Cabin

Rancho Rockotillo - Breakfast in the Boulders next-door to 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

  • Parking available
  • Air conditioning
  • Barbecue grill
  • Outdoor space
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

Map
Joshua Tree, CA
  • Joshua Tree National Park West Entrance
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Joshua Tree Visitor Center
    ‪12 min drive‬
  • Joshua Tree Courthouse
    ‪15 min drive‬
  • Twentynine Palms, CA (TNP)
    ‪42 min drive‬

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

Property manager

Laurie Kaye
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Hot tub
Kitchen
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
Parking available
Barbecue grill

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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 Joshua Tree Art Gallery and Hi-Desert Cultural Center 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 - 5 min drive - 3.1 km
  • Joshua Tree Visitor Center - 12 min drive - 8.5 km
  • Joshua Tree Art Gallery - 13 min drive - 9.2 km
  • Joshua Tree Courthouse - 15 min drive - 12.3 km
  • Hi-Desert Medical Center - 16 min drive - 12.5 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
  • ‪Joshua Tree Coffee Company - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Country Kitchen - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪The Station Joshua Tree - ‬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 Visitor Center and Joshua Tree Art Gallery 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. 158 out of 161 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 161 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 161 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 161 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 161 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

Daniella H.

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

Beautiful stay

Absolutely beautiful stay! Felt at home and had a beautiful view. Will book again im sure!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mark T.

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

Incredible Location

Perfect spot for a couple that loves the desert! It's right on a trail that winds into J-Tree park through an area known as section 6 that has good mountain biking.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sheldon S.

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

Awesome Property!

I think the location is the very best part of this listing! Really great spot for stargazing and super convenient to park entrance. Had a great stay!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 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

Mark C.

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

Excellent Location 1 mile From Joshua Tree

Laurie was so timely in her communication and accommodating. Highly recommend her property
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

David K.

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

Best ever!

The home, property, location, and communications with the host combined to be the best travel experience we’ve ever had. We highly recommend and hope to be lucky enough to return.
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Patrick H.

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

Beautiful and Peaceful stay!

Great place! Easy to access Joshua Tree National Park with just a 5 minute drive. Hotub was great at night for star gazing.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Shawn C.

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

Rockotillo rocks

Rancho Rockotillo offered the perfect accommodations for our anniversary adventure in Joshua Tree NP. The space was inviting and comfortable. The kitchen amenities made it easy to prepare breakfasts and the grill was well cared for to make a steak dinner. The hot tub was delightful at the end of the day and even the morning we departed. The surroundings provided great photo opportunities. Thank you Laurie and Curt for thinking of your guests needs.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 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

Steven S.

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

Rancho Rockatillo- a sweet spot

Sweet and simple - awesome location/surroudings. A great studio get away.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Holly N.

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

Amazing!!

You will not be disappointed if you stay here. We just returned from 3 nights here and were sad to leave. Just as described-kitchen very well stocked, spa perfect for post-hike muscles, and miles to explore in the backyard. Just a mile or so from the north entrance of the National Park, we were able to get in early and back to homebase quickly. Host very helpful and responsive. Can't wait for our next trip to Joshua Tree so we can enjoy this cabin again!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Debra C.

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

Fabulous setting and comfy cabin.

Great access to Joshua Tree park and town. Quiet spot for star gazing. Highly recommend for a great stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Harlan N.

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

Wonderful Cabin

We’ve been to the Joshua Tree area a few times and this is a wonderful cabin to stay at. The location in the rocks is wonderful, the night sky is amazing and you are close to both the park and the town.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

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

Erin M.

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

Perfect getaway

The owners were kind and communication was excellent. We loved our stay!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2020

10/10 Excellent

joseph l.

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

The best desert place

Wonderful retreat for two The cabin and hosts were terrific The desert sky’s and land transports you back in time
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

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

8/10 Good

Daniel S

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
We enjoyed the remoteness of the property with its open access to a wide swath of high desert near Joshua Tree Park. The kitchen was fully stocked with lots of food and drink and utensils. It was nice to have a hot tub on the property but if you want to use it the night you arrive, be sure to crank up the temperature right away as it takes a long time to heat up from the 80 deg it was at when we got there. The one nit we had to pick was the nosiness of the fridge and mini-split which took awhile to get used.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2024

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

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

Thomas J.

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

Stylish Retreat with amazing view

We had the greatest time enjoying a relaxing barbecue with an awesome view after finishing our activities in the national park. The house is perfectly located right at the West Entrance of Joshua Tree NP and is very charming, comfortable and comes with a luxurious bathroom. And finally star gazing from the hot tub was just perfect.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Maren M.

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

Rancho Rocks!

We had an amazing stay! Everything was perfect. The property was beautiful. Hot tub was just what we needed after hiking all day!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 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

Andrew S.

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

Rancho Rockotillo Rocks

We had an amazing time at the cabin. The view, the space, and the hot tub were incredible! The shower is super neat too. So glad we were able to spend some time at this wonderful desert hideaway.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Imola

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
It was the most magnificent place I have ever been The stars the silence The place was amazing and Laurie is the friendliest host I have ever met
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022

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

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests