The High Desert is changing tourism this year, partially due to the National Park Service celebrating its 100th birthday. David Parker found the moment more than symbolic.
“My friends say it was more a harmonic convergence that pulled me like a magnet to Star Ranch, located off Highway 62, that has everything going for it — except pavement,” he shared. “When I looked up at the super-charged sunset and boulders that looked more like a faraway planet, I knew this was where I wanted to be, whether the access road was paved or unpaved.”
This moment coincidently coincided with his 40th birthday.
The mesmerizing boulder formations and stunning sunsets have made Joshua Tree National Park a magnet for tourists from around the world for decades. Inspired, Parker bought himself a birthday present: a private ranch framed by the natural beauty of this legendary National Park. Within 90 days after the ink dried on the deed to his personal retreat, Parker went on to curate an exclusive hideaway within this unique slice of the Mojave’s High Desert.
“Star Ranch brings the High Desert to your doorstep, literally,” experienced tour guide Mark Farley explained. “Whether you wish to delve into stargazing, a spa experience under a stunning starlit sky or a private session with a world-recognized falconer, we can make it happen. Whether you prefer playing pickle ball or dining on desert delicacies such as the ‘Rhubarbra Streisand,’ catered by La Copine, a popular café located off Old Woman Springs Road in nearby Flamingo Heights, this is where we bring it to you. The celestial location of Star Ranch, which ultimately leads to the entrance of Joshua Tree National Park, is a ‘magical mystery tour.’”
The desert blossoms in spring with Joshua Tree framing Highway 62 as the journey reveals a treasure trove of home-owned businesses, including blast-to-the-past beauty shop “The Beauty Bubble” and the Cactus Mart, a veritable oasis of desert cacti and flowering plants.
The countless art galleries that line both sides of the highway reveal many local artists who come together annually to produce the Highway 62 Open Art Tours in October. This year marks the 16th year. Last year, 140 artists opened their studios from the Morongo Valley, Yucca Valley and Joshua Tree to 29 Palms and Wonder Valley. Many of the studios are not locatable by GPS.
As daunting as this seems, Parker, who chose to settle in this off-the-beaten-path neighborhood, was right on target.
“Many buyers dream of owning unspoiled land where they can craft their own retreat,” Amy Gamerman said in the mansion section of the Wall Street Journal’s Friday, May 13, issue.
Adding an unexpected dimension to Star Ranch are spa treatments that feature hand-crafted skincare products, sourced from The Body deli collection, including Lavender Chamomile, Tahitian Vanilla, Eucalyptus Rosemary and Moroccan Mint lotions and oils. Look for them displayed in the claw foot bathtub or the outdoor shower, sequestered by ageless boulders.
“You never have to leave Star Ranch, as everything is brought to you,” Parker, who briefs guests in advance on stargazing and nature walks, explained. “Once the electric gate quietly closes, memories of jammed freeways fade away. Our concierge can advise you on High Desert favorites, from the Pioneer Inn to the Joshua Tree Coffee Company.
Visit starranchjoshuatree.com for more information.
Follow Pamela Price at forbes.com/sites/pamprice.