Cabin

The High Country Hobo Preserve: Rustic Cabin

Photo gallery for The High Country Hobo Preserve: Rustic Cabin

Cozy front room with wood burning stove.
Rustic Cabin
A cold snow day in February.
Front room couch
Living area

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 451.1 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Fireplace
  • Parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Pet-friendly
  • Barbecue grill
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

Map
Descanso, CA
  • Cleveland National Forest
    ‪10 min drive‬
  • Viejas Casino
    ‪11 min drive‬
  • Lake Cuyamaca
    ‪14 min drive‬
  • San Diego, CA (SEE-Gillespie Field)
    ‪31 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 4)

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Spaces

Kitchen
Dining Area

About this property

The High Country Hobo Preserve: Rustic Cabin

Welcome to the High Country Hobo Preserve. Our hidden gem is nestled in the Cleveland National Forrest. Guest cabin has all amenities: wood burning fireplace -wood provided, board games, fishing poles, tent, horse shoes, bbq, and gold pans for when the creek is flowing. An outdoor fire pit is available when winds are calm and you are welcome to put our tent up and sleep under the stars. Our cabin has old character, unique charm, and is 22 miles to the old mining town of Julian. Kitchen has fridge, hot plate, griddle, microwave, coffee maker- coffee tea cocoa are provided. Please note there is no stove or oven. Pets are welcome & encouraged!

The High Country Hobo Preserve is located in the small city of Descanso, meaning Rest From Labor. We are about 45 minutes from Downtown San Diego yet a world away. The guest cabin sits on our 1 acre property which has a main cabin, guest cabin, horse corral, and billiard room (we are in the process of restoring this room however you can still use it to play darts or billiards). The cabin built in 1890 was originally a small one bedroom stone cabin constructed by a woman who bartered with Native American Groups for stones from Mt. Laguna to build her home. Over the years the main cabin, now our bedroom, has been added on to however the structure still maintains its original character. The Guest Cabin stands alone across from our home so you don't need to see us or even interact with us unless you're looking for local tips. The cabin is surrounded by National Forrest to the north and the west to give you privacy. There is plenty of parking on the property. We ask that you limit shower time due to well water restrictions. Our cabin does not have central heat and air as we prefer to keep it outdated for a more authentic feel however during the summer a window A/C can keep you cool and in the winter the wood burning stove heats the whole cabin comfortably. The area has mountain lion, coyote, bobcat, bald eagles, wild turkey, deer, and when warm rattle snakes so please use caution when exploring. You can access trails from our backyard and wonder among the variety of trees, rocks, and it is an excellent location to search for native gems and for star gazing at night. Fishing poles are left for your use, Lake Cuyamaca has great rainbow trout, bass, and catfish and if you get lucky and land that giant trout you are welcome to use our bbq. :)

As our home sits on this property we are not far from you if you need anything however a key will be left for you to gain entrance. You have full use of the land around the cabin. Perkins is a small market about 10 minutes from our home and has supermarket basics in addition there is a fruit stand on the corner of our street offering local organic treats. There is a full fridge to keep items cool. There is a TV with built in DVD player, bring your movies or pick from ours. There iare no active TV stations or cable as we want you to disconnect and enjoy the area, there is wifi.

A bit more about the area:
The Cuyamaca Mountains are a hidden gem in San Diego so I hope you enjoy it here. A few things I tell our visitors that are looking for activities are: Cuyamaca State Park has many activities from hiking, fishing, horse riding. Julian which is an old mining town is about 20 miles away and has shops food gold panning, and Mount Laguna/ Pine Valley are also close with amazing hikes and views down to the Salton Sea. Anzo Borrego Desert is about 35 minutes from the house, hot but stunning views of desert life. There is a bear/lion preserve in the Cuyamacas. About 45 minutes away- beautiful drive through the mountains is a little town called Ramona, there is a camel preserve there- you can ride the camels and its amazing. You can also set out for a hike/picnic from our property and explore on your own. If you want to check in earlier or perhaps stay later on your check out date we are very flexible, it just depends if others have booked. Please let me know should you have any questions. :)

Property manager

Rebecca Prine

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Pet-friendly
Air conditioning
Parking available
Barbecue grill
Fireplace

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House Rules

Check in after 2:00 PM
Check out before 12:00 PM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed
Please bring your four-legged children.
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Smoking

Smoking allowed: in designated areas
Outdoor only, please use ashtrays

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
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property

About the area

Descanso

Descanso is home to this cabin. Cuyamaca Mountain State Wilderness and Pine Creek Wilderness reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Viejas Bowl and California Wolf Center.
Map
Descanso, CA

