Guide To Pioneertown

If you are in search of a day or weekend getaway off the beaten track, then Pioneertown might be for you. Pioneertown was built in 1946 in the high desert community of Yucca Valley. A group of actors envisioned a live-in motion picture set and developed the town for actors and crew. A number of Westerns were filmed here, including "The Cisco Kid" and it was the backdrop for a large number of television shows. Back in the day, you would often find the likes of Gene Autry and Roy Rogers walking down "Mane Street" dressed in their cowboy spurs. Pioneertown is now a unique experience for guests, especially those who love music, beer and enjoy line dancing.

This quaint retreat is only 15 minutes from Joshua Tree and 32 miles from Palm Springs. Pioneertown is about a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Los Angeles. Visitors can take interstate 10 to highway 62. Look for the signs for Pioneertown.

Where To Stay

Pioneertown Motel

5040 Curtis Road
Pioneertown, CA 92268
(760) 365-7001
pioneertown-motel.com

Pioneertown Motel was built along with the town to provide Hollywood stars and their crew a location to stay. Now it's an Old West encounter for guests searching for comfortable lodging. Guests will stay in one of the motel's 18 rooms which all have different Western themes and some rooms are equipped with kitchenettes. Wouldn't it be cool to sleep in the "John Wayne" room?

Every room has a different cowboy theme but all have an overall rustic feel. Expect a nice stay with friendly service from the owners. Don't expect to spend the night watching TV -- there isn't one. Sit under the stars on your outdoor patio and enjoy the charm of this historic motel. Room rates are $80 (plus tax) Sunday through Thursday. Weekends are $100 (plus tax) and a one-night stay on either Friday or Saturday is slightly higher. Pioneertown welcomes your pets and the motel's horse corral boards up to 17 horses.

Pioneertown Corrals

53586 Mane Street
Pioneertown, CA 92268
(760) 365-7580
pioneertowncorrals.biz

If you prefer sleeping at a campsite to a motel stay then Pioneertown Corrals is for you. Surround yourself with views of the mountains and Joshua trees and set up camp here. Visitors can barbecue, ride the trails and simply enjoy nature. Twenty corrals are available, and there are areas for tent and RV camping. Make sure to bring your own briquettes and no charge for bringing Fido.

What To Do

Pioneertown "Mane Street"

Pioneertown Road

The structures in Pioneer Town include a post office, corral, marshal's office as well as a church and facades. The post office is open for business Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. They do take a break from 1 p.m. to 2:15 p.m.. Pioneertown Posse stages free Old West re-enactments every Saturday at 2:30 pm April through October. Volunteers made up of local talent put on the fun show. You'll get your fill of gun slinging here. Visitors can also stop at one of the gift shops in the center of town but I'm sure the pictures alone will be priceless.

Pappy & Harriet's

53688 Pioneertown Rd
Pioneertown, CA 92268
(760) 365-5956
pappyandharriets.com

Pappy & Harriet's Pioneertown Palace is the cool indie indoor and outdoor spot for music lovers and travelers. Not only is it an awesome concert venue but a delicious restaurant and fun bar. P&H is the only place for grub in this town so make sure to eat up. Pappy & Harriet's lunch and dinner menus include Tex-Mex cuisine with items such as burgers and hot dogs as well as ribs. P&H offers live music five nights a week and features legendary musicians such as Robert Plant and Leon Russell have graced the P&G stage.

Nearby Attractions

Joshua Tree National Park

74485 National Park Drive
Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
(760) 367-5500
www.nps.gov

Only a 12 to 15-minute drive from Pioneertown, this desert park is nearly 800,000 acres of rugged mountains and rich landscape filled with wildlife. Admission is $15 and the National Park Service provides maps and brochures to guide your journey. Not only are the beautiful Joshua trees a sight to remember, but also the rock formations are equally as stunning. Make sure to seek out naturally-formed Skull Rock that is located along the main East-West park road.

Rock climbing is popular here with more than 400 climbing formations. Hiking, mountain biking are other fun ways to explore the area. Stargazing or bird watching is a mellow and relaxation way to spend your time here. Make sure to pack your camera to capture the beauty spread out before you.

The Integratron

2477 Belfield Blvd
Landers, CA 92285
(760) 364-3126
www.integratron.com

How about add some science to your stay? The Integratron is an energy machine located in the mystical Mojave Desert. Take a "Sound bath" at the dome and let its powers heal you. Studies have shown that music therapy can reduce stress. What is a Sound Bath? "The Sound Bath is a 60-minute sonic healing session that you can experience while resting comfortably in the deeply resonant, multi-wave sound chamber. A sequence of quartz crystal singing bowls are played for you, each one keyed to the energy centers or chakras of the body, where sound is nutrition for the nervous system." Visitors can attend a group No Reservations Sound Bath that is offered twice a month. Play and relax in the sound chamber. Children under 12 years old are not allowed in the No Reservations Sound Bath but can attend a private session for $20 per person. Do not follow your GPS directions. Visit the website for accurate directions to the dome.

Tee and her family are usually out-and-about every weekend. She loves exploring Southern California and marking places off her must see list! Tee blogs about family fun at www.thatsitmommy.com.