The high desert has a long tradition of unconventional building, from homesteaders' cabins to mid-century modern retreats and eccentric studios. A guided architecture and art tour drives you to some of the best examples, with a local expert explaining the styles, the materials and the characters behind them. Expect a mix of homesteader shacks from the Small Tract Act era, mid-century and contemporary desert houses and outdoor art environments, with stories about the artists, musicians and designers who have been drawn to the area. The tour is a good rainy-day or hot-afternoon option when hiking is unappealing.
The history gives the buildings meaning. After 1938, the federal Small Tract Act let people lease five-acre parcels of desert land if they built a small cabin on it, and thousands of tiny homesteads sprang up in the Mojave. The cabins, often called jackrabbit homesteads, are still scattered across the landscape, some falling into ruin and others lovingly restored.
Later waves of architects and artists added modernist glass-and-steel boxes, adobe domes and sculptural compounds. The tour explains how the climate and the budget shaped each style, and why the desert remains such a draw for people who want to build their own world.
Most tours run in a small vehicle and last a few hours, with time to step out and photograph. Many of the houses are private or rented as vacation lodgings, so respect the owners' privacy and any rules about distance. The guides are often residents who know the gossip as well as the architecture. Bring a camera, a hat and water. The tour is best in the cooler months or in the morning, because several stops involve standing outside in the sun. Ask in advance which sites are included, as access can vary.
This tour pairs naturally with the Noah Purifoy museum and a stroll through Joshua Tree village. Together, they offer a sense of the human side of the desert, balancing the geology and ecology of the national park. If you are thinking of staying in a desert house, the tour is a useful preview of the area's design vocabulary. Book ahead on weekends and during the spring high season, and check the itinerary on the day. Those with limited mobility can ask about accessible stops, since much of the tour takes place from the vehicle.
What to expect
The experience
A guided drive to notable desert homes, homesteads and outdoor art sites with commentary from a local expert.
Best time
Morning or late afternoon in the cooler months.
How long
Two to four hours, depending on the tour.
Tips
Bring a camera, hat and water; respect private property; ask which stops are included.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Design lovers, photographers and anyone who wants the human story of the desert.
- Families
- Better for teens and adults than for small children.
- Couples
- Fun and conversational, a nice alternative to hiking.
- Pair with
- Noah Purifoy museum and Joshua Tree village.
- Time needed
- Half a day.
Good questions
What is a jackrabbit homestead?+
A small cabin built under the 1938 Small Tract Act on a five-acre desert parcel.
Can I go inside the houses?+
Usually not. Most stops are exterior views from the road or public areas.
Is it a long walk?+
No, most of the tour is from the vehicle, with short walks.
When should I book?+
Ahead on weekends and in spring.
Is it suitable for children?+
Older kids may enjoy it. Younger ones might find it slow.