What's nearby

  • Cleveland National Forest - 10 min drive - 9.4 km
  • Viejas Casino - 11 min drive - 13.4 km
  • Viejas Outlet Center - 11 min drive - 13.6 km
  • Lake Cuyamaca - 14 min drive - 16.8 km
  • Sycuan Casino - 26 min drive - 32.4 km

Getting around

  • San Diego, CA (SEE-Gillespie Field) - 31 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Descanso Junction Restaurant and Catering - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Veronica's Kitchen - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Frosty Burger - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Pine Valley House Restaurant - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Calvins' Sportsbar - ‬9 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is The High Country Hobo Preserve: Rustic Cabin pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at The High Country Hobo Preserve: Rustic Cabin?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The High Country Hobo Preserve: Rustic Cabin?

Checkout is at 12:00 PM.

Where is The High Country Hobo Preserve: Rustic Cabin located?

Situated in Descanso, this cabin is 1.3 mi (2.1 km) from Cuyamaca Mountain State Wilderness and 2.1 mi (3.4 km) from Descanso Branch San Diego County Library. Pine Valley County Park and Pine Creek Wilderness are also within 6 miles (10 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. 30 out of 35 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 35 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 35 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 35 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 35 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.6/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

8/10 Good

Cipriano D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Hobo trip with the crew
nice
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Case E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Nice honeymoon
Cozy cabin with nice wood burning stove. Great spot between many different towns and things to do. Would stay again
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kassandra B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Visiting family
Really was a amazing spot for me and my family to make lifetime of memories. Whenever we come back we will be staying here.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ruth S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great Get Away
We enjoyed everything about our stay. The cabin has everything you need and lots of extra touches. Rebecca the host is amazing. We loved the fenced yard for our dog. Would love to stay again.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Walter R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Just what we were looking for👍
Being out in real nature
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Michael W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Incredibly Cozy Cabin!
We immediately settled right in and relaxed. The dogs loved it too! The wood stove kept things nice and warm inside the cabin despite it being in the 30s outside. Nearby hiking and activities were great. The wolf Conservatory, Lions Tigers and Bears, Lake Cuyamaca, and Julian were all visited and thoroughly enjoyed. Great spot for a weekend getaway!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Juana A., San Diego

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Peaceful
I loved the cabin. It was very cozy and peaceful. I will go back there again.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

Ed P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
As Advertised
Girlfriend and I spent three great nights. Ideal "base camp" location for trips into the Cuyamaca's, Anza-Borrego, etc. Woke up daily to woodpeckers, deer and wild turkeys right outside our window, all with a morning fire and warm beverage in hand.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Dan D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
One of the best
If you have dogs and are looking for a place that embraces the oak woodland of San Diego county, you can't do much better than this. "Rustic" really only means indoor/outdoor living. Perfect for us. As someone who is 60+ years old and grew up in southern California, this is what it is all about. Makes me very nostalgic for the "good old days."
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Heidi B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Rustic Wilderness Cabin
The Hobo Preserve is a small, rustic cabin that has all that you need. Best for 1-3 people... king bed, soft couch, blow up mattress. A screened in porch was nice for things that didn't need to be in the cabin. Julian is about 30 minutes away, and there are LOTS of hiking trails in the greater area. My sister and I stayed with a small dog, who enjoyed the fenced in yard, for 4 nights. We were fortunate that the creek was still running as the sound was a very pleasant sound in the background. We had a nice, relaxing vacation, and would definitely come back again.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Luke S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Relax and enjoy
We stayed at the hobo preserve for a few days. We used the outdoor and indoor fireplaces. While we were there, it got cold once the fire went out, just be aware of what time of year you’re going and plan accordingly. Rebecca was great, even borrowing us a bottle of vodka for bloody Mary’s so we didn’t have to run to the store. Also, she let us borrow a Dutch oven for cooking pasta, which worked out well. I’d bring some warm clothes and something to keep you dry, this rain season has been crazy with constant storms. I’d like to go back, hopefully there is a flatscreen tv with dvd player next time, the only issue we really had was with that, but didn’t really interfere with us having a good time. There’s a massive jinga set there, which was fun as well. There is plenty to do around the area, I would recommend Julian, good shops and bars. We fished at Cuyamuka lake, came up empty but had a good time doing it. Tons of hiking in the area, there is one hike you can oversee down to Palm Springs, I think it’s about a 5000 ft drop off, about the same as the Grand Canyon just different scenery. We played pool a couple of nights, had to teach the kid the finer points if you know what I mean.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2023

