The high desert in California is one of my favorite spots to visit. You might have even read a blog or two of mine on the unique things to do in the area. Over Thanksgiving weekend, Cooper and I took a quick jaunt to Joshua Tree, Pioneertown and Yucca Valley to explore and relax. Read on to discover more about our dog-friendly trip. You may be inspired to go on your own 24-hour adventure.
Our Dog-Friendly Trip Included a Stay in an Airbnb
For a 24-hour trip to the upper desert, a place to lay your head for the night is important. Most of the hotels and motels in the area are pretty basic, but Airbnb offers a variety of accommodations to satisfy every traveler’s requirements.
Below is a list of dog-friendly and economical options with 4.75 stars and above:
- The Desert Star – Joshua Tree
- Cooper and I stayed at the Desert Star on this trip. We found it cozy, quirky and clean. Think of your hippy grandmother’s apartment complete with some funky art. While not for everyone, the Desert Star is under $150 per night and has 4.93 stars.
- Vintage Desert Delight – Landers
- The Vintage Desert Delight is another unconventional Airbnb I stayed at a with a friend. It is actually a camper set in front of a house with sweeping views of the desert. Close to all major attractions, it is super affordable with a 4.83 rating. Dogs are welcome.
- Mirlo Estate – Yucca Valley
- While I have not personally occupied the Mirlo Estate, it looks really cute, has great reviews with 4.93 stars and is available for a one-night booking. Dogs are allowed with a $30 pet fee.
- Love Shac – Rimrock/Pioneertown
- Another Airbnb I have had my eye on but never frequented, the Love Shac is dog and budget friendly. This rustic cabin is private and serene. Please note though that the bathroom facilities are actually in a separate building from the cabin. With great reviews, I am going to give it a try.
While I am happy to share suggestions for places to stay, everyone’s aesthetic is different, so research each property carefully to make sure it is a good fit for you.
JT Saloon for Appetizers and Cocktails
After checking into the Desert Star, Coop and I headed over to the JT Saloon. Even though dogs are not allowed inside (except for service dogs), their large, folksy patio is dog friendly. Their patio menu features lots of hearty appetizers including wings, fish and chips, jalapeño poppers and much more. Just walk on up to the counter and place your order. They will bring it out to you. Don’t forget a cocktail or ice-cold beer from the full bar. While they do not serve their dinner menu outside, the appetizer portions are large enough to make a full meal out of. The patrons are friendly, and it’s easy to strike up a conversation. Coop loved all the attention.
A Night Under the Stars
With full bellies, Coop and I went back to the Airbnb to enjoy the fire pit included in our stay. The host of the Desert Star provides everything you need to get a roaring fire blazing in no time. Music floated through the air from a live band playing a few streets away. As there are hardly any lights, the stars were abundant. The high desert at night is a wonderous experience.
Brunch at La Copine is a Must!
La Copine is a tiny little restaurant located on Old Woman Springs Road in Yucca Valley with a menu that fits on one page. Don’t let any of that fool you. The food is big on taste, innovative and scrumptious. Open from 11:00am to 4:00pm Thursday through Sunday, walk-ins are welcome, or you can make a reservation through text. On weekends, I highly recommend a reservation.
I started with the butternut squash soup drizzled with fried sage oil. I followed that with the shrimp roll on a grilled brioche bun. The jalapenos gave it the right amount of pop. For dessert, the coconut rice pudding with peach compote, raspberries and pepitas hit the spot. Other customer favorites include the Sand-Witch with juicy fried chicken, the Pacific Rockfish Cake and the Royal Crumpet with house-made veggie sausage. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu.
Our Next Adventure on Our Dog-Friendly Trip was a Hike
I have written about the Pioneertown Mountains Preserve before, but it’s been a minute or two since I have actually hiked it. Coop and I set off after brunch to burn off some calories. We chose the Pipes Canyon Trail with the Olsen Ruins as our destination.
The hike is fairly flat with majestic mountains rising up around you. The trail takes you through some pretty foliage and across a few creeks. There wasn’t too much water, just a little mud. We reached the ruins, which are the remnants of a mining shelter built in the 1930’s, snapped a couple of pictures and turned back. The hike is about 3.8 miles roundtrip and took us just under an hour and a half.
If you have more time, there are several other trails to investigate. Find a very clean bathroom at the Ranger Station along with covered picnic tables if you bring food. Parking is easy. We did run into a few fellow hikers, but overall, felt we had the vast desert to ourselves.
A Little Shopping Finished Off Our Dog-Friendly Trip
I never leave the upper desert without a stop at the Hoof & the Horn. Adam, the proprietor of the shop, puts together an amazing assortment of men’s, women’s and children’s clothing along with accessories and gift items. On this trip, I picked up a cozy flannel, fantastic beaded earrings and an aromatic candle. The Hoof & the Horn has been in business in Yucca Valley for over 10 years. Stop by and say hi.
Before heading out of town, I quenched my thirst with a tasty tea from the Frontier Café next door. In addition to a wide selection of teas and coffee drinks, they offer delicious breakfast and lunch items. The Avocado Tartine is a top pick. Beer and wine is also available. Dogs are allowed on the patio. With tea in hand, we drove off towards Palm Springs.