From the sanctuary

Field notes from the high desert.

Guides to the art, the animals, and everything worth the drive around Joshua Tree.

October 11, 2026

Miniature Horse Facts: What Our Rescued Minis Taught Us

Miniature horse facts from a sanctuary that rescues them: how small they get, how long they live, how they differ from ponies, and how ours escaped the kill pen.

October 11, 2026

Zebra Facts: 10 Things Rubs Taught Us About Zebras

Zebra facts from a sanctuary that rescued one: why zebras have stripes, how fast they run, why you should never ride one, and the story of Rubs.

October 11, 2026

Day Trips From Palm Springs: 8 Desert Escapes Within an Hour

The best day trips from Palm Springs, from a rescued animal sanctuary 20 minutes away to Pioneertown, desert preserves, sound baths, and Joshua Tree.

October 11, 2026

Things to Do in Pioneertown, and Just Down the Road

A guide to things to do in Pioneertown, the 1940s Old West movie set near Joshua Tree, plus the best stops within 15 minutes of Mane Street.

October 11, 2026

Joshua Tree Bachelorette Ideas: A Desert Weekend Worth Remembering

Joshua Tree bachelorette ideas for a group of adults: a day with rescued animals, a robotic sound bath, an evening swim, live music and dark skies.

October 11, 2026

Emu Facts: 10 Things Our Emus Want You to Know

Emu facts from an emu sanctuary: how tall they get, how fast they run, why the dads raise the chicks, what they eat, and how to meet our emus.

May 20, 2026

Kaleidoscope Desert Wins HGTV’s Wild Vacation Rentals: Desert Escapes

Kaleidoscope Desert won its episode of HGTV’s Wild Vacation Rentals. See what D’Arcy Carden and Sherry Cola found near Joshua Tree: rescued animals and desert art.

March 8, 2026

10 Things to Do Near Joshua Tree Beyond the National Park

Looking for things to do near Joshua Tree beyond the park? Animal sanctuary tours, sound baths, desert art, and dark starry skies, all a short drive apart.

March 8, 2026

Sound Bath Joshua Tree: A Complete Guide to the Best Experiences

Looking for a sound bath near Joshua Tree? From crystal bowls at the Integratron to robotic gongs at Kaleidoscope Desert, here is where to find them.

March 8, 2026

Desert Art Installations Near Joshua Tree You Can Actually Visit

The best desert art installations near Joshua Tree, from the Gamelatron to Noah Purifoy’s outdoor museum, and how to see them free or by appointment.

March 8, 2026

Unique Desert Experiences in the Mojave You Won’t Find Anywhere Else

The Mojave is full of unique desert experiences, from robotic sound baths to rescued animals and outdoor art. Here is what to do and how to visit.

March 8, 2026

Where to See Rescued Animals in the High Desert, California

From emus to giant tortoises, here is where to see rescued animals in the high desert of California, plus what to expect when you visit.

March 8, 2026

Animal Sanctuaries in Southern California You Can Actually Visit

The animal sanctuaries in Southern California that actually welcome visitors, from the high desert near Joshua Tree to big cats outside San Diego.