12 Cool Secret Spots in Joshua Tree

Joshua Tree’s Secret Spots Revealed

The following cool secret spots in Joshua Tree are imbued with the magic of the high desert. You can visit all these sites, and pssst – you can even rent most of them for a couple of hours or longer to get your inspiration on.

1. Book an architectural marvel through Peerspace

Peerspace, the internet’s largest site for renting unique bookings by the hour, has venues in several countries around the world. Some of the most amazing Peerspaces happen to in the Joshua Tree region.

2. Not-so-secret invisible house

The desert is hot, but secret spots don’t get any cooler than this Invisible Mirrored House, set on 90 acres of natural desert abutting the national park. Ok, so this secret spot is admittedly well-known among architecture aficionados, but we couldn’t resist sharing the fact that you can rent it through Peerspace! The huge mirrors on the outside of the structural wonder are actually windows from the inside, so you have the feeling of being utterly immersed in the landscape. This incredibly cool space is amazing for a photoshoot or for an event of up to 100 people. It even contains a 100-foot indoor pool.

3. Relax at sacred sands 

Another architecturally amazing Peerspace you can book is named Secret Sands. This jaw-dropping structure is the perfect tucked-away spot for a wedding or film or photo shoot. Its gorgeous views, luxurious amenities, and Moroccan decor are social media gold. Make use of the amazing areas included in this space like the ceremony circle, courtyard, gardens, ballroom, and sunset patio. That is if you can pull yourself out of the outdoor tub with its viewing window of the mountains on the private patio.

4. Go psychedelic at the Rainbow House

This one-of-a-kind secret spot in Joshua Tree simply won’t be found anywhere else. Painted in large, bright rainbow stripes by local artist Patrick Hasson, this Peerspace is a livable art studio and retreat like no other. For your artistic endeavors, check out the climate-controlled Rainbow Room, a rainbow backyard, and a rainbow outdoor bathroom. In between takes, relax in the outdoor tub, chill out around the fire pit, or relax in one of the zany home’s bedrooms.

5. Party outdoors

This unusual Peerspace booking can host almost any size outdoor gathering from small birthday parties to festivals with thousands in attendance. It’s an outstanding performance venue with a center sound bowl that has two stages, each with its own green room. An additional smaller stage is constructed out of driftwood. Take in the mountain views, make use of the kitchen, and find shelter from the elements in one of the 24 artistically decorated trailers.

6. Check out the historic vandalism at Samuelson’s Rocks

John Samuelson, a Swedish immigrant who landed in Joshua Tree in the 1920s after a series of adventures and mishaps, chiseled his philosophy into seven different boulders in a secret spot in Joshua Tree. You can find these boulders in the park near where Quail Springs Trail enters a wash, about three miles in. Peek around for this obscure Joshua Tree secret spot on a hill just north of the trail.

7. Kick back and relax at Alta House

This luxury Peerspace home located just near the national park is a great spot to unwind and wonder at the desert views. The interior of the home has high ceilings and clean, comfortable, contemporary decor. You and your guests can lie back in one of the two bedrooms in the main house, two bedrooms in the backyard casita, in the pool and spa, or in one of the many lounge areas. Dine outdoors, gather around the fire pits, or enjoy some foosball and ping pong.

8. Book an unusual Geodesic Dome House

This round – yet geometric – home Peerspace has indoor and outdoor space for the whole crew to hang out. Unfiltered desert light pours into the structure – making an ideal secret spot for your commercial photo shoot, music video, wedding – whatever you want to host. 

9. Get off the grid at Desert Way Ranch

Through Peerspace, you can host your event at this desert oasis on 2.5 acres. The booking comes with the use of two mid-mod RVs. Relax in the lounge areas outside, hang out around the fire pits, and gape at the desert stars. Or swim in the cowboy pool which is heated in the winter and chilled in the heat of summer.