great views and access to hiking trails.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2021

10/10 Excellent

mike S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Just what we needed!

We just stayed 2 nights and this place was perfect. The views are spectacular and it is close to everything you need. We had a great time!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tyler I.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Birthday Weekend

We loved the location. Beautiful property, great amenities and stunning views just outside the back door.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Anthony D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Gorgeous location

We so enjoyed our experience of peace and beauty at this great location. We wandered frequently into the landscape behind the home, and JT is right up the road. Thank you!
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Eric B.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Loved it!

We had a great time at this property! A fun bit of dirt road to drive up to and an amazing view! Host was very communicative and welcoming.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022

8/10 Good

Linda S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nicely appointed

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay in the rocks. The cabin was well appointed with plenty of towels, sheets, and Toiletries, The bed was comfortable
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2020

10/10 Excellent

Madeline L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Best rental ever

This was the best vacation rental we have ever stayed in. Not only was the house cute and comfy with a great kitchen, but waking up to views of the rocks and clear sky every morning with no sign of other people was amazing. We could see the stars every night from the hot tub and the location was so convenient to get into the national park or go into town for food and exploring. We will definitely be coming back to visit- this place was magical!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Munir S.

This place is a gem!

Had a great time for our 1 year anniversary! Beautifully located with a nice path to the rocks. Also, only about a mile to the park! Spent full days hiking and climbing and came back to soak in the hot tub under the stars.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2018

10/10 Excellent

Carlos F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Private romantic getaway

The best panoramic views! Unlike any other place I’ve stayed at. Very isolated in the best way. Host was very attentive and responsive. An authentic Joshua Tree experience. Would stay again.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jesse G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

This place is magic

If your looking to escape to the desert and a charming place to stay, this is it! Gorgeous view, hot tub, well equipped… simply has all you need to unwind and enjoy the natural beauty of Joshua Tree. We will be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Stacey J., Park City, Utah

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cute little place just outside the park

Super cute and comfortable little place just a mile from Joshua Tree. Check-in was incredibly easy, and the owner is very communicative and helpful. The hot tub was a welcome sight after the drive out and following our longer hikes. Exactly what we needed after a long and snowy Utah winter!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Susan M., Hartford

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Clean, cute and so close to Joshua Tree National Park!

This homeaway was so clean! Laurie was a pleasure to work with. She went above and beyond with providing a list of nearby reastaurants, shops and things to do close by. The home provided everything needed for our stay. I wouldn't think twice about renting this property. It is amazing!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2019

10/10 Excellent

Doug T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Winter break

my wife and I had a blast staying here. First into the park for hiking each morning due to our proximity. We had some of the most popular trails to ourselves. It was magical. Beyond that, Laurie was incredibly accommodating and helpful. We felt well looked after. Highly recommend staying here.
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jean Michel B., PARIS

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

The end of the world !

Thank you to Laurie for making sure everything was ok. Property is exactly as described. Magnificent views. Nice places to sit outside, even a hamac… We didn’t get to use the jacuzzi but we will do it next time😀
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Most Amazing Place

We stayed for my birthday over the 4th of July weekend and it was without a doubt the best birthday I've ever had! The property is exactly as described and communication with Laurie was great! The views are amazing and the hot tub at night is a really nice touch as the desert sky is breathtaking. The house itself is so clean and well stocked. It is truly a gem! Thank you Laurie for this incredible experience!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Rick B., San Ramon

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Staying Amongst the Boulders

Wonderful property backing up against the same big boulders that helps makes Joshua Tree famous. Great short hikes out the backyard. Found my time very relaxing with the nice patio and hot tub facing the boulders. Well stocked property, had everything I needed. Laurie was very responsive and helpful. I will return!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Matthew F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Immersive and Isolated Perfection!

Laurie & Curt’s rancho was exactly what I was looking for… isolated from other properties and immersed in the desert. Literally right outside the back door are massive boulders as well trails that lead into a canyon that’s technically Joshua Tree NP. Not to mention the west park entrance is only a five minute drive away. The place itself is small but perfect and stocked with everything that’s needed. Laurie was so communicative and helpful. Definitely will be coming back!!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Becky U., Iowa, USA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful Home Super Close to Joshua Tree Park

Everything was perfect! The kitchen had everything you would need to cook. The bed was comfy. Location was close to town and the park... and quiet and peaceful. There is a lot of things to do in the area... we did a lot of hiking in the park. There good restaurants nearby for eats. The hot tub—such a treat! But I have to say it again—the place is so quiet and peaceful with a great view out the back of the house—magical!
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2020

10/10 Excellent

Colleen Z., Dexter, MI

Just fabulous

Other reviewers have easily described the cottage and space so I won't repeat but the stay was as good as it gets. If you want peace and quiet with beautiful views then this cottage is the place. I sat for hours outside reading and watching wildlife during the day then at night watching the constellations move with time. It just doesn't get any better.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2019

10/10 Excellent

Tony F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Touch of heaven in the rocks!

My wife and I were looking for a nice, quiet place near the National Park and Rancho Rockotillo was above and beyond our expectations! The cabin is in a great secluded area with nothing but beautiful rocks and trails in the area and a million stars at night! The pictures on the website are completely accurate as we'd hoped. Laurie is a fantastic host and the one "issue" we had was corrected very, very quickly. Not a bad word to say about the cabin or her! If I was to come back to JT again I would absolutely get the Rancho if it's available.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Michelle K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Charming cozy JTree Studio

Just as pictured, except the pictures can’t quite capture the views. We hiked every day and returned to have a glass of wine, watches the sunset, and soak in the tub. Laurie was communicative and kind. We appreciated the fresh flowers left for us. The Wi-Fi connection is very poor so you will just need to surrender, unplug, and be where you are, which is in a stunning locale.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Eric D., Lakewood

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect in every way!

We really enjoyed our stay at Rancho Rockotillo. I have been visiting Joshua Tree for over 30 years and it is one of my favorite spots in the world. This cabin was a perfect choice. Remote, private and rocks everywhere! There was a family of Quail that would scurry about everyday. We also caught a glimpse of a Coyote from the sliding glass door. It was a short drive to the park and to down town JT. Laurie was great and made sure our stay was prefect. We will definitely be back soon! :)
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2021

About the host

Hosted by Laurie Kaye

Host profile image
My husband Curt and I love a good adventure whether it's ocean kayaking or desert trail hiking, and have been splitting time between our Joshua Tree haven and home in Los Angeles for nearly 20 years. Curt's an avid fat-tire mountain biker as well, and knows all the best trails in the area. We love to head to the Joshua Tree Farmers Market on Saturday mornings, the local swap meet, the drive-in movies in 29 Palms, and catch live music at the Beatnik Cafe, Joshua Tree Saloon, Pappy & Harriet's and other local venues. Our life motto? Life's uncertain - eat dessert first!

Why they chose this property

When we first came up the driveway all those years ago, a little voice told me I was home before we even stepped through the front door. Both Curt and I have always been passionate about Joshua Tree and the surrounding California desert, with its stark beauty and starry skies. We feel so lucky to be able to have our home base here, and to share it with visitors who are also drawn here from around the world!

What makes this property unique

There's so much to explore and enjoy at Rancho Rockotillo, from its amazing canyon views and trails to the rocks and boulders that surround it. Breathtaking, inspirational sunrises and sunsets wait right outside the front door, which is actually the homestead cabin's original entryway. We're just 3/4 of a mile from the National Park entrance, and about 7 minutes from the restaurants, art galleries and live music venues of downtown Joshua Tree!

Languages:

English

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