The Joshua Tree area is one of those places that so many people talk about, but you really don’t understand until you actually go. I am not a fan of hot weather and a lot of the times I’ve been to the area it’s been HOT, but for some reason it’s bearable. I’ve found that I love staying in Pioneertown because it’s far enough from Joshua Tree proper with little to no light pollution, that you can see SO many stars and it actually tends to be quite a lot cooler temperature. I’ve stayed at 2 phenomenal places in the area — a house I booked through Airbnb & a ranch with separate cabins, used a lot as a wedding venue.

First up: Pioneertown Rockstar — 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms –– it seems that this exact property is either booked up super far out or no longer being rented out, but here is the company I booked through. They have a BUNCH of other properties!

I found this gem through instagram. I immediately fell in love with it’s retro design touches! Also, any house with a record player immediately has my heart. The location is literal perfection. During the hours when it’s too hot to go outside, you can feel like you’re still outside thanks to the large windows throughout the house. When traveling, I love any chance to feel more at home, so I usually opt for booking a house vs. a hotel. I ended up preparing a charcuterie board on this trip, utilizing the gorgeous wood piece in the living room. If you’d like some tips on creating your own, I wrote a full blog post.

I took in as much of the desert on our weekend trip as possible. I was in need of some healing and this trip was just what I needed. As often as possible, I’d sit outside reading a book. Watching the sun go down in the desert is a really special thing. It’s like the sunsets last 3 times longer out there. I love looking up at the sky as the first stars appear, one by one. When the sky is completely dark, be sure to head outside and look up. WOW! I always feel so connected to the universe when I do this — It’s pretty damn humbling. I pulled a few inspiring quotes on the subject. We aren’t so different from each other — if only everyone could get that!

I also made it a point to get up with the sun both mornings of the trip. The sunrises in the desert are unlike any other place. It’s so perfectly quiet and soothing. It felt so good to start my days off immediately doing something for myself. Kick start the day!

If you saw part 1 of this series, you saw that my mom and I were in Santa Barbara. When we left, we got to continue down the state in the same Toyota Camry Hybrid. Sadly I had to give it back after we returned to LA — I already miss it’s gas mileage.

Next up: Rimrock Ranch — various accommodations

On a previous dreamy trip to the Joshua Tree area, I got to stay at Rimrock Ranch. It is the perfect venue for a retreat, wedding, or just a little getaway. The cabins are perfectly cozy for a couple or close friends. It’s also complete with a kitchen. Check out their website (linked above) to see the other accommodations available! We had so much fun exploring the property and surrounding area. Eric and Gwen of Rimrock Ranch can help book a few different experiences during your stay! One evening we got to do some more in depth stargazing with a local expert. They brought telescopes we could get a zoomed in look at some of those little sparkly objects up in the sky. One of the mornings we started off with a local hike, then did yoga with a local yoga teacher in one of the buildings on property. And another afternoon we took part in a Sound Bath just a short walk away at Indigotopia. It was the perfect getaway!

I always make it a point to stop into my favorite antique shop in Yucca Valley — Pioneer Crossing Antiques. There are also some other great spots on the same street — Promised Land, Funky and Darn Near New, Hoof & Horn, and The End.

Obviously you know you’ve got to check out Joshua Tree National Park on your trip. I recommend buying an annual pass if you’re a fan of National Parks — it’s well worth it! Drive on in, find a spot that you think you’d like to park and get your wander on! I love getting lost and seeing how high I can climb!

Happy Traveling,

Corey, Miss Foodie Problems