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In a land well stocked with enchanted locales, there exists a spot in the western end of the Morongo Basin that belies its place on a desert map. Pierce Ranch is tucked into a narrow canyon several miles up Little Morongo Road, off Route 62, just east of Morongo Valley. Many first-time visitors are awestruck by the juxtaposition of this lush oasis, anchored by immense cottonwood tress that rise up next to a mountain stream, surrounded by jutting canyon walls.
The Pierce family has controlled this bit of paradise since the early 1900s, when four mineshafts were blasted and dug into the mountains in search of gold. The harvested gold was taken by horse and wagon to the rail platform in Garnett and shipped to Riverside to be weighed and registered for payment.
After the gold gave out, cattle ranching became a natural income source. During this time a cabin was built to serve as a base camp. Parts of the original structure remain as storage rooms for a larger house built in later years. It’s the “newer” house that’s available to rent by the night, weekend, or for longer stays.
The house is fully furnished and can sleep four. The kitchen includes the original wood stove, as well as a modern range, and it is a wonderful place to enjoy morning coffee, watching the many birds and wildlife that come to the stream for their daily sustenance. There is a patio area for grilling in the evening, after a day spent exploring the canyon and mountain ridges that ring the ranch.
For the artist, time spent at Pierce Ranch will invigorate the senses and nurture a flash of regained creativity. Kirk Martin, a noted landscape painter of the mid-20th century and one of the founding members of the Twentynine Palms Artists’ Guild in 1951, annually spent time at the ranch.
For the vacationer in search of a rejuvenating experience, time spent at this idyllic site should have the desired result. Mary Pierce, mother of the present owner, lived much of the last 18 years of her life alone at the ranch. According to her son Richard, she liked to host field trips from the local schools, showing students the natural beauty and sharing stories of the wildlife that regularly visited her home. Deer, black bear, mountain lion, bobcat, and coyote all roam the ranch.
For more information about the ranch or to make a reservation, call (760) 363-3848, or visit www.pierceranchretreat.com. Frank Wilson, the ranch administrator, can answer questions and provide historical background about daily life at the ranch. He will meet guests at the highway to guide them back through the canyon to the ranch. The rate is $120 per night and includes a continental breakfast. The guesthouse sleeps four, with an additional bedroom available in the main house. A full kitchen and laundry facilities are available. Landline is the mode of telecommunication. Direct TV is on-site, but the real viewing is just outside the door. -
By Ben Bushong
December 2007/January 2008