Entire home

Casita Mariposa in Joshua Tree, Peace and Nature in the Desert

Photo gallery for Casita Mariposa in Joshua Tree, Peace and Nature in the Desert

A garden with a paved path, various shrubs, and trees.
A compact living space with a red sofa, a wooden coffee table, a kitchen area with white cabinets, a refrigerator, and a microwave.
A building with a stone facade, a door with a geometric glass design, and a small garden with pink flowers.
A building with two garage doors featuring colorful murals.
A bedroom with a bed, a nightstand, a lamp, and a wall-mounted TV.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10, Loved by Guests
Top 10% of guest reviews in this area

Highlights

  • The great outdoors
    Guests love the outdoor space here.
  • Centrally-located
    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 3

Popular amenities

  • Spa pool on site
  • Patio
  • Toys
  • Barbecue
  • Air-conditioning
  • Refrigerator

Explore the area

View map
Joshua Tree, CA
  • Place, Noah Purifoy Foundation
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Place, Noah Purifoy's Outdoor sculpture Museum
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Place, Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Airport, Palm Springs, CA (PSP-Palm Springs Intl.)
    ‪81 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 3)

Living room

1 Double Futon

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Casita Mariposa in Joshua Tree, Peace and Nature in the Desert

Our casita is located on 2.5 acres in a tranquil desert location, Joshua Tree, CA. Located about 10 minutes from the national park, restaurants and shopping. Surrounded by mountains, the setting is tranquil and beautiful. It is perfect for stargazing, watching sunsets and relaxing on the patio. The property includes extensive gardens and attracts butterflies and birds. Casita is a separate private guesthouse efficiency style with its own kitchen (with coffee provided) and firepit area. A recently added outdoor fireplace and hot tub are perfect for nightime gathering. Use of the hot tub is for casita guests only, it is not communal or shared. Plenty of parking and areas to explore. The queen bed is separated from the living and kitchen areas by a partial wall. The couch in the living area is a double size sleeper sofa. There are two large patios for viewing both sunrise and sunset. Hawks, rabbits, & hummingbirds can be seen on most days. This is a beautiful place. We think you will agree.

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Take out the rubbish
Lock the doors and return the keys
Turn off the air conditioner/heater.
Clean the grill surface grate if used using the metal brush provided.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Do not use the firepit or fireplace when its windy. No noise after 10 pm. Sound travels easily in the desert. A $50 charge for an unreturned key.
See attached rental agreement for all hot tub rules
The property cannot be rented for commercial use, including professional photography or filming.

Important information

You need to know

Property Registration Number CESTRP-2020-00542
Property # 4893783
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
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
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room

About the area

Joshua Tree

Joshua Tree is home to this holiday home. Joshua Tree National Park and Joshua Tree National Park West Entrance reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Hi-Desert Cultural Center and Hi-Desert Nature Museum. Explore all the area has to offer with hiking/biking trails, rock climbing and mountain climbing.
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Map
Joshua Tree, CA

What's nearby

  • Noah Purifoy Foundation - 4 min drive - 3.8 km
  • Noah Purifoy's Outdoor sculpture Museum - 4 min drive - 2.6 km
  • Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms - 5 min drive - 6.3 km
  • Joshua Tree Community Center - 11 min drive - 11.5 km
  • Joshua Tree National Park Visitor Center - 12 min drive - 11.9 km

Getting around

  • Palm Springs, CA (PSP-Palm Springs Intl.) - 69 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Joshua Tree Saloon - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Joshua Tree Coffee Company - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪JT Country Kitchen - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Sam's Pizza - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Crossroads Cafe - ‬14 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Casita Mariposa in Joshua Tree, Peace and Nature in the Desert pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Casita Mariposa in Joshua Tree, Peace and Nature in the Desert?

As of 7 October 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Casita Mariposa in Joshua Tree, Peace and Nature in the Desert on 27 October 2026 start from NZ$799, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at Casita Mariposa in Joshua Tree, Peace and Nature in the Desert?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Casita Mariposa in Joshua Tree, Peace and Nature in the Desert?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Casita Mariposa in Joshua Tree, Peace and Nature in the Desert?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Casita Mariposa in Joshua Tree, Peace and Nature in the Desert located?

Situated in Joshua Tree, this holiday home is 1.6 mi (2.6 km) from Noah Purifoy's Outdoor sculpture Museum and 2 mi (3.2 km) from Noah Purifoy Foundation. Joshua Tree Community Center and World Famous Crochet Museum are also within 9 miles (15 km).

