Location: Joshua Tree, Deserts, California, USA (10 Minutes from Joshua Tree National Park Entrance)
Accommodations: Cabin, 2 Bedrooms + Attached Unit, 2 Baths (Sleeps 4)
Now is a perfect time to consider coming out to the MOJAVE DESERT: Summer is soon over and Fall is approaching. The Days are warm and the nights cool and clear. And a really perfect place to stay is at the SAPPHIRE RANCH....which is situated on 10 acres of unspoiled desert for total privacy and enjoyment. The Ranch is conveniently located just outside the 29 PALMS City Limits... and only minutes from the World Famous JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK & VISITORS CENTER.
Just as soon as you approach the massive log-pole Ranch Gateway, you will see the totally private and secure "COWBOY HIDEOUT" ...a truly Deluxe Vacation Cabin. Originally built in the mid-1950's and now fully restored...much effort has been made to make this an exceptional and a one-of-a-kind rental property.
Classic Hollywood icons ROY ROGERS and DALE EVANS would feel right at home in this charming, Western themed Hideaway. The tastefully appointed interior features rustic wood paneling through out with comfortable ranch-style furniture, original Cowboy art, cocktail/breakfast bar and a real 50's style kitchen with vintage white enamel steel cabinets, appliances (a stove LUCY would just love) and a red and green chrome dinette set to sit and eat at. Relax in bed with it's luxurious fully upholstered headboard and the soft glow of the vintage Guitar Lamp mounted above.
In addition to the main cabin...and connected by way of the covered patio... is the really cool and cozy Western themed..."BUNKHOUSE"...little Cowboys and Cowgirls will also be right at home in this charming studio unit which features an antique full-size bed along with a convertible sofa-bed, built-in desk and storage cabinets, TV, vintage art and a small library. The Bunkhouse also features a special picture window that allows you to lay in bed and look out across the desert and observe mysterious Pinto Mountain in the distance...an area long associated with unexplained nightime phenomena.
(This room is a lot of fun - and the kids have especially loved it!)
Both units combined sleep a total of five. The property is fully fenced for complete privacy.
AMENITIES
This bungalow features a large closet, bath with tub and shower, heating and air-conditioning, telephone, comfy beds with extra linens, blankets and pillows. The kitchen is fully stocked with pots, pans, dishes, utensils, microwaves and coffee makers. Entertain yourself with Direct-TV, DVDs & CDs, books, magazines and fun board games. At night sit around a real-campfire and and gaze upwards at the dark clear sky with a million stars overhead. Portable Telescope available.
Easy access from paved road. Housebroken dogs are welcome.
At the SAPPHIRE RANCH you can totally escape the city. Feel free to do nothing but relax. Time slows down. Eat. Read. Write. Create art. Explore the surrounding desert or check out the local art colony. Meet interesting people and visit out-of-the-ordinary places.
Visit numerous art galleries in quiet and historic 29-PALMS or visit scenic Joshua Tree National Park. Enjoy lunch or coffee at the Wonder Cafe. Shop for food in Rio Ranch Market then BBQ on your private patio. Still feeling adventurous? Float over the desert in a GLIDER from the 29 Palms Airport! Or even take in a movie at the still operating local DRIVE-IN THEATER!....and if that"s still not enough, take a late night cruise down OLD AMBOY ROAD...also known to locals as the other "E.T. Highway" (PS...bring your camera, just in case)
The COWBOY HIDEOUT has quickly become a favorite of many artists, writers and musicians. And just regular folk who want to get away from it all.
(Sister cabin also available...check our website for more rental options.)
So why not treat yourself, your family or friends and plan to come on out for a day, a weekend or or even longer. But however long your stay, a True Desert Adventure of the Best Kind awaits you at the SAPPHIRE RANCH!
Some comments from our guests:
"Very Clean" A.H. "The Comfort Level is High" C.G. "FRESH AIR" T.B.
"Perfect Condition" L.K. "The American Outback" M.M. "Great Slice of Americana" A.H.
(For an even better description check out some of our guest reviews below)
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Air Conditioning
- Linens Provided
- Covered Parking
- Off Street Parking
- Parking for RV/Boat/Trailer
- Wood Fireplace
- Beds
- Queen Bed
- Double Bed
- Twin/Single Bed
- Child Bed
- Convertible Bed
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV: large plasma TV
- DVD
- VCR
- Video Library
- CD Player
- Stereo System
- Music Library
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen
- Cooking Utensils Provided
- Refrigerator
- Microwave
- Catering Available
- Outdoor Features
- Charcoal BBQ Grill
- Deck/Patio
- Lanai
- View/Location
- Mountain View: Stunning views of Joshua Tree National Park
- Communications
- Telephone
- Other Amenities
- Dark night skies.
