Staying at The Joshua Tree Inn

by Sandy Joe Karpetz | Mar . 5 . 2015 | California, Travel, USA

Staying at The Joshua Tree Inn

As we drove down the 29 Palms highway we missed the turn for the Joshua Tree Inn; the sign blended into the desert landscape almost seamlessly. It’s lovingly hand painted lettering on wood paneling partially obscured by bushes was backlit by the blazing sun and camouflaged. The sign’s colour palette mirrored that of everything around it when being blinded by the light. Yet another reason why I adore the desert beyond all imagination. The harsh conditions create a type of beauty difficult to replicate. Even when that beauty is initially invisible. Regardless, we had arrived.

THE LEFT COAST EXPERIENCE

Though California is known for its endless coast line and all the spoils of Hollyweird, visiting the desert should be on everyone’s itinerary. Joshua Tree & Yucca Valley are a short drive from Palm Springs and worth the trek for those who fancy a more western version of the area. Palm Springs is a mid century modern marvel, but it lacks that desert grit and texture. There’s many Things to do in Palm Springs which I would recommend checking out. Then trade that martini lifestyle for a ginger ale & whisky lifestyle off the 29 Palms.

CHECKING IN

Checking in to the Joshua Tree Inn was a laid back casual experience one would expect from a legendary roadside motel that is still independently owned. The Spanish style exterior is welcoming and the lobby has a magnificent fieldstone fireplace. After securing the key, we walked to the back courtyard. Unfortunately, we arrived too soon to experience the wall of wisteria blooming its perfect hue of periwinkle along the open air corridor. Hopefully next time!

COURTYARD POOL

One of the major draws, aside from the music history which we’ll get to, is the courtyard pool. A true oasis with an epic view of the surrounding mountains. There’s ample seating too.

ROCK N ROLL HISTORY

The Joshua Tree Inn was both a beloved hangout of Gram Parsons as well as the location of his death in 1973. Room 8 to be precise. Like many other music aficionados, I too had to make the pilgrimage to this very spot. Once I arrived, it was clear why this location attracted artists. We wandered around the property soaking in the sunset against the full moon rising. The reflections off the pool, the GP guitar statue tribute, this is the essence of strange magic. Not nearly enough time had been allocated for this leg of my trip.

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MAGIC HOUR IN THE DESERT

Being in the city is swell but I have a soft spot for the serene desert. The colour palette is one of my favourites; everything seems to look better out there. The high sun, magic hour, and the sunsets. It’s always a perfect hour to photograph anything. Natural sepia tones of the landscape mixed with vibrant hued buildings (or clothing) is a balance I never quite understood but am visually mesmerized by. One cannot see sunsets like this and not fall in love with the scenery,

NEARBY EATS

The thing about the desert is that nighttime descends in moments leaving you in pitch black nothingness. A full moon and the headlights on the highway are the main sources of light. They illuminated our way as we walked along the dirt and sand ditch to have dinner at Crossroad Cafe & Tavern. The decor was an eclectic mix of desert treasures, the staff were friendly, and the meal was perfection. I’d walk down that highway anytime for a meal there… and I did again the following morning for breakfast. On our way back we stopped at the Smoke ‘n’ More convenience store; it only seemed fitting to enjoy some whisky and ginger ale, Gram would have wanted it that way. We stayed up watching late night murder trials not able to sleep after the real life bloodbath stories unfolded.

PLACES TO EXPLORE

It goes without saying that a drive around Joshua Tree National Park is in order when visiting the area. The topography and vegetation is something to behold. Joshua trees, themselves, are a wondrous plant that look like they belong on the set of the original Star Trek series. Another place to pop by, is Pioneertown, an old western town movie set that’s open to the public. I’ve visited a few times: a Vintage Poncho in Pioneertown & Pioneertown Style posts. Unlike Los Angeles, you won’t run the risk of getting a parking ticket like I did on this trip. Though our hosts kindly pointed out was an Authentic Los Angeles Experience. Lastly, the Yucca Valley was amazing thrift and vintage shops. One of my favourites is The End Vintage Shop.

JOSHUA TREE INN – YUCCA VALLEY

I’m grateful to have finally made it to the Joshua Tree Inn after becoming enchanted by it via Pamela Des Barres book: . There’s so much to see and do around here that one might have to make multiple trips. I know I have! Places like this make me nostalgic for a time I never experienced and long for an era I’ll never be able to live in. No blog post can ever do those spaces any justice. You have to experience them first hand.

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2 Comments

CC on March 6, 2015 at 12:20 am
Your desert sky photos are gorgeous!
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Carbar on March 8, 2015 at 8:26 pm
Great photos and I love your kimono. It looks so cute and comfy! Hi from Toronto!
xo Carbar | hellocarbar.com
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