One more place to enjoy near Joshua Tree National Park in California
In a secluded canyon, you can find this special place listed on the National Historic Register. Please note that guided walking tours are the only way to explore it. During the tour, a knowledgeable ranger will share the fascinating story of William and Frances Keys, who spent an incredible 60 years living and working in this remote location with their five children.
Back in the early 1900s, Bill Keys was hired to manage the Desert Queen Mine. However, when the mine closed in 1917, he made the decision to stay and turn the area into a homestead for his family. Over the course of more than five decades, Bill explored the land in search of gold and gypsum. He also operated a stamp mill and crushed ore for other miners in the vicinity.
Despite the challenges of the remote setting, the Keys family thrived. They raised various animals such as goats, chickens, and cattle. They cultivated a fruitful orchard and tended to a vegetable garden. To secure water, they dug wells and even constructed windmills. Additionally, they ingeniously created a lake by damming up the rocky canyons surrounding their ranch.
The ranch house, schoolhouse, store, and workshop are still intact today. If you decide to take a tour, it will be about half a mile long and last approximately 90 minutes. To ensure a pleasant experience, the group size is limited to 25 people. Visitors who have been there recently have spoken highly of the knowledgeable rangers, and they particularly enjoy the time capsule feel of the ranch. Many recommend paying a visit to this place. However, it’s essential to come prepared with water and wear hats because there isn’t much shade available.