- Suitability
- Pet Friendly
- Kid Friendly
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities (on site and nearby)
- Golf
- Theme Park (Amusement Park)
- Shopping
- Sightseeing
- Restaurants
- Rafting
- Kayaking
- Sailing
- Boating
- Waterskiing
- Swimming
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Rock Climbing
- Spelunking
- Fitness Center/Gym
- Health/Beauty Spa
- Basketball Court
- Antiquing
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Live Theatre
- Museums
- Horseback Riding
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
Cabin #1, Cowboy Hideaway.................$120/night
Cabin #2, Desert Isle.....................$120/night
Plus a one time $30 cleaning fee
A 50% deposit is required with your reservation
Ask about our special weekly and monthly rates
Discounts for return guests
10% military discount
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Credit Cards Accepted:




Owner's Profile
Owner Description
Year Purchased: 2006
I originally purchased this property several years ago as a get away for myself and my friends. I've always been a big fan of the desert...especially the romance and mystery long associated with the area. What started out as a "quickie" make-over project ended up taking almost two years...with a lot of time, effort and money spent. But the final results...two really great cabins...the COWBOY HIDEOUT and it's near twin sister, the DESERT ISLE, were well worth the effort. Having been in the furniture and antiques business in Los Angeles for over 20 years...I was able to accumulate a really cool collection of furniture and accessories to put in them to make them truly unique.
Now, having rented both cabins dozens of times...they have proven themselves with the many, many compliments received.
Why the Owner Chose Joshua Tree
I really like the area just East of 29 Palms, known as Wonder Valley, an enchanting desert enclave with very scenic and wide-open spaces and a unique collection of people, places and things. It still has a feeling of the "Old West" Plus the Joshua Tree National Park is just 10 minutes away with over a million visitors a year.
The Unique Benefits of this Cabin
Peace and Quiet. Clean Air. Clear, Starry Nights. Unspoiled desert flora and fauna at my back door.
Being able to lay in my bed all comfy and cozy and look out my big picture window across miles of open desert and the mountains beyond.
And probably most of all, being able to cruise down a 50's era two lane back top highway with little or no traffic, with the top down and the wind blowing thru my hair....this is as close to time travel as I've been able to get!
Property Photos
- Relax on the shady front porch at "The Cowboy Hideout" - Joshua Tree, California Vacation Rental
- Impressive Log-Pole Front Gateway... - Joshua Tree, California Vacation Rental
- Cozy living room with down-filled Sofa and Rocking Chair - Joshua Tree, California Vacation Rental
- Cozy Bedroom with vintage guitar and cactus lamps
- Bunkhouse with comfortable bed
- Lot's of things to do at the Cowboy Hideout!
- Only a short 10 minute drive to the Joshua Tree National Park
- Cook all your meals in the 1950's Kitchen
- View from the porch and mountains beyond
- Covered Patio great for outdoor dining and relaxing
- Mysterious Pinto Mountain....location of many UFO sightings!
- Campfire under the Stars
- Aqua Blue bath
- Covered patio and rear Pinto Gateway down to firepit area
- End of another relaxing day at the Sapphire Ranch!
- "Sandy" the Ranch Dog
Guest Comments (10)
First (10) of (10). View all comments
Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #175915
There have been 7588 visitors to this page since the counter was last reset in 2008.
This listing was first published here in 2008.
Date last modified - September 27, 2009




Positive Rating
Staying at the Cowboy Hideout Bungalow at the Sapphire Ranch gave me a slice of Americana that I had never viewed on any trip to the United States. The bungalow was incredible. Being associated with an international furniture/accessories company, I tend to have a critical eye when looking at any room decor. The Cowboy Hideout had just the perfect touch of cowboy life - neither under nor overstated, and, the plasma satellite TV helped my teens to adjust to a different lifestyle. While I was not sure about traveling with 2 teenagers, I am pleased to say how much they loved the experience. Much of our time was spent in exploration of the area. We liked to hike out of the back gate and explore abandoned cabins. The unique items left behind by previous inhabitants challenged our imagination to surmise what their lives would have been like some 50+ years ago. We discussed everything in detail, including what the people might have consumed based on the different dishes left in the cupboards. On our way back to Denmark we each had our own views to how the remains of a 1960 Dodge Dart lay partially sunk in the sand. It was a great trip for both body and mind. My teens loved it as much as I did. We'll come back for more!
Positive Rating
We wanted to comment by saying Wonder Valley is a truly beautiful desert area unlike no other we have seen: it's like being in the Great American Outback...yet it so close to everything, The Joshua Tree National Park, Palm Springs, LA, Route 66, Las Vegas and even Arizona! Staying at the Sapphire Ranch is incredibly relaxing and reinvigorating...with the unspoiled desert flora and fauna, the lovely FRESH AIR and sweeping vistas in all directions. We stayed in the cozy Cowboy Hideout, a beautifully restored and decorated desert bungalow with all the comforts included. The kitchen is a real delight with authentic period appliances...that great electric stove, it reminds me of a big 1950's Buick! We spent a lot time time relaxing on the covered patio and later at night under the stars down by the firepit...it is a perfect spot to end the a day exploring in and around 29 Palms. We love this place and really appreciate the great hospitality and care our host Jeff has put into this unique vacation home. And our kids...our two boys...love it most of all. We have already visited twice this year... ...and we'll be back for more!
Positive Rating
I spent a long weekend in the Desert Isle bungalow and absolutely loved it! The bungalow is very cute, quaint, comfortable and was just perfect for a quiet getaway with my boyfriend. I loved all the quirky decorations...from the red retro-record player to the 3-D Dog...they made our stay just that more fun. We are definitely planning to come back with a group of friends when it warms up a bit. I highly recommend this place for anyone looking for a homey little place to stay for both a quiet get-away or a fun time with friends.
Positive Rating
We loved our Valentine's weekend at the Sapphire Ranch. We rented the Cowboy Hideout and it is an ideal place for anyone seeking some R&R, access to the Joshua Tree National Park and the beautiful starry nights. The little house is cozy and comfortable and in perfect condition. The decor is fabulous vintage (and very tasteful) Country/Western. We cooked all of our meals in the full 1950's style kitchen and there was nothing we lacked. The owner (Jeffrey) is gracious and very hospitable. We plan to return someday soon for a longer stay.
Positive Rating
My girlfriend and I were on a two week tour of the US and decided to spend our last night in the real American Desert. Some friends recommended we stay at the Sapphire Ranch and we rented the Desert Isle bungalow. It was truly wonderful with great attention to detail. I really liked the 50's 3-d shaggy dog picture. We really had a great time listening to vintage Martin Denny records while we sat in front of the outdoor fireplace. Later we watched the sun come up over the mountains from our cozy built-in bed. Before we left we toured the other house, the Cowboy Hideaway...and that was really neat. I just love classic Western Americana. There is even a big campfire out back. I can't wait to return...this time with my boots on. Yippee!
Positive Rating
Jen Nutting , Los Angeles, CA
Positive Rating
I had some business to attend to in the desert and decided to rent something different for a few days than staying at the usual hotel chain. We found the Sapphire Ranch on the VRBO website. It looked cool. We reserved the "Desert Isle" cabin. Upon arrival we couldn't have been more pleased. My girlfriend insists on everything being extra clean. It was. The cabin is quite modern in style with a fabulous retro-boomerang sofa. The big built-in bed is our favorite and has its own star-gazing window...and...a pivoting flat screen TV! It was great.
Positive Rating
Colette Gordon , Encinitas, Ca
Positive Rating
I really enjoyed our stay at the Sapphire Ranch. Actually, this was our second visit. We were there back in March and had such a great time we could hardly wait to return. As before, we rented both cabins for our rather large group consisting of co-workers and friends from Sony-BMG Music. There was plenty of room for everyone. The cabins are well appointed and nicely furnished. I especially like the 1950's western theme of the "Cowboy Hideout". The night is the best. Hanging out around the open campfire and looking up at all the stars. It is very magical. We may be back for New Years!
Positive Rating
My husband and I were really looking forward to spending Memorial Day weekend with my sister and her family. They have seven little ones...we have four...and we were looking for a place that would accommodate all of us on our budget. Not always an easy thing to do. We found the Sapphire Ranch online and at first there was some trepidation to rent a vacation home sight unseen. But as it turned out, we could not have been more pleased! The cabins were very clean and charming. The scenery was beautiful. The comfort level is high. Evenings were spent around the campfire and mornings on the patio eating breakfast. The experience was wonderful and very safe for small children and our little dog. The owner Jeffrey was great to deal with and very helpful and informative on the desert area. The cabins are located close to the entrance to the Joshua Tree National Park but just far enough from town to feel like your away from the world. A great vacation spot we will definately return to!