Looking for stylish Joshua Tree stays that have a low environmental impact? This list of eco-chic accommodations is ideal for those who want to visit the Joshua Tree National Park area in the best possible way.
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Unlike Joshua Tree hotels, these villas and accommodations offer guests remote and unique experiences in some of the best architectural styles California has to offer.
Table of Contents
1. Desert Skies
Yucca Valley | 3 Bedrooms | 8 Guests
Key Features
- Beautiful swiming pool area
- Fireplace
- Hot tub
Sustainable Features
- Solar-powered
- Minimalist style
With a pool area to rival any of the Joshua Tree hotels, this property is styled to desert perfection. Tucked into the Yucca Valley’s rocky hills this incredible piece of architecture is inspirationally sleek.
With stylish and modern amenities, this Joshua Tree stay offers guests a private space to relax in a natural setting. It’s only a short drive into the town of Yucca Valley which offers a range of quirky and unique boutiques.
2. The It House
Rimrock | 2 Bedrooms | 4 Guests
Key Features
- Very remote
- Fireplace
- Open plan
Sustainable Features
- Completely off-grid
- Runs off solar power
The Los Angeles Times calls this place “one of the best houses in Southern California” and for good reason. Who thought living off-grid could be done in such a stylish way?
Think remote luxury.
This is one of the Joshua Tree luxury rentals that runs solely on solar power and is best accessed with a vehicle that can handle a dirt road. If you like the idea of open plan living with breathtaking views and uninterrupted star gazing potential, then this place could be for you.
3. Hey Cowboy
Palmwells | 3 Bedrooms | 6 Guests
Key Features
- Outdoor bathtub
- Small Pool
- Outdoor fireplace
Sustainable Features
- Completely Off-grid
- Solar-powered
- Well sourced water
- Gas heating
This is one of the best Joshua Tree stays that makes you feel incredibly comfortable in a desert setting. Not only from its modern amenities and thoughtful touches, but from the homely quality this property possesses. You can get a real sense of what it’s like to live in Joshua Tree.
The earthy tones and comfortable lounging areas (including hammocks) make it a photogenic escape as well as a memorable one.
4. Desert Saga
Panorama Heights | 2 Bedrooms | 4 Guests
Key Features
- One bedroom is upstairs and completely open air
- Unique exterior
- Very close to Joshua Tree National Park entrance
Sustainable Features
- Completely Off-Grid
- In touch with nature (open-air bedroom)
One of the most iconic-looking Joshua Tree Stays is The Desert Saga. The spaceship meets barnyard exterior has attracted a new genre of upcycled luxury to the region.
A feature for those who like to sleep under stars is the upstairs bedroom with no roof. And for those who prefer four walls and a ceiling, there is a more conventional room in the main building.
It is worth considering what time of year you will be staying at this property. It runs on solar power which is incredible. That means a limited amount of air-conditioning for hot summer days.
For those interested in tiny home living or design this place is a great one to check off your list.
5. Under The Rocks
Pioneer Town | 1 Bedroom | 4 Guests
Key Features
- Pet-friendly
- Very remote
- Beautiful interior style
Sustainable Features
- Off-grid
- No air conditioning
Get remote in this Joshua Tree stay, set amongst the iconic boulders. While it looks like a simple layout from the exterior, the interior is a bright and dreamy reflection of what luxury detest living should be.
Designed with the environment in mind, this desert retreat channels natural airflow for the warmer months and harness the interior fireplace during the cooler months.
Either time way you’re going to want to soak up the incredible boulder surroundings in this quiet slice of desert paradise.
Note that due to its remote nature the phone reception is not great, so you might want to make sure you arrive before the sun goes down.
7. Pause House AM
Hidden River | 1 Bedroom | 2 Guests
Key Features
- Pet friendly
- Outdoor hotel tub with a view
- Clean & minimal style
Sustainable Features
- Minimal design
If you’re looking for one of those Joshua Tree stays that is beautiful in its simplicity this might be for you. Clean and minimal design with a great elevated view over the Joshua Trees and desert hills.
You can enjoy the outdoor living space and move casually between the BBQ and the hot tub while soaking in the wide-open space.
8. Pause House PM
Hidden River | 1 Bedroom | 2 Guests
Key Features
- Outdoor cowboy tube
- Pet friendly
Sustainable Features
- Solar Powered
- Electric car charger
This is the ‘darker’ version of the Pause House AM mentioned above. With a very similar style (only with slight darker finishes and exterior). Both of these Joshua Tree stays are on the same plot of land (though do not look at each other).
It would be a good option for two couples who want to stay close by to each other while keeping their own private space.
Alternatively, the Pause House PM provides a great, remote experience with uninterrupted desert views in a clean and modern style.