8/10 Good

Lynda S., Lakeside, CA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Peace and quiet in the beautiful mountains.
Cabin is rustic, but has all you need to relax and enjoy the surrounding areas.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Anushree P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Solo mom with kids- friendly
Lovely property!It was my first time venturing out alone with my boys. Rebecca was super awesome- she even taught us how to start a fire. Kids loved waking up to the rooster, actually watching the hens lay eggs, the dogs and the cats. The Rubber tire swing was a hit, singing under the stars, and walking and exploring the ghosthouse next door. We also went hiking at the Cuyamaca state park which is only a few mins away. It was a much needed bonding time with my kids, and. much needed alone time in nature. After the kids went to sleep, I sat outside under the stars, enjoying the cool breeze- it was so peaceful, adn so very safe! Will be back for sure!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

elsa a.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Getaway in the hills of San Diego
We had such a sweet time. It was so nice to be in the cooler hills and still go the beach in San Diego during the day. The house was super cute, all in wooden, we loved the “outside living rooms”, the chicken. The house was well equipped to cook. Rebecca was super responsive and helpful. We got a couple insect guests (ants and spiders) but you got to expect it in a wooden cabin in nature. We highly recommend!!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

patti j.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Loved the cabin. Tim was a good host.
Country. Liked decor in cabin. Enjoyed spending time with son and niece. Played 5 games which was fun for niece. Visited Green Valley Falls and Julian. Loved the evening fire and s'mores. Took short hikes. Totally enjoyed our weekend. THANK YOU.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Sandy M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Calm and relaxing
We wanted to spend time in tall trees and nature before heading back to our home in Tucson AZ. This place fit that bill. We were provided with all the items necessary to build a campfire and make s'mores. Traffic was closer than I'd like, but overall we had a great "get back to basics" feeling with all the creature comforts we also enjoy.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2022

8/10 Good

ron k.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very nice and relaxing
Cabin and property were nice. If I could change one thing I would have the cabin a little further away from road. But there was not a whole lot of traffic which was good
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2022

10/10 Excellent

Monica P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Hobo Cabin
Hobo cabin is the perfect getaway. The air is fresh, the cabin is nestled under the tress and has everything you might need. We enjoyed watching the wildlife and the cozy fireplace!!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2021

8/10 Good

Wendy M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Relaxing Place
Cute relaxing cabin. We had a good time watching the meteor showers.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Catherine B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Quick Get Away to San Diego Area
Good location to access the mountains or go to the city. Nice to have a safe place for the pups to hang out. Love the turkeys walking by every morning and evening.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Leah P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Hobo experience
This is a very relaxing place. Lots of wildlife and the hosts are very kind.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Christina M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Just what the doctor ordered.
My family and I adored this beautiful property. The cabin made us feel right at home but away from lifes distractions and worries. It was beautiful inside and out and the weather was perfect, just what the doctor ordered.

10/10 Excellent

Evelyn R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful
Great location, very relaxing, peaceful and enjoyable.

10/10 Excellent

marleen f.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A True Vacation
The Rustic Hobo Preserve allows you to getaway from your surroundings with a short 45 minute drive from San Diego. Time and life just seem to slow you down. No clocks, no time clocks and no schedules or deadlines to meet. This is a great place to completely disconnect, relax and reflect. The cabin is completely fenced in with its own outdoor and private little seating area and a screened and covered outdoor patio. The hosts are incredibly genuine, gracious, and they respect your privacy. By the way, they have 3 dogs that are adorable and playful.
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2021

8/10 Good

John D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy
A Fun Time!
Really enjoyed our stay. Very relaxing. Cabin is quaint and nostalgic.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2021

About the host

Hosted by Rebecca Prine

Host profile image
Both Los Angeles natives, Rebecca & John pulled up stakes in Los Angeles to head for the quiet life. Buying the Property in 2017 and dedicated to restoring it to its original condition, they envisioned a space where friends and family could check out from the stressors of life.
Rebecca, John, their hound dog Macaroni, and five cats Pink-Nose, Manny, Button, Pirate, and Nacho reside in the main cabin on the property. The cabin built in 1890 was originally a small one bedroom stone cabin constructed by a woman who bartered with Native American Groups for stones from Mt. Laguna to build her home. Over the years the main cabin, now their bedroom, has been added on to however the structure still maintains its original character.

Why they chose this property

Descanso is an area that time forgot. The city and surrounding areas are known to many as the Cuyamaca Mountains. Most of the range consists of extensive oak forest and chaparral, part of the California chaparral and woodlands ecoregion, interspersed with pine forests and lush riparian zones, featuring year round creeks and waterfalls when rain is frequent. It is rich in Native American, Mexican, and American history. We love all things old.
The area is great for gem mining, gold panning, metal detecting, hiking, and discovering things unknown. It is ideal for an afternoon nap, wandering barefoot, and letting yourself relax.

Languages:

English