Entire cabin·Private host

Rancho Rockotillo - Breakfast in the Boulders next-door to National Park !

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your current months are December, 2024 and January, 2025.
December 2024
January 2025

Photo gallery for Rancho Rockotillo - Breakfast in the Boulders next-door to National Park !

Property grounds
Exterior
Books, stereo
Outdoor spa tub
Exterior

Reviews

10 out of 10

Exceptional

Entire cabin

1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 30 sq m

Popular amenities

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

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 Art Gallery
    13 min drive
  • Palm Springs, CA (PSP-Palm Springs Intl.)
    62 min drive

Room options

Similar properties

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire cabin to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

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
During your stay at this cabin, you'll be close to Joshua Tree National Park West Entrance. You'll find features like a spa tub. A kitchen and a patio are available in the cabin.
  • Air-conditioned cabin with kitchen, patio, and memory foam bed
  • 5 minutes by car from Joshua Tree National Park and 5 minutes from Joshua Tree National Park West Entrance
This cabin offers its guests a spa tub, barbecue grills, and a garden. The front desk is open around the clock.

Smoking is allowed in designated areas at this Joshua Tree cabin.

Property manager

Laurie Kaye

Languages

English

Property amenities

Pool/Spa

  • A hot tub

Internet

  • WiFi available

Parking and transport

  • On-site parking
  • Car required

Kitchen

  • Fridge
  • Stovetop
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Toaster
  • Electric kettle
  • Spices
  • Paper towels
  • Cookware/dishes/utensils

Bedrooms

  • 1 bedroom
  • Memory-foam mattress
  • Bed sheets provided
  • Sofa bed

Bathrooms

  • 1 bathroom
  • Shower
  • Rainfall shower head
  • Towels provided
  • Shampoo
  • Toilet paper
  • Hairdryer
  • Soap

Living spaces

  • Living room
  • Dining room

Entertainment

  • Books
  • Stereo
  • Games

Outdoor areas

  • Patio
  • Barbecue
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture

Laundry

  • Near a laundromat

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have any requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Wheelchair-accessible
  • Designated smoking areas

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • In a rural location
  • Near a hospital

Things to do

  • Cycling on site
  • Rock climbing nearby
  • Wildlife and game walks nearby
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Cycling nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Hiking nearby
  • Horse riding nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Mountain climbing nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector installed (host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector installed (host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher
  • First aid kit
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Unit size: 1 sq ft (0 sq m)

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

An adult age 18 or older must assume all liability for the booking
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

  • No pets allowed
  • Note from host: no animals at this time - we have wildlife!

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Note from host: Kids must be pre-approved and 100% supervised !

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Note from host: no film/photo shoots-no non-registered guests
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions. You will also receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account which will enable you to manage your booking. An adult age 18 or older must assume all liability for the booking.
Property Registration Number CESTRP-2021-02733

Rancho Rockotillo - Breakfast in the Boulders next-door to National Park ! Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 147 out of 150 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 150 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 150 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 150 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 150 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

9.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Karen W.

Liked: Cleanliness
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
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

Matthew F.

Liked: Cleanliness
Immersive and Isolated Perfection!
Laurie & Curt’s rancho was exactly what I was looking for… isolated from other properties and immersed in the desert. Literally right outside the back door are massive boulders as well trails that lead into a canyon that’s technically Joshua Tree NP. Not to mention the west park entrance is only a five minute drive away. The place itself is small but perfect and stocked with everything that’s needed. Laurie was so communicative and helpful. Definitely will be coming back!!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Madeline L.

Liked: Cleanliness
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

Erica K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Extended Weekend Birthday Get-Away
The Rancho is an amazing location with spectacular views. There's nothing like waking up to the desert scenery and having coffee outside. We would stroll down the path into the desert with our GoPro. We thoroughly enjoyed, and needed, the use of the hot tub after each day of hiking in Joshua Tree National Park. We also greatly appreciated that our hosts responded quickly to our communications. Compared to other VRBO stays at other locations, the Rancho was supplied with towels for the kitchen and bathroom, paper products, shampoos, conditioners and many other items (even finger nail clippers, which I needed)! We would definitely stay here again!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Janella J.

Liked: Cleanliness
A hidden beauty in the boulders
What a fantastic rental. The beauty just out the back door was splendid! The photos do not do the cabin and the locale justice. We spent our first night exploring out back at sunset. It was a glorious sunset playing hues as a backdrop to the boulders. Very close to the NP entry. Easy to travel into town for dinner or any essentials. We were sad our time came to an end so soon.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Geneva A.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great location!
Weekend getaway to explore Joshua Tree Ntl Park - this cabin was the perfect spot! Rustic but also modern and comfortable, and had everything we needed for a 3 night stay. The trails in back of property provided excellent opportunity for us to peacefully explore away from the crowds of Joshua tree once we had spent two days hiking in the park. This place was so quiet and scerene! Exactly what we needed.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Carlos F.

