A Little Bit of Luxury in the Heart of Joshua Tree

Barren. Stark. Desolate. All words that leap to mind when you try to describe the otherworldly quality that is Joshua Tree National Park. They are an apt description for an area that serves at the collision point between the Mohave and the Sierra Desert. Across a landscape that could just as easily be another planet as fixture in southern California are enormous mounds of windswept boulders and the ubiquitous Joshua Trees presiding over them.

~Sunrise view from the Casitas at Rattler Ranch~

It is this seemingly inhospitable environment that beckons visitors. Such an environment demands a commitment to getting away from it all. Roughing it goes part and parcel with the ruggedly indescribable beauty. But, what if you want to experience the distant and desolate desert without having to lay your head on one of the giant piles of rocks?

~Plenty of places to relax at Rattler Ranch~

Rattler Ranch Cabins are two mid-century bungalows that straddle the desire for both retreat and luxury with ease. Located just minutes from the entrance to Joshua Tree National Park, as well as minutes from relative civilization in nearby Joshua Tree, the cabins are ideal for those who want to experience the landscape and still have a bit of civilized comfort. The cabins set just a half mile from the main road, but are situated on a property that backs up to the desert and distant mountains. It is easy to believe that you have completely escaped from humanity, but if you need a cheeseburger or a grocery store, you can have it in an instant.

~Interior of Casita de la Senorita~

The property hosts two cabins, the Casita de la Senorita and the Mustang. The Casita de la Senorita has a rustic decor, with a queen bed in the bedroom, queen sofabed in one sitting room, and a twin bed/daybed in the 2nd sitting room. It also contains a fullsize kitchen and a wood burning stove. A private and partially enclosed porch with a grill completes the cozy cabin.

~Interior of the Mustang Cabin with kitchenette and futon sofa~

The Mustang Cabin is decorated western style, with a queen bed in the bedroom, and a living room with kitchenette at one end. It has a wood-burning stove inside, and a large covered patio, with outdoor sofa, table & chairs, grill, and burn barrel to keep you warm while star-gazing.

~Shady patio perfect for meals and gathering~

For our extended family, the two cabins were perfect, giving the grandparents one cabin and the rest of the family the larger cabin. A patio between the two cabins was our gathering place  to enjoy our dinner while the kids played in the open area.  From that vantage point we could enjoy the landscape of ocotillo cactus, palm trees, and other desert scrub.

~Sunset over the desert in Joshua Tree~

As dusk fell on the property, we spent a lazy few minutes watching the desert change from day to night. Jackrabbits and an occasional quail scurried across the sand that was cast in the deep purple of evening. Quick flickers in the underbrush called for curious children to search for lizards. The warm air grew strangely quiet- quieter than imaginable for city dwellers. With that vibe of peace we all slipped off to bed, cozy and comfortable in our cabins. 

~An artsy vibe is present throughout the desert landscape and lodging at Rattler Ranch~