9. The Abracadabra Dome
Homestead Valley | 2 Bedrooms | 4 Guests
Key Features
- Unique, dome shaped home
- Pet Friendly
- Outdoor Cowboy Tub
Sustainable Features
- Naturally heated pool (warmer in the day, cold at night)
While the exterior may look like a dome-shaped barn, the interior is a beautiful style in bohemian fashion. It is one of the Joshua Tree stays that offers guests a memorable user experience with the addition of thoughtful touches (such as fresh eggs and coffee delivered to your door).
While it doesn’t have the remote view like some other accommodations it definitely has a unique feel that adds to the Joshua Tree experience.
10. Black Desert House
Pioneer Town | 2 Bedrooms | 4 Guests
Key Features
- Amazing pool area
- Sleek interior design
- Remote with uninterrupted views
Sustainable Features
- Solar heated pool
When ultra modern design meets rugged, rocky terrain the result is a unique and mesmerizing experience. This is one of the most futuristic Joshua Tree stays in the area.
The sleek, black exterior is matched with an equally modern interior and offers guests incredible, undisrupted views. But it is the pool area that makes this place really sing.
11. Where Two Deserts Meet
Joshua Tree | 4 bedrooms | 8 Guests
Key Features
- Very close to the national park entrance
- Outdoor bathtub with view
- Classic desert style
Sustainable Features
- Locally sourced building construction materials
This really feels like you’re staying in the desert (in the best possible way). The buildings constructed using traditional straw-bale-filled walls and sits on 5 acres just outside the national park.
It’s a great option for a group that wants to stay close to the action but feel like you’re getting an authentic Joshua Tree stay experience.
12. Little Tish
Yucca Valley | 2 bedroom | 4 Guests
Key Features
- Outdoor tub
- Nice outdoor landscaping
- Remote
Sustainable Features
- Saltwater tub
- Minimal design
Tucked into a remote and surprisingly green pocket of the desert this modern Joshua Tree stay offers guests a clean and bright desert escape.
The hosts offer in-home massage, reiki, and yoga for those who really don’t want to leave the property.
Note that the outdoor tub is not heated so can be a little too chilly for a night time dip.
What to look for when choosing where to stay in Joshua Tree
There is something magical about the desert and experiencing it through the lens of a locally hosted accommodation makes it even more memorable.
Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway or short term vacation rentals the above-mentioned Joshua Tree stays offer the best, hand-picked accommodations in the area based on their style and sustainability.
It will depend on what kind of trip you are looking to do and if you want to be remote and romantic, or close to the Joshua Tree National Park and hiking trails, or a bit of both.
Whatever you want your trip to look like, these yucca valley accommodations options are sure to make it a memorable one.
Parties/Events/Pets/Photoshoots
While some of the accommodations may look like the perfect party venues, many have guidelines on this and would need prior arrangement to booking. Some venues are pet friendly, though they do have an additional cleaning fee.
Getting to Joshua Tree
Most access Joshua Tree via the Southern California hotspots: Los Angeles (LA), Sand Diego (SD), or Palm Springs.
Palm Springs is the closest and has its own airport. From here you can easily go by car (approx. 45 minutes) up to the Twentynine Palms highway which cuts right through the Yucca Valley and Joshua Tree town.
Alternatively it is approximately a 3 hour drive from LA or a 4 hour drive from San Diego.
Exploring Joshua Tree
While having a car is not essential in many of the accommodations mentioned above. Note that many of them are remote. So, getting around (if you want to leave the properties) will be reliant on ride-share or taxis which are not quite as reliable or quick to arrive as in the cities. It is therefore recommended to have your own car or join a tour to explore the area.
Visit the National Park
One of the most unique national parks in the United States, this incredible landscape is the home to the famous Joshua Tree and also has some very impressive natural rock formations.
For those interested in visiting the park as part of a weekend trip, it is very doable to cover the park (by car) in a few hours of driving. There is a wide range of hiking trails to explore for those who want to get a full park experience.
Yucca Valley Shops
Nestled along the Twentynine Palms highway are a collection of thrift stores and boutique fashion labels that offer desert chic style, with a variety of options from cowboy boots to long, flowy dresses, full headpieces, and handmade jewelry. Some include:
- The End in Yucca Valley
- Funky and Darn Near New in Yucca Valley
- Ricochet Vintage Wear
Walk down Pioneer Town’s Main Street
Some of the accommodations mentioned above are in close proximity to Pioneer Town, which offers a unique, Western experience, great for photo opportunities.
Trips around Joshua Tree
There are a few other locations that you can access from Joshua Tree to make it a day trip. Check out this Joshua Tree day trip guide for more inspiration.