Liked: Cleanliness
Private romantic getaway
The best panoramic views! Unlike any other place I’ve stayed at. Very isolated in the best way. Host was very attentive and responsive. An authentic Joshua Tree experience. Would stay again.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Harlan N.

Liked: Cleanliness
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

Maren M.

Liked: Cleanliness
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

Cecilia C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Retreat
Property owners were very informative and friendly.! Provided accurate information on property. Perfect for two people. Great great location . House was very well stocked including the kitchen . Very nicely appointed. Views were amazing. Would highly recommend this quaint out of the way hideaway . Can’t wait to return
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tony F.

Liked: Cleanliness
Touch of heaven in the rocks!
My wife and I were looking for a nice, quiet place near the National Park and Rancho Rockotillo was above and beyond our expectations! The cabin is in a great secluded area with nothing but beautiful rocks and trails in the area and a million stars at night! The pictures on the website are completely accurate as we'd hoped. Laurie is a fantastic host and the one "issue" we had was corrected very, very quickly. Not a bad word to say about the cabin or her! If I was to come back to JT again I would absolutely get the Rancho if it's available.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Andrew S.

Liked: Cleanliness
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

joseph l.

Liked: Cleanliness
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
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

10/10 Excellent

Glenn S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Awsome time in Land of Boulders
Perfect location for early access to Joshua Tree NP. Arrived at LAX at 2pm and got to Rancho Rockotillo just in time to enjoy sunset. About 4 hours with LA traffic. Directions were perfect and an adventure (last few miles up dirt roads). Glad to arrive before dark. Easy access into to well stocked unit. Great host communication. Spent 2 nights and got several trips in/out of Joshua Tree NP. So close we got in before rangers arrived at station to beat any crowds at Skull Rock. Loved location which was like staying in the park amonst boulders. Very lucky with weather. Cold at night but heated up into 80s. Beautiful time with so much in CA blooming. Property has so much varierty of cacti among boulders. Saw lizards and birds. Bonus hot tub amonst the stars. HT was easy to use and clean. Can't wait to return to Rancho Rockotillo some day soon.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Diane F.

Liked: Cleanliness
Joshua Tree Birthday
We had a great time staying at this charming cabin. You are surrounded by the beautiful desert. You can walk right out the back door into great hiking trails filled with wildlife. It was a great place to get away from it all.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jean Michel B., PARIS

Liked: Cleanliness
The end of the world !
Thank you to Laurie for making sure everything was ok. Property is exactly as described. Magnificent views. Nice places to sit outside, even a hamac… We didn’t get to use the jacuzzi but we will do it next time😀
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Stacey J., Park City, Utah

Liked: Cleanliness
Cute little place just outside the park
Super cute and comfortable little place just a mile from Joshua Tree. Check-in was incredibly easy, and the owner is very communicative and helpful. The hot tub was a welcome sight after the drive out and following our longer hikes. Exactly what we needed after a long and snowy Utah winter!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Corinna J.

Liked: Cleanliness
Natural Beauty Abounds
The natural beauty of this property alone is enough to bring us back. Rancho Rockatillo is very close to the park and there are some stellar trails that you can access right out the back door that rival trails that you'll find in the park. We went on a lovely 3 hour hike and saw no one else! The property owners are very responsive and accommodating. Highly recommend!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Nancy K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Relaxation at the Rancho
A beautiful spot to soak up the expansive vista and relax. Our second time staying and it was as wonderful as we remembered. A great spot to stay while enjoying Joshua tree. Waking up to the sun peaking over the rocks, hikes outside the door, and a fantastic hot tub for soaking. Can’t wait to return!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Mitchell K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful stay
This house was perfect for a quick get away with my wife! Nice quick morning hikes in the back yard was perfect for watching the sunrise and preparing ourselves for the longer hikes in Joshua Tree. Included in the property were plenty of cooking supplies, cleaning supplies, food, and hygiene supplies. The property was neat, clean, and full of relaxation. The hosts were very friendly and communicated appropriately with us through our stay which we appreciated! Definitely recommend staying here!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Debra C.

Liked: Cleanliness
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

Tyler I.

Liked: Cleanliness
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

Johanna H., Concord, MA USA

Liked: Cleanliness
Such a great location
We arrived just as the sun was setting after traveling from the east. We saw this magnificent sunset and a lovely quiet location. We spent quality time at Joshua Tree NP and also the ranch. A great location.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023