Reviews

9.8

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. 56 out of 63 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 6 out of 63 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 63 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 63 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 63 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Every thing was fantastic!
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Awesome place. The property is beautiful and the host was super nice. Exactly as pictured! We didnt enjoy the hot tub due to the rainy weather we had but the place was still awesome! Would recommend and stay here again in the future.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

very nice

The place is well designed and very comfortable. The location is beautiful and quiet.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Peaceful desert retreat

The casita was in a quiet part of town with a beautiful outdoor area. We both loved the atmosphere. The actual casita was perfect for a couple getting away for the weekend.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great property in wonderful desert location

Everything was very clean and the layout of property was the best of all the places we stayed in. We found the garden and desert full of life and colours when we stopped and watched. We would love to come back for longer.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Desert Oasis

Our stay here was better than expected! If you are looking for a place that offers peace and solitude, this is definitely the place for you! We enjoyed time in Joshua Tree National Park, Palm Springs and we took a drive up scenic Highway 74! All of these adventures were within a reasonable drive of Casa Mariposa :-) if we find ourselves back near Joshua Tree again, we would definitely stay here!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Joshua Tree

Nice setting. Would like to see the property when everything is in bloom.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great desert location

We enjoyed the feeling of being remote while still being close to Joshua Tree National Park and the town. The casita is large and roomy, well equipped, with spacious desert gardens to walk around in. We enjoyed the sunset from the hot tub in the evening. The hosts were gracious and communicated well.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great casita

Wonderful place to stay while exploring Joshua Tree National Park. Quiet, nice outside seating, comfy bed. We didn’t use the hot tub, but it would’ve been an amazing place to star gaze from! The dirt road leading to the place is a bit bumpy and rough, but we had fair warning. The directions to the house from the owner were better than GPS!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great stay in the desert, private oasis

Awesome property! Me and my wife loved the hot tub and DVD collection. Property has wifi but no cable TV which we actually preferred because we were able to watch a movie with each other. Would definitely recommend!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Small well maintained property with hot tub.

The house was smaller than expected but worked well for us during our 9 day stay. Husband and wife on queen size bed and daughter on the pull out couch. Basically 1 room, but it was well maintained and the hot tub was a great feature. Close to JTNP, Wal Mart and plenty of places to eat.
Stayed 8 nights in Apr 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Cool Casita and Great Location!

The property was immaculate! Love the style of the casita. The location makes you feel as though you are "away from it all". However, you are close to the park, Pioneertown, downtown Joshua Tree, etc. Very quiet and peaceful. Loved relaxing in the hot tub with a glass of wine and looking at the stars.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Our Oasis in the Desert

Very very clean.. Well stocked. Spacious and comfortable. Beautiful inside and outdoors. Private. The sunrises and sunsets were spectacular! Our perfect Oasis in the desert!! Thank you.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Spectacular dessert property

An absolutely beautiful property located close to Joshua Tree NP and the town of Joshua Tree. Quiet, peaceful, with beautiful dessert views, I just loved this VRBO. I didn't have an opportunity to use the Hot tub, but do hope to return some day. The VRBO is well stocked with everyone one would need and communication was excellent. I hope I am lucky enough to return someday!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Casita Mariposa - Mojave desert

This stay was amazing. The property is very quant and beautiful with a very Mexican feel. It had everything we needed and is a great location For the Joshua Tree national park but was so nice we didn’t want to leave it. It is very rural although only a 15 min drive to large shops and restaurants so if you did want to get supplies or eat out you could, however we preferred to stay in and cook and enjoy the peace and beauty of the desert.and of course the hot tub while looking at the stars. 5 star from us
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Peaceful Oasis

We spent 5 nights at this beautiful casita and loved it. The property grounds are spectacular. Every where you look there is some interesting pieces of art. The gardens are mature and give the property so much privacy. The casita was comfortable and well appointed with everything we needed. It too was filled with art. The hot tub was really clean and we were able to heat it up and cool it down depending on early morning soak or midday cool off. We will definitely book again next year. Fantastic!
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2025
Verified review

4/10 Poor

Disliked: Cleanliness, listing accuracy

Could have been great

It was just another rental. Nothing special, not a lot of effort put forth to make it great. Needs a good cleaning. No plans to return.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 4 April 2025
It IS a great place and very special to us and to 99% of our guests. We do our best to respond and to accommodate all our guests requests, including your early check in.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Peaceful and Quiet Adventure

This was our first experience visiting Joshua Tree and this quaint, secluded guest home was perfect for us. We could not have chosen a better location. Very quiet and peaceful. The property is beautifully landscaped and all ground level for one with bad knees. It fits comfortably for two people. The directions to get to the home was very easy, even if driving in dark. We would love to return here again in Winter. Sitting in the hot tub at night with a bright moon, stars, and planets is an experience we won't forget. The entrance to the national park is not far. Highly recommend this awesome peaceful retreat.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great Place

Very cute, little Casita. It is perfect for two people. We had everything we needed. Bed was comfortable, grounds are beautiful, the hot tub was a plus after a long day of hiking. The West Entrance to the park is the closest. The East entrance is not too far away. *Note if using Waze as a directional guide, when we put in Skull Rock, it is closest to the East Entrance but from the Casita it took us down a lot of dirt roads. You have to use a dirt road to get to the Casita but it is not bad. But some of those others can be very bumpy and dusty. After that first day, we figured out the best way out to the highway which the host gives you those directions up front, but unfortunately did not read those till after the initial trip to park. We did enjoy the Casita, the whole property is beautiful.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Beautiful, private, oasis close to Joshua Tree Park

We could not have been happier with our stay at Casita Mariposa. A private little oasis, so close to Joshua Tree Park and Noah Purifoy Sculpture Park. The main Queen bed was totally comfortable and cozy. Keep in mind, the fold out bed/sofa would not necessarily work for an adult... the mattress is terribly thin and full of very noticeable springs, but for a 50 lb child, it worked perfectly (another option is just sleeping on the closed couch itself) Other than that, the casita had everything we needed, and it was lovely to sit outside with our coffee in the morning watching the hummingbirds, Quail, and rabbits start their day. The gardens are well taken care of and all the cacti were in bloom! There is a nice little path that encircles the property through the gardens that we thoroughly enjoyed. My mom was with me and had never sen the desert before, so it was a real treat! We enjoyed our evenings sitting out by the hot tub at night observing the night sky. If we ever return that way, we are sure to stay at Casita again.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024
Verified review

8/10 Good

Stunning Joshua Tree Desert Oasis

Oh, we so very much want to rate this striking retreat in the desert as a 5, but several items (easily corrected by the owners) prevent us. The property is a lush oasis and birder’s paradise, the interior of the casita is stylish and clean, and linens were fragrance-free. We loved being able to char hot dogs in the fire pit. Wi-Fi is slow and sketchy, so a business project could not be completed. This may not matter to you, of course! The new hot tub never heated beyond 87F, wonderful after a day’s hiking in the hot sun, not so much under the fabulous desert night sky. (Beach towels, foot rinse tub and clothesline thoughtfully provided.) Finally, we patronize VRBO in lieu of hotels because we like to cook. The kitchen has wonderful major appliances, but the contents of the drawers and cabinets were sadly lacking (cooking utensils, pans, etc.). We really had to improvise, but it’s such an easy item to fix. Don’t let our input stop you: ask the owners if these items have been addressed. If so, Casita Mariposa easily rates 5+. We promise you won’t regret staying here!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 22 March 2020
Linda, We appreciate your feedback and will add some more cooking utensils for our guests. I wish you had contacted us during your stay about the hot tub temperature. We have local support to take care of issues and I also could have given you instructions over the phone to remedy the problem. The hot tub had been accidentally put into sleep mode and would not heat until the mode was changed back. A quick fix. I'm glad you enjoyed your stay! Denise & Mike
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Adorable Desert Refuge

My girlfriend and I stayed at the Casita during a bit of a cold-spell in Joshua Tree. The property was sparkling clean, free of any critters or crawlers, which was welcome. The casita really is just one large room, but it is perfect for a couple or small group (max 4) of friends to hang out. We loved the outdoor space, but it does get pitch-black at night, even with the lights on from the casita. The hot-tub was a nice touch and great way to soak our bones after a day's hike. The owners were not at the main house on the property, so I'm guessing that they only list the casita in the off season or when they're away? I'm not sure of that, but we had all the privacy we needed. The kitchen was properly stocked for making some meals and there were plenty of fresh blankets, towels, and extra linens if needed. Amazing experience and I would highly recommend this property for a couple or small group looking to hang around Joshua Tree for any length of time.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Peaceful Home!

We loved staying at Denise's beautiful home in Joshua Tree. It was peaceful and off the beaten path a bit but still so close to the National Park entrance and the town. The hot tub was so nice to come home too after hiking in the park in December. Denise was also very responsive when we had questions.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Casita Mariposa, wonderful desert oasis

We loved our stay! The casita was comfortable and inviting. The overall property was amazing! It was quiet and peaceful, a beautiful setting. The sunsets were amazing and the garden is gorgeous! This was our first visit to the desert and it could not have been more welcoming.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Lovely & Peacful Desert Casita

Casita Mariposa is a perfect little desert retreat. The location is great with easy access to the park, but far enough off the beaten path for a bit of quiet. The casita itself is clean & well stocked with anything you might need. We really enjoyed the property and strolling the shady landscaped paths to see what was growing. The hot tub was appreciated after long days in the park - also great for soaking with a morning coffee. Thank you! We would absolutely stay again!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022

About the host

Hosted by DENISE & MICHAEL REILY

Host profile image
We first traveled to Joshua Tree with our kids in 2002. We didn't come back until 2016 and couldn't believe that the love we had for this place; the Mohave desert, the national park, Palm Springs still held true. So we decided to invest in a vacation home. We hope every visitor to our Casita Mariposa experiences the magic of this place. There's nowhere like it!

Why they chose this property

The Sante Fe style adobe buildings and surrounding gardens make this property comfortable and tranquil. The 360 degree views of mountains make for spectacular sunrises and sunsets.

What makes this property unique

Lots of hummingbirds, hawks, butterflies and other wildlife are attracted to our gardens. Our property offers plenty of sunshine when its cool and plenty of shade when its warm.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

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