Set high on Moonlight Mesa in north Joshua Tree, this serene retreat offers sweeping desert views, a private spa, and cozy evenings by the fire. Thoughtfully designed for relaxation and connection, it’s a peaceful escape where you can stargaze from the hot tub, cool off in the cowboy pool, or unwind on the expansive terraces just 15 minutes from Joshua Tree National Park.
The space
Shifting Sands House is a peaceful high-desert retreat designed for effortless living and quiet comfort. Perched atop Moonlight Mesa, the home captures endless mountain views and the soft stillness of open desert.
The open-concept layout includes a designer Reform kitchen with a breakfast bar, spacious dining nook, and a large, comfortable L-shaped sofa for lounging or movie nights by the wood-burning fireplace.
Three bedrooms offer room for everyone, two with king beds and one with a queen, all with memory foam hybrid mattresses, linen bedding, blackout shades, and writing nooks. The primary suite features an en-suite bath with a soaking tub and separate shower.
Outside, the private courtyard and multiple patios are designed for full days under the desert sun and starlit nights. Soak in the hot tub, gather around the firepit, or cool off in the cowboy pool (open seasonally). The west-facing terrace is perfect for sunset dinners and golden-hour views stretching all the way to Pipes Canyon and San Jacinto.
Highlights Include:
- Hot tub with open-sky desert views
- Cowboy pool (seasonal)
- Firepit and BBQ grill
- Wood-burning fireplace indoors
- Outdoor fire pit
- Outdoor dining and lounge areas
- Fully equipped designer kitchen
- Central air conditioning and heat
- Smart TV and board games
- Pet friendly (two dogs max)
Calm, comfortable, and filled with light, a true high-desert escape.
Great Location:
15 min to Joshua Tree National Park
15 min to Pappy & Harriet’s
20 min to Old Town Yucca Valley
Local Experiences:
Make the most of your stay with curated local experiences we love to share.
Sound baths at the Integratron or with a local practitioner
Massage, bodywork, or energy sessions at the house
Guided desert hikes and nature walks
Yoga, Pilates, or breathwork under open skies
Private chef dinners and in-home dining
Stargazing and astronomy tours
Horseback rides through desert trails
Cold plunges and wellness sessions with local experts
We’d love to connect you with our favorite local guides and practitioners.
Guest access
Guests have access to the entire home and all outdoor spaces within the property boundary.
The garage is not accessible for guests.
Parking is available in the driveway.
Unfortunately we don't offer laundry on site, but we can recommend local laundry services on request.
Other things to note
— Number of guest
The entire property has 3 bedrooms. The maximum capacity is 6.
— Parking
Please use the large driveway space for parking your vehicles. Please do not block the entry / exit of the property with your vehicle in case of emergency.
— Oven
Please make sure to turn on the vent while using the oven, if cooking something smokey you should also open the window above the sink to let in a little more air. Note that the oven only turns on when you turn the timer on (oven heat control is the centre right knob, timer is the centre left knob). Also please ensure all knobs are turned completely to OFF when not in use.
— Jacuzzi (no extra fees)
Please shower before use. The temperature control can be controlled by repeatedly pressing the temperature icon on the control panel on the edge of the Jacuzzi. Please do not turn the heat above 104 as this may cause damage to the system. Please don’t put any liquid/solid soap into it, any extra costs occurring will be charged. No glass is aloud near the jacuzzi. Guests will take all liability and responsibility for your own safety.
— Pool
Our cowboy pool is not heated, but it is filtered. Please shower before use, and take care. We have the pool cleaned out twice a week, but you may find some stray leaves in there. Use the net to remove any surface leaves before use. Note that the cowboy pool is closed in winter months.
Anyone under 18 needs his/her parent’s present while swimming or near the pool for safety reasons. No diving and no glass near the pool. The guests will take full liability and responsibility for your own and your guests safety.
— Pets
Two well-behaved pups allowed. There is a $95 pet fee, which is paid when booking. No pups on the furniture and no pups left alone in the house (without being crated) or in the yard. Please be aware that there are snakes and coyotes in the desert.
— Broken Items
We understand that accidents happen, if anything breaks down - even if it's your fault - let us know so we can send someone to fix it or replace it for you and future guests.
— Plumbing
All houses in Joshua Tree are on a Septic Tank system. For this reason nothing can be flushed down the toilet except toilet paper. Following these guidelines will avoid problems with the plumbing.
— Security Camera
According to the requirements from Insurance Company, there are security cameras facing the main house entrance and back entrance.
— Film/Video and Photos
Our property is a beautiful place to shoot photos and videos, we welcome you to tag us on Insta at @shiftingsandshouse. Any shoots with any commercial purposes are priced at a different rate and must be cleared with us in advance of your stay. If you are in doubt, inquire first. We will charge $5000 per violation, plus production fee up to $575/hour.
— No-Smoking
Smoking (including E-Cig) is not allowed inside or within 15 feet exterior door. Please dispose cigarettes into a plastic bag and put it in the outdoor trash can. Please take care as there is a high fire risk in the desert. Ensure butts are completely out before disposing.
— Checking Out
Please check out of our Airbnb rental by 11:00AM. Please checking out by this time ensures that we have enough time to clean the property and get it ready for our next guest.
•Check in time 4:00PM
•Check out time 11:00AM
WILDLIFE:
The desert is alive with nature, you may see coyotes, lizards, rabbits, or hear owls at night. Insects and snakes are rare but part of the ecosystem. We recommend keeping doors closed and pets supervised. The property is treated monthly for pests and well-maintained for guest comfort.
Registration Details
CESTRP-2023-01081
