Desert Destination: Shelter Joshua Tree

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Joshua Tree is still relatively remote for a California desert destination, which is part of what makes it so awesome.

While nearby Palm Springs has endless hotels and home rentals to choose from, Joshua Tree is a little more limited in its accommodations. My favorite Airbnb spot in the area is a property called Shelter.

What you’ll find upon arriving at Shelter

There are actually three different houses on the Shelter property, each with two bedrooms and two bathrooms. They’re far enough apart from one another that they can be rented separately, but close enough that they can be rented all together as well.

Okay spoiler alert, one of these homes is owned by my uncles. My Grandpa bought the land way back in the day and it sat there untouched until they turned it into what Shelter is today.

Each of the homes has its own private hot tub that is accessible from a short pathway walk. Being slightly set apart from the houses (and very set apart from the neighbors) the hot tubs offer prime star watching at night.

Inside Shelter

The warm modern design of the homes includes very cool use of window space. The views outside are carefully framed by the windows, which offer no competition thanks to minimal design features. Shelter One was actually built around a Joshua Tree so as not to disturb the land. There’s an intentionally natural feel to the layout, which makes it feel really peaceful and aligned.

Each of the homes on the property is outfitted with art and goods from artisans that are local to the Joshua Tree area, adding to the authentic vibe of the property.

Personal highs at Shelter Joshua Tree

The outdoor shower at Shelter One, the custom-made shampoo offered in the house, and the absolutely always incredible desert light.

On this particular visit I mostly hung out at the house but did go out for dinner and dancing at nearby Pappy and Harriet’s. The western-style spot is located in Pioneer Town and features awesome live bands most nights.

I’m a desert person. I feel like a person in the desert. The desert makes me feel like a person.

It’s partly the light, like it comes from a different sun entirely.

It might be the landscape, the atmosphere.



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Sometimes it’s the architecture. Undoubtedly all of that. A foreign planet that somehow feels the most familiar.

I need less sleep in the desert. I wake up and feel alert like I already had my coffee.

I can feel the clarity of the air. A buzz under my feet. The awareness of the distance between where I stand and the mountain. Near and far at once. The desert holds all the space within its space. While much of it is unknown, it feels solid. It just exists.

I love mornings in the desert. Waking to feel a distinct reminder that the heat is on its way, like one of those feelings you get when you know something good is about to happen. It starts rolling out of thin air around you, undeniably taking shape and weight despite the fact that it’s unseen. Pulsing even. Impending.

I like that the heat is uncontrollable but natural. It certainly isn’t shy. Maybe it’s working for you. In your favor. A birth. Sure sometimes it’s a lot. It gets hot.

But even then it can awaken something in you if you let it. An awareness of the absurdity of being in a human body. A need to take shelter in the shade. Drink a glass of water. Be.

The heightened awareness sweat sprouts. Why am I here sweltering in the desert? Here on earth in general?

A reminder of the way the body automates, a reminder to thank it for doing so. A reminder to listen, to nurture, to express your extreme gratitude.

Back to basics. Function, grace, and beauty.



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I'm Kate Ferguson, an L.A.-based Writer, Filmmaker, Photographer, Social Media Strategist, and Blogger at, right here, That's Random Kate! (Previously Divvy Mag.) I love storytelling in its various forms, growth, shooting 35mm film, learning super random facts, building community, and admiring palm trees. Find me on Instagram: @KateFerg. (Where there will definitely be 35mm photos of palm trees.)

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