In the high desert country that was to become Joshua Tree National Park, rugged individuals tried their luck at cattle ranching, mining, and homesteading. William F. Keys and his family are particularly representative of the hard work and ingenuity it took to settle and prosper in the Mojave Desert.
The ranger-guided tour of the ranch includes the colorful story of the 60 years Bill and Frances spent working together to make a life and raise their five children in this remote location. The ranch house, school house, store, and workshop still stand; the orchard has been replanted; and the grounds are full of the cars, trucks, mining equipment, and spare parts that are a part of the Desert Queen Ranch story.
Visiting the Ranch Listed as a National Historic Register Site, the property is located in a remote, rocky canyon in Joshua Tree National Park. To preserve its historic character, admission to the ranch is restricted to guided walking tours. The tours are a half-mile in length and last 90 minutes. Group size is limited to 25 people.
Living History Tours Some tours allow ranch visitors to step back in time as a costumed ranger, circa 1940, engages them with stories, historical facts, questions, and memories. A uniformed ranger introduces these tours and makes the transition to 1940. Visitors are encouraged to participate by asking questions about work, family, diet, school, medical care, and other aspects of pioneer life. Before ending the tour, the costurmed ranger returns to the present so "the rest of the story" can be told and questions can be answered about post-1940 events and artifacts.
Evening Tours New this spring: beginning at dusk, ranch visitors will take part in family activities to prepare for the coming night, listen to period radio programs and music, and be told family stories before bidding the Keys family goodnight.
Tour Schedule Tours are offered at 10 am and 1 pm on a limited basis this fall. You may call 760-367-5555 for information and to make reservations.
Cost The tour costs $5.00 per person aged 12 and over and $2.50 for children 6 to 11. Children under six are admitted free. Senior and Access Pass (Golden Age and Golden Access pasport) holders pay $2.50. There is also a $15.00 per car entrance fee good for a seven-day visit to the park. Entrance fees are payable at park entrance stations.
Reservations You may book a tour by calling 760-367-5555 between 8 am and 4:30 pm any day of the week. Space will not be reserved until payment is received; credit cards are accepted. Tickets may also be purchased prior to the day of the tour at the Cottonwood, Joshua Tree, and Oasis visitor centers. Tickets are no longer sold at the ranch gate.
Directions To find the ranch, pass the entrance to Hidden Valley Campground, turn left at the Y-intersection, follow the road approximately two miles to the locked gate. Your guide will meet you there. (See map.) Please arrive at the ranch gate 15 minutes prior to your tour.
Safety & Comfort Sturdy walking shoes, drinking water, sunscreen, and a hat will add to your comfort. It is wise to bring a coat with you; the walk can get chilly when the wind blows.
Smoking and eating are not allowed during the tour. Camcorders and cameras are permitted but camera tripods are not. (You may inquire about special tours for photographers and other artists.)
