Located just 40 minutes from Palm Springs is historic Pioneertown. Built in 1946 as a movie set for westerns, early investors in the area included Roy Rogers and Gene Autry. With many of the original buildings still standing, it is a unique and fun place to visit. Read on to find my list of recommendations to make the most of your trip to Pioneertown.
Click here for more information on the history of Pioneertown.
1. Include Pappy and Harriet’s on Your Trip to Pioneertown for Mouth-Watering BBQ
Initially a facade of a cantina used in many of the movies filmed in Pioneertown, Harriet’s mother (yes, Harriet is a real person) purchased the building in 1972 and turned it into an outlaw biker burrito bar. Ten years later after the biker bar closed, Harriet and her husband Pappy opened Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace which is still in business today.
Serving Santa Maria BBQ, they grill their meats, chicken and fish over an outdoor wood fire. Try the Cowboy Combo with smoky and delicious tri-tip, ribs and chicken. Harriet’s Chili is a crowd favorite especially served over their steak-cut fries. Salads, juicy burgers and sandwiches round out the menu.
Click here to view the menu at Pappy and Harriet’s.
Besides serving awesome food, Pappy’s is a live music venue featuring a variety of artists and musical genres. Sir Paul McCartney famously played here during the Desert Trip festival of 2017. The Psychedelic Furs, Lukas Nelson, Lizzo, Lucinda Williams, Queens of the Stone Age and the Artic Monkeys have all graced the stage. You never know who might show up and grab the microphone.
Click here for the calendar of events at P&H.
2. Explore Mane Street in Pioneertown
You can’t take a trip to Pioneertown without a stroll down Mane Street. Shop an array of stores such as the Pioneertown General Store, the Soap Goats Shop or Pioneertown Saddlery. Visit the Pioneertown Film Museum to discover more about the history of the town. Experience the wild, wild west at a live performance in season by the Mane Street Stampede or the Gunfighters for Hire. You can even take in a comedy show or watch a drive-in movie on select Tuesday nights.
For more information about Mane Street, please click here.
3. Hike the Pioneertown Mountains Preserve
For those looking to experience nature, the Pioneertown Mountains Preserve is for you. Encompassing over 25,500 acres, hike the 6-mile Indian Loop consisting of the Pipes Canyon Trail, the Indian Springs Trail and the Chaparrosa Peak Trail. Plan to be on horseback? The Sawtooth Loop covers 9 1/2 miles and can be traversed by horse or on foot. Bring a picnic, do some bird watching or just enjoy the beauty of the surrounding mountains.
Click here for more information about the Pioneertown Mountains Preserve.
4. Quench Your Thirst at the Red Dog Saloon on Your Trip to Pioneertown
Established in 1946, the Red Dog Saloon reopened in 2020. A mainstay in the movies shot in the 1940’s and 1950’s, it is rumored even Trigger liked to grab a drink from inside the saloon. Saddle up to the bar for a wide array of spirits and tasty tacos, snacks and sides. Pair a beef brisket taco with a strong whiskey or choose the bold Red Dog Queso and an ice-cold beer. Breakfast is served on the weekends.
For Sunday Funday, giddy on up to the Red Dog to see DJ Kate McCabe spinning vinyl from 11am to 3pm. Groove to Soul, Funk, Punk, Rock and AM tunes. Check out their website for other live music events.
Click here for more information on the Red Dog Saloon.
5. Find a Quirky Place to Stay
If you are planning on consuming a few cocktails or staying for a late-night show, then you must find a place to sleep nearby. Why not try something different? Airbnb has a variety of unusual abodes for rent in and around Pioneertown. Coop and I had the pleasure of sleeping in a teepee just minutes away from Mane Street. With a full bathroom and outdoor kitchen, we had all the comforts of home, but with amazing views of the stars.
Find many campers and RVs available for a good night’s sleep. Pick one with lots of amenities or go off-grid for a glamping adventure. How about going back in time at That 70s Trailer?
Houses include the Rockstar on 17 acres with a private swimming pool and spa, and the Love Shack, a rustic cabin with an outdoor shower.
Check out Airbnb for a variety of options for every budget.
Unplug at the Pioneertown Motel. Instead of watching television, take in the spectacular meteor showers, desert views and wildlife. Rest in a hammock. Read a book, play cards or drink your morning coffee in the communal Canteen room. Conveniently located behind Pappy and Harriet’s, it is the perfect home base for your trip to Pioneertown.
Click here to book your room at the Pioneertown Motel.
What to know to not stress before you go.
- Pappy and Harriet’s and Red Dog Saloon close on Tuesdays and Wednesdays as do many of the shops. The best time to visit the area is on the weekend unless there is a special event.
- Neither P&H nor Red Dog take reservations. The wait for a table at Pappy’s is easily an hour or two. If dinner at Pappy’s is on your radar, put your name in when you first arrive. Then, check out Mane Street or imbibe at Red Dog to easily pass the time.
- Your leashed dog is welcome throughout Pioneertown.
- Before setting out on a hike at the Pioneertown Mountains Preserve, sign in at the Ranger Station or trailhead for your safety. Be cautious as bears, rattlesnakes and mountain lions live in the area.
For out of this world escapade near Pioneertown, check out my blog post below: