Pioneertown in Yucca Valley was built in the 1940s as an old Western movie set. Today, locals keep the West tradition alive, holding mock gunfights from April through October on Pioneer Town’s Main Street.
Pappy and Harriet’s Palace offers live music, touring bands, and dancing in their saloon on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The town also has a bowling alley built in 1947, the oldest, longest working wooden lane in the United States.
The buildings in town are privately owned, but visitors are welcome to explore. Most people end up at Pappy & Harriet’s for a drink and a chat with locals.
Pioneertown may be out of the way, but it’s worth a visit for those who have a soft spot for the Old West. The Pioneer Town Motel is behind Pappy and Harriet and has 18 cowboy-themed rooms. The Joshua Tree region is an ideal weekend escape if you’re in the Los Angeles, San Diego, or Palm Springs areas.
This desert day trip is suitable for families, so if you are on a road trip to Joshua Tree National Park, Pioneers Town makes a great side trip. On weekends, you might catch a free western show in front of the saloon with cowboys doing tricks, shooting, and roping.
Pioneertown is a well-known spot for bikers, and it’s common to see a row of motorcycles parked outside Pappy & Harriet’s. The road leading to the town has been designated as a California Scenic Drive. If you enjoy the beauty of the desert, you’ll love the trip to this old western town.
Movie stars Roy Rogers and Gene Autry played a crucial role in constructing a wild-west town specifically for shooting movies. While some buildings were fake facades, others were functional shops and stores. Although some filming still takes place, it is infrequent because of the remote location.
The only place to get some grub in town is Pappy & Harriet’s, which also has a tiny bowling alley that may or may not be working.
Pioneer Town is situated northwest of Yucca Valley, along Pioneer Town Road, at an altitude of 4,000 feet in the high desert. For a unique overnight stay, you can sleep in the Pioneer Town Motel, located in an old movie set that was once used by stars.
Getting to Pioneertown
Pioneertown is open from 8:00 a.m. to dusk, seven days a week. It’s about a 2 1/2 hour drive from Los Angeles and a little over an hour from Palm Springs. Pioneertown makes a nice day trip while staying in Desert Hot Springs or Palm Springs.
Nearby Pioneertown
Gubler Orchid Farm
Cactus Mart Morongo Valley
Are horses still allowed to be boarded while you stay in a room in the motel? I have been there on 3 occasions with my horses but I don’t see any mention of horses now. Please advise.
Gail Kemble
Hello Gail
Here is a phone you can call for information about the hotel 760.365.7001
Thanks for visiting our website